Hey Rosés,

NARS Spring 2012 and Marc Jacobs Spring 2012

Today is the Spring Equinox, which means pastels and color blocking are officially back! Yet also means it’s time for the dreaded spring cleaning. This season while you’re cleaning those dust bunnies behind the bed and donating those clothes you haven’t worn in two years, make sure you give your beauty drawer a thorough overhaul. Not only will you protect your skin from expired and tainted ingredients, you’ll have more room for the new bright and refreshing spring color palettes!

Here are some tips on how to kick off your make-up spring cleaning:

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Dump Products Every 3-6-12 Months

Every beauty product expires and has a limited shelf-life, regardless of its ingredients or when you open it. Unless it has an explicit expiration date, once any item with natural or synthetic ingredients is opened, it should be used or disposed of within three and no more than twelve months. I use the seasons or fiscal quarters as a reminder to throw out my mascaras and lipsticks, the products that capture the most bacteria and can cause infections like pink-eye. Remember, “all-natural” and “organic” products expire faster due to less preservatives.

Below is a quick guide on when to toss your make-up:

Toss Every 3 Months

Mascara

Toss Every 6 Months

Foundation – Liquid & Cream
Concealer
Body Wash & Lotion
Facial Wash & Lotion

Toss Every 12 Months

Pressed Powder
Eye Shadow
Lipstick/Lipgloss
Pencils – Eye & Lip

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Wash Your Tools Weekly

Whether it’s a broom, sponge or a make-up brush, start your spring cleaning off right with clean tools. I wash my natural and synthetic make-up brushes every week with a make-up brush cleanser. It keeps the bristles in prime condition and disinfects any residue and old color-distorting product.

Use an easy spray like Ulta Professional Brush & Sponge Cleaner $10 on ulta.com

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How do you remember to update your makeup?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia