Give Your Make-up Bag a Makeover

By Karinda Ristic
Professional Make-up Artist

If you are anything like me, you will have a make-up drawer filled with items that you have most likely not used in a long time. For some reason we tend to hold on to that super-trendy lipstick colour we bought last season and still haven’t figured out how to wear it, or the gunky cream blusher someone convinced us to buy that we just can not seem to toss. The chances are if you haven’t used it within a year, you are most likely not ever going to use it.

Remember that most make-up items have expiration dates, so it is in your skin’s best interest to only use fresh make-up. Do not use that old mascara, simply because there is still a little bit left in the container. It is really not worth the risk.

So let’s get started. Dump all the content of your make-up drawer and bag on the floor. Start organising it into separate sections, for example lipsticks, glosses, brushes, sponges, eye shadows, foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeliners and so on.

Start with one group at a time and throw out any make-up that has gone off. If it smells funny, looks old, has changed in colour, or has separated, it is time to toss it. Also throw out any broken items. Do not bother keeping anything that makes your skin breakout or that just does not feel right on your skin. Then start tossing out all the items that has expired, even if it still seems usable. Here are some general guidelines:

Mascara should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Mascara is the make-up item with the shortest shelf life. Water-based foundation tends to last up to 1 year, while other foundations, like oil-based can last up to 18 months. Concealer can last for up to 1 year. Eyeliners can last for up to 3 years, although you must sharpen them regularly. Lipstick expiry dates varies, so rather use the ‘smell’ test on them. Powders and eye shadows have a fairly long shelf life and can last up to 3 years. Make-up brushes can last very long, if you wash them often. Replace all your make-up sponges regularly.

Finally, decide how you want to get organised. Try using plastic organisers that fits into your drawers, or boxes and baskets. Use cups for your brushes and pencils. Ziploc bags are also a great inexpensive way to store your make-up.

Only carry your touch-up products in your make-up bag. You do not want to struggle during the day finding your lipstick in order to do a quick touch-up.

You will find that your new and improved make-up drawer and bag will make your make-up routine more fun and easy to manage in the mornings.

Note: This article was posted on http://www.destinyconnect.com/blogs/karinda/archive/2009/09/14/spring-clean-your-make-up.aspx (29 April 2009)