Cosmetic Toss

LORAC, Unzipped; Sephora

Stila, Waterproof Eyeliner; Sephora

I had an epiphany early last week and realized my makeup bag needed a makeover, stat.  My eyeliner and eye shadow palette were looking a little . . . sad.  A sad appearance led me to believe that my makeup might be a potential bacterial hazard.  Yikes!  Let’s get real, bacteria happens and it is critical that you keep your makeup bag clear of any potential “bacteria-parties”. 

After a little research I found there are quite a few inconsistencies as to how frequently you should toss makeup to ensure your makeup bag stays healthy; but I think the following article provides a decent suggestion as to how frequently you should discard opened cosmetics:

Expiration dates: 
Beginning from the time you first open these products

Powders and shadows // 2 years

Cream shadows // 12 to 18 months

Foundation // 1 year

Lipstick & lipliner // 1 year

Mascara & eyeliners // 3 months

Makeup brushes // Clean weekly using a mild detergent

Makeup sponges // Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

Ha!  I am impressed to say that I actually “toss” out makeup more frequently then suggested.  Most of my makeup ends up running out before the expiration date comes due but it is important to toss out expired makeup when the time comes due.  It is even more important if you occasionally share makeup with friends and/or family.  Needless to say, always err on the side of caution.  If there is an odor, toss.  If you start breaking out, toss.  If the pigment in the makeup starts to discolor or deteriorate, toss.  Pretty simple stuff.

So, my makeup bag ended up being “clean” but I still treated myself to a new eye shadow pallet from LORAC and some new waterproof eyeliner from Stila.  I have been wearing less and less eye makeup recently but the LORAC palette comes with both 10 beautiful neutral-shade eye shadows and a bonus eye primer.  The two together are a match made in makeup heaven.  I am also really excited to try Stila’s waterproof liquid eyeliner (with a felt tip).  I have heard rave reviews of its mighty stay-power and ease of use. 

Moreover, don’t neglect the health of your precious makeup and if you ever need an excuse to buy more makeup; remind yourself of the potential health risks of ignoring the signs of spoiled cosmetics!

Facial on a Budget

Biore ULTRA Pore Strips; $7.99

Rekindling a product adored in your past is always a pleasant surprise.  An example?  My re-introduction to the ever-nostalgic, Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.  During a routine trip to the drugstore last night, I felt compelled to purchase a box of Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and I'm so glad I did!

My first experience using the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips was back in my pubescent days of high school.  I remember a period of time where I was just dying to purchase the pore strips and used them regularly for a few years.  In the early 2000s the Biore Deep Cleansing Strips were ever-so-popular as a result of extensive advertising. 

Anyway, I bought the product and used it a couple nights ago and I am head over heals in love with it; just as I was 10 years prior! 

I would recommend upgrading to the Ultra edition of the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.  Instead of containing 8 strips you only get 6 strips but its worth the slight upgrade.  The pore strips do what they are supposed to do . . . clean your pores!  And needless to say, I was long overdue as in my strip looked like a porcupine’s back after removal.  It was disgustingly-cool. The strip also peeled off a layer of dead skin and actually conditioned the skin, making the skin on my nose feel softer than usual.  After using the product, I could still make out the pore indentations on my nose but  the pores remained free of dirt, bacteria and the process appeared to visibly reduce the appearance of white/blackheads.

Talk about a mini-facial for less than $10?  Super-fab!

Have you been re-introduced to a beauty product from your past that you have had a positive experience with?