You might be an enthusiastic lipstick collector, or a “less is more” kind of person. Wherever your passion lies when makeup is concerned, one thing is for sure. Makeup, like other products, has an expiration date, and you should be vigilant not to use products past this date. Usually, the expiration date is printed on the container or the box. However, it happens that some pieces of makeup go bad even before their official expiration date. That may happen if you don’t store the products properly. As most of us keep at least some of our makeup in a makeup bag, it is essential to revise the contents occasionally. Spring might be an ideal time to do all sorts of clean-up and an excellent chance to address even your toiletries. So, the question is, how often d
o you clean your makeup bag?
Take a good look at your makeup bag and imagine what it would say
If you took a good look at the contents of your cosmetic bag, you could be surprised how many products have gone past their expiration date. Even if they are not expired, it may happen they have a short shelf life. Once you open a product, it can last three to six months, a year, or two. No one can remember when they opened a lipstick or a compact powder, but a quick inspection should tell you the difference. If your liquid powder is separated or it smells funny, it is time to let it go. On the other hand, if you have been using your bronzer for over a year now but still have plenty left, don’t worry. Powder-based products like bronzers, blushes, and eyeshadows can last for three years. Also, lipsticks have a longer shelf life and can last more than two years.
Clean out your makeup bag and throw out old products
A good piece of advice is to take everything out of your makeup bag and go item by item. Look at the color, the texture, and the smell. If something feels or looks off, it is better to replace it. If your mascara is dry, don’t hesitate to buy a new one. Also, if your liquid eyeliner is getting lumpy, toss it and get a new one. It is better to invest in a couple of new things than risk putting something filled with bacteria on your face. Taking good care of your skin and keeping it healthy is essential. Avoid skin irritation, and try to dry your face with a clean towel and change towels frequently. If you are a tissue kind of person, you can get yourself a tissue box cover to make a statement in your bathroom.
A tissue box cover can be an excellent gift for your makeup-loving girlfriends.
Cleaning your makeup inside and out
When you decide what to keep and throw out of your makeup bag, look at the cosmetic bag itself. Inspect if it is dirty and whether it requires a good wash. Well, there are a few ways to clean it, depending on how dirty it is. You can use waterproof makeup remover to remove stains and traces of your lipstick or eyeshadow. Also, try using some eco-friendly products you have in your kitchen, like baking soda and water. Scrub the insides of your makeup bag as this is a great green way to clean your space and your belongings. If the makeup bag is made of durable materials, you can put it in a washing machine and program it for delicate washing. After cleaning it thoroughly, you can spray it with alcohol or some other alcohol-based sanitizer.
Keep it simple and stick to the essentials
When you manage to clean out your makeup bag, it is time to start fresh and fill it with your stuff. This time keep it simple. Put only the items you use and need. Don’t clutter it with everything you have. There is no universal rule on what makeup essentials are; it all depends on your preferences. If you put mascara on every day, be sure to include it in your makeup bag. However, if you put on your bronzer once every couple of months and often forget that you even have one, it doesn’t go in your makeup bag. Besides having a clean makeup bag, remember to have enough beauty sleep on clean, high-quality pillowcases. You will be doing your skin a favor.
Sleeping on clean pillowcases is great for your skin.
Prevent your beauty products from going bad
Now that you have filled your beauty bag with your makeup essentials. Here are some tips you can use:
- Make sure you tighten the lid on all your products
- Always wash your hands and dry with a clean cotton terry cloth towel
- Store all products away from the sun or sources of heat
- Don’t keep your beauty products in highly humid places
- Never share your makeup with anyone
- Once in a couple of months, check on your eye products
Clean cotton towels are the best option for drying your wet hands.
Spring is a great time to get a clean start
If you are wondering when is the best time to clean out your makeup bag, the time is now. Spring is a great time to have a fresh start. Usually, as spring comes, we use the time to go through our old stuff, declutter and get rid of the things we don’t use. You can use this opportunity to go through your closet, as well. Pull up all the clothes that you haven’t even worn once during the past years. Consider giving them away, selling, or donating them. Also, it would help if you pulled out clothes you don’t need for the season and put them in storage. You can use storage at home or even rent a storage unit if you have the need. You will undoubtedly feel a lot better after decluttering your closet, bathroom, and cosmetic bag. It is a great way to summon that springtime magic.
Photos used:
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https://pc03-jl.b-cdn.net/pub/media/DG17_Tissue_Box_Covers_Mixed_7_2_.jpg
