Yes I know, it’s winter.. but recently I de-cluttered my wardrobe, and if you know me at all, you won’t be surprised when I tell you that I whipped myself up into a bit of a frenzy and started tackling other areas of my home. One of these was the bathroom.
Skincare
I emptied out all the cupboards and tossed all products that:
- Had been there for over 2 years. If you haven’t used it in the last 2 years, you’re not going to start now.
- Had a suspicious smell, colour or was growing something (read: petri dish – ick!)
Remember that your skin is your largest organ and it absorbs 60% of the products used topically! So if you wouldn’t eat the product, it’s safe to say you probably don’t want it on your skin.
Tip out all your makeup bags and drawers
Makeup
There are a few things to consider when assessing which of your cosmetics will make the cut, such as:
- Have you had an eye infection / pimple / cold sore?
- How has it been stored?
- What type product is it? (ie. liquid, powder, cream etc)
- How do you apply it? (ie. clean fingers and brushes? Be honest!!)
Here is a general guide on lifespans:*
Mascaras
3 months (4-6 max)
Eye Pencils
2 years – sharpen and clean regularly and PLEASE DON’T SHARE with others!
Eye Shadows
Liquids and creams for 1 year. Powder for 2.
Lipsticks and Lip Pencils
2 years
Powders and Blushes
Cream 1 year. Powder 2.
Foundations and Concealers
Oil-free foundations and liquid concealers, give them a year. Moisturising foundations and stick concealers, 1.5 years.
Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Clean brushes and applicators will help your makeup (and skin!!) stay clean, and your makeup will last longer also. Look after your makeup brushes by cleaning them regularly. It kills bacteria and keeps the bristles soft.
- Use a professional makeup cleaner, organic or baby shampoo, or mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts warm water
- Wash the brushes in a small bowl, swirling them around to encourage thorough cleaning
- Rise the brushes under the tap
- Re-mould the brushes to their original shape
- Lay them flat to dry overnight
Try not to get the glued bit wet otherwise the bristles will fall out.
Re-mould the bristles and lay flat to dry overnight
Staying Organised
I keep my makeup stored in one of these bad boys from Officeworks**. It’s easy to stay organised and see what you’ve got. Much better than rummaging through makeup purses and inadvertently forgetting to use that fabulous new Chanel lippy that’s fallen to the bottom of the bag. Plus it’s only $15! Cheap n chic.
Happy organising!
*Most products have little symbols indicating how long they should be kept. Another good tip is to mark on the product when you opened it, then you’ll know exactly when it’s past it’s use-by date.
fiedme 