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We all probably have several bags or cases upon cases of makeup. Stuff we've just bought and wore once, things we've had for what seems like forever & can't bare to part with, and the things we think we have somewhere, but we're not sure, because its buried under piles of more makeup!
What would be a better start for the new year than to get things organized and be in control like the totally put-together woman you are!
In a recent interview, Makeup artist, Author & Cosmetic Industry giant, Bobbi Brown gives her top 3 tips on how to get rid of the makeup mess!
1. Sort
Take inventory by dumping out your makeup drawer or bag and sorting the contents into four piles. Anything that smells funny or has changed color or dried out goes in the trash. Products with cracked containers or missing tops that can still be salvaged go in a second pile. Products that you've never opened or touched belong in a third pile that can be boxed up for a women's shelter, your local high school's drama department, or even your daughter or niece for playing dress up. The reality is that if you haven't used it yet, you won't use it later. Put everything that remains in a fourth pile.
Now go back to pile number two and consolidate. Pour liquid foundation into a new bottle (your drugstore sells empty containers). If you've lost the top to a lipstick, slice off the color and put it in an empty am/pm pillbox (add a deeper or brighter color and you instantly have a lip palette that goes from day to night). Use a zippered pencil case or sandwich-size ziplock bag to hold eye and lip pencils that are missing covers.
2. Analyze
Next, turn your attention to pile number four, using a critical eye. Are there certain products that you always reach for? You might notice that you're more of a blush and lipstick girl, in which case it makes no sense to have glittery liquid liner and false lashes. Toss them! Do you have multiples of a shade or formula? Make a note to avoid buying more of the same the next time you go shopping. Finally, turn your attention to your makeup basics, such as foundation. Sweep it on your cheek: If it disappears, keep it, but if you can see it on your skin, get rid of it; it's not the right shade.
Toss overly frosted or crayon-bright eye shadow shades (they're not flattering, period). But keep neutral shadows (white, bone, toast, gray, mocha) in soft matte or supersheer finishes. And you can't go wrong with black, mahogany, charcoal, or navy eyeliners. Throw away cracked blush--it's too hard to use and might spill in your makeup bag. Make sure you have two shades: a neutral one that looks like your cheeks when you've just worked out, and a slightly brighter hue to layer on at night. Finally, instead of having a dozen shades of lipstick, focus on finding a neutral, everyday color (a pinky-brown if your coloring is fair to medium, a rose or raisin if you're dark) and a slightly brighter shade for evening.
3. Organize
The only rule is to find a system that works for you and the space you have. If you take your makeup from room to room, try a lightweight plastic tackle box or toolbox. Slip a silverware organizer into your bathroom drawer to create compartments. Use Lucite boxes, coffee mugs, or juice glasses to hold your brushes and pencils on your vanity.
Makeup Expiration Dates
Like food, makeup has a shelf life. Here's how long you can expect different formulas to last:
Mascara: 3 to 6 months
Cream blush: 6 months to 1 year
Concealer, pencils, eye shadow, eye cream: 1 year
Foundation, lipstick, moisturizer: 1 to 1½ years
Face powder, powder blush: 2 years
Sampled from Prevention.com
What would be a better start for the new year than to get things organized and be in control like the totally put-together woman you are!
In a recent interview, Makeup artist, Author & Cosmetic Industry giant, Bobbi Brown gives her top 3 tips on how to get rid of the makeup mess!
1. Sort
Take inventory by dumping out your makeup drawer or bag and sorting the contents into four piles. Anything that smells funny or has changed color or dried out goes in the trash. Products with cracked containers or missing tops that can still be salvaged go in a second pile. Products that you've never opened or touched belong in a third pile that can be boxed up for a women's shelter, your local high school's drama department, or even your daughter or niece for playing dress up. The reality is that if you haven't used it yet, you won't use it later. Put everything that remains in a fourth pile.
Now go back to pile number two and consolidate. Pour liquid foundation into a new bottle (your drugstore sells empty containers). If you've lost the top to a lipstick, slice off the color and put it in an empty am/pm pillbox (add a deeper or brighter color and you instantly have a lip palette that goes from day to night). Use a zippered pencil case or sandwich-size ziplock bag to hold eye and lip pencils that are missing covers.
2. Analyze
Next, turn your attention to pile number four, using a critical eye. Are there certain products that you always reach for? You might notice that you're more of a blush and lipstick girl, in which case it makes no sense to have glittery liquid liner and false lashes. Toss them! Do you have multiples of a shade or formula? Make a note to avoid buying more of the same the next time you go shopping. Finally, turn your attention to your makeup basics, such as foundation. Sweep it on your cheek: If it disappears, keep it, but if you can see it on your skin, get rid of it; it's not the right shade.
Toss overly frosted or crayon-bright eye shadow shades (they're not flattering, period). But keep neutral shadows (white, bone, toast, gray, mocha) in soft matte or supersheer finishes. And you can't go wrong with black, mahogany, charcoal, or navy eyeliners. Throw away cracked blush--it's too hard to use and might spill in your makeup bag. Make sure you have two shades: a neutral one that looks like your cheeks when you've just worked out, and a slightly brighter hue to layer on at night. Finally, instead of having a dozen shades of lipstick, focus on finding a neutral, everyday color (a pinky-brown if your coloring is fair to medium, a rose or raisin if you're dark) and a slightly brighter shade for evening.
3. Organize
The only rule is to find a system that works for you and the space you have. If you take your makeup from room to room, try a lightweight plastic tackle box or toolbox. Slip a silverware organizer into your bathroom drawer to create compartments. Use Lucite boxes, coffee mugs, or juice glasses to hold your brushes and pencils on your vanity.
Makeup Expiration Dates
Like food, makeup has a shelf life. Here's how long you can expect different formulas to last:
Mascara: 3 to 6 months
Cream blush: 6 months to 1 year
Concealer, pencils, eye shadow, eye cream: 1 year
Foundation, lipstick, moisturizer: 1 to 1½ years
Face powder, powder blush: 2 years
Sampled from Prevention.com
