Spring Cleaning....

Every year spring time rolls around and I do my best to take stock and clean house. I am really going to use that Tae-Bo DVD circa 1999? Most likely not. And as for the hot pink denim skirt that I have held on to just in case ...
Well that actually may be in fashion again but alas- off to Goodwill it goes.

We all spend time cleaning out our closets, switching the winter clothes to the top shelf and taking down the summer skirts...but there is one area that often is neglected in the spring time clean up.

Yup- the make-up drawer. Ironically, this is the one drawer in the house that probably needs a good spring cleaning the most. Open make-up can breed nasty bacteria that is not only bad for the product- it is bad for your health! So take a moment, and go through your make-up and pitch the old and unused. Here is a timeline for when items should go into the garbage...


After 3 months:
- mascara
- liquid eyeliner
(Obviously these should be pitched after 3 months no matter what but sooner if shared since they are easily contaminated and no one wants pink eye.)

After 12 months:
- foundation
- concealer
- cream blush
- cream eyeshadow
- nail polish

After 24 months:
- lipstick
- lip gloss
- powder
- blush or bronzer
- powder eyeshadow
- pencil eyeliner (sharpen regularly to keep clean during this time)



And some basic rules of throwing out:
- if it is liquid and the container is cracked, busted or does not close - out it goes
- if you don't remember when you bought it - assume the worst and toss it in the garbage
- if it stinks or the color has changed - why in the world are you hanging on to it?
- natural cosmetics do not last as long so keep that in mind when purchasing and using

A good idea I have heard a lot lately- keep a sharpie in your make-up drawer or bag and write the date you bought it on each container...then you will know if you are harboring a blue eyeshadow from 1989.

And if you are hesitant about throwing things out- don't be! It makes room for the new things you now get to buy!!

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND