You carefully apply your makeup each morning; it’s a part of your daily routine. With a steady hand, making sure to get that jet black, winged eyeliner just right. You love a bold lip, so you patiently line and fill your lips with that fabulous red lipstick everyone says looks amazing on you. As you complete your look, you smile and mentally thank your friend for suggesting you use coupons for Kohls to buy some mind-blowing make-up. You spend a great deal of time to achieve your look, but how often do you think about the products you’re putting on your face?

No, I don’t mean “oh, I got an ah-mazing deal on this lipstick over the holidays!” as you apply that new shade. Truth is, after purchase, we don’t think much about the makeup we use. At least not until an eye infection occurs or our skin develops an unsightly rash from our beloved mascara or liquid foundation – yikes!

We’ve all had that unfortunate phase of acne breakouts and rashes because we tried out new products, or our makeup had expired and we used it anyway. Even though there’s options to treat it- you could always go for an acne treatment in Houston, TX (or elsewhere) to clear your skin up- it’s better to not have to deal with the acne in the first place.

Keep in mind that it is crucial to take care of your skin before you apply makeup on it, as regular usage of makeup can potentially lead to skin issues such as clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. Preparing your skin properly before applying makeup is essential to ensure a smooth and flawless application while also protecting your skin’s health in the long run. You can take care of your skin better by using products that suit your skin type and occasionally avail facial services in Frisco (if that’s where you’re from). Remember, if your skin is damaged then makeup can aggravate the problem rather than conceal it.

Coming back to makeup, I hate to break it to you, but makeup expires – and that includes unopened products! Paying attention to this is of paramount importance because if you are someone who pays close attention to your beauty routine and your skin, you don’t want to end up making a mistake that will not just cost you in terms of money but also in terms of the effect that it could have on your skin. Also, if you have recently undergone a cosmetic procedure (Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology – eyelid lift surgery, for instance), it becomes all the more important to pay attention to the products you use. This is because you wouldn’t want to trigger a reaction on your face.

So, before you stockpile 10 years’ supply of your favorite liquid foundation because word broke that it’s being discontinued, get the scoop on best practices for your favorite makeup products below! Proper storage, regular cleaning of brushes and applicators, and paying attention to expiration dates can all help you get the most out of your makeup collection while maintaining the health of your skin.

Open/ Used Products
According to WebMD, follow these guidelines for the following open/used makeup products.

Mascara & liquid eyeliner Replace every 3 to 4 months.
Every time you put the wand back into the tube, you’re letting in bacteria. These products have the shortest shelf life.

Liquid foundation Stored away from heat, can remain stable for up to 1 year.
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, don’t dip your finger into the bottle. Apply with a brush or sponge, and don’t double dip.

Lip gloss & lipstick: Can last for at least 6 months to 1 year.
These are less likely than liquid-based makeup to grow bacteria.

Powders: Safe for 18 months to 2 years.
If you notice a funny smell or the color has turned prior to this time frame, it’s time to toss.

Unopened Products
According to Allure, follow these guidelines for the following unopened makeup products.

Concealer: 2 – 3 years
Pencil eyeliner: 2 -3 years
Mascara: 12-18 months (store in a cool, dry place)
Loose and pressed powders: 2 – 3 years (store in a dry place, not under bathroom sink)
Liquid foundation: up to 2 years
Lipstick: up to 2 years
Perfume: 18 – 24 months (best practice is to store in the fridge, who knew!)

Word to the wise: This is a guideline – use your judgement! You’ll never know how long these products were sitting on the shelf before you purchased them. So if your liquid foundation is separating or has a foul odour after only 1 year, toss it. Better safe than sorry!

How to: Clean Your Brushes
Renowned makeup artists spilled their secrets on how they keep their brushes clean on Into The Gloss. And while there are loads of specifically formulated brush shampoos on the market, if you’re looking for a simple solution to deep clean your brushes all you really need is water and baby shampoo. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Run your brush under lukewarm water to rinse out residual makeup. Focus on the bristles, not the handle, as this can cause the bristles to loosen over time
Step 2: Squirt baby shampoo in the palm of your hand and swirl the brush to work up a lather
Step 3: Rinse the brush under running water again. Repeat steps two and three until the water runs clear
Step 4: Wipe your brushes with a cloth while reshaping bristles
Step 5: Dry brushes by laying them flat on a clean cloth

Check out this Makeup Tracker to help you keep on top of all your favourite products. Print a copy and store in your makeup bag for easy reference!