Spring Clean Your Make Up Bag

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth as the change in season brings about the beauty hidden by the harshness of winter. As a part of that renewal, many of us feel the need to air out the house, clean out our closets, and get reorganized. When it comes to reviving our b spring and summer beauty regime, it’s an important time to go through our make up bags (in my case drawers and medicine cabinets) and get rid of old cosmetics. The pot of gold at the end of that rainbow is that when you finish cleaning, you’ll have space to add a few things for the warmer months to come.
Here is a friendly reminder of what to toss, what to keep, and some fresh ideas to add to your bag.
Foundation:
Foundations come in many formulas; liquids, powders, cream, to name a few. If kept out of the sunlight and heat, liquids and creams can last up to a year. If your foundation starts to separate before that time, then it is time to toss it. Powders can go bad as well. If the powder changes color and forms a hard and crusty surface…it‘s done too. If your foundations seem to be going bad long before their time, try using disposable sponges and powder puffs. Replace them at least once a week. And keep your fingers out of foundation! The oil and germs from your fingers will contaminate the product. Applying foundation with a sponge, brush, or puff (depending on the type of foundation you wear) will give your skin a smoother more even look and your product will last twice as long.
The same rules apply for concealers. I highly recommend applying concealer with a brush or sponge to avoid spoiling before its time.
For the spring months, I suggest mixing your liquid foundation with a moisturizer (with an SPF of at least 30) to create your own tinted moisturizer. Combine the products together before applying. I pour a small amount of each in the palm of my (clean) hand and apply with a make up sponge. The combination will give your skin a healthy glow without a heavy look and you will have the protection of an SPF on your face! It is crucial that we wear at least an SPF of 30 or higher every day!!! It is very important not only to ward off possible skin cancer but to avoid fine lines and wrinkles.
The Vein Center of Tampa Bay carries the best moisturizers with SPFs on the market! They range from and SPF 30-SPF 60 and are great for your skin. I use the Obagi SPF 30 every day.
Foundations are a personal preference. I suggest purchasing your foundation at a department store. It is important to buy one that is right for your skin type, has the amount of coverage that you prefer, and is a perfect match for your skin tone. Glo Minerals is one of my favorite foundations because it is good for your skin.

Blush and Eye Shadows
The average lifespan of blush and eye shadows are one to two years. Creams and liquids will last up to one year and powders up to two years. The same rules apply for shadows and blush colors as do the powder foundations. The key to making them last is using clean eye shadow and blush brushes. It is important to clean your brushes weekly! Wash them with warm soap and water and air dry, or use a tiny little blow dryer. This will keep your brushes looking good for years to come and keep your shadows and blush colors lasting for a long time. Dirty brushes will contaminate your colors and can lead to more break outs.
Color is color all day long. I have eye shadows and blush colors, which I use professionally, from the drugstore and from high end cosmetic companies. It is all a matter of preference. Just remember that the warmer temperatures will make the pigments in the shades darken, on your face, when your skin produces more oil. When choosing your colors, think light and bright for Spring and Summer.
Lipstick:
Lipstick generally lasts around 9 months. If it turns dry, smells rubbery, and just feels plain yucky on your lips, by all means let it go! Lipstick should be luxurious. Exposing your lipstick to heat is a definite no-no. Also, keep in mind, if you have a cold sore, or any other lip infection, you must throw away your lipstick once it comes in to contact with it. Disposable lip brushes (found at Sally’s Beauty Supply) or Q-Tips are great applicators should you need them while you have a cold sore…this will spare your lipstick.
Another important tip…If you’re going to the beach or hanging by the pool, purchase a tinted lip moisturizer with an SPF. Gloss and lipstick will not protect your lips from burning. Sun blisters will look like a cold sore, a definite vacation killer!
Mascara
I recommend tossing mascara after three to four months. When your mascara starts drying up and becomes clumpy, it is time to throw it away! You don’t want to take a chance on eye products. If mascaras are old you run the risk of getting infections and sties. Avoid pumping your mascara wands into the tube and make sure you close the cap tightly after each use. NEVER share your mascara with anyone!!!
You don’t have to spend a lot on mascara. I use drugstore brands, personally and professionally, for all of my Television and Print shoots. My favorite mascaras are made by L’Oreal. My new favorite find is called Stiletto Mascara by Maybelline.

It is a beautiful time of year to reorganize and refresh. As they say in the Ancient Chinese of world Feng Shui, when you clear out the clutter, you make room for new things to come. Yes ladies, that means shopping!
So get to it…out with the old and in with the new YOU!