by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: May 16, 2008

COSMETICS CLEANUP

"Spring into cleaning!"

If you're like me, your makeup drawer probably needs a regular weeding, just like the garden. Half-used lip glosses, eye shadows, eye liner pencils, blushes, foundations and other cosmetics seem to multiply on their own.

Mailed makeup freebies and cosmetic counter samples only add to the clutter in the cosmetic kit.

MAKING UP WITH YOUR MAKEUP

Most cosmetics and other beauty products can carry a considerable shelf life, if they remain unopened. However, once a makeup product packaging seal has been broken, the contents may be subject to contamination and spoilage, particularly with time and usage.

Every few months, at least, it's a good idea to toss old cosmetics and start anew with fresh makeup products.

Powdered products, such as blushes and facial bronzers, do tend to last longer than moist or liquid items. Still, even these may need to be replaced periodically.

SEASONAL STYLES

As the seasons change, so do our color palette preferences for cosmetics. Although we may choose to wear pastel eye shadow in the winter and early spring, we may opt for brighter colors in the summer, when we are sporting a bit of healthy glow from the sunshine.

Many individuals also adapt their hair colors seasonally, even as the sun may naturally provide highlights and bleaching. Makeup color choices may also change to coordinate and complement our seasonal adaptations.

Also, as warm weather approaches in the spring, you will want to use sunscreen lotions more regularly than you may have done during the fall and winter months. Last year's bottle of suntan lotion simply won't work as well this year, so you will want to replace it.

MAKEUP SUPPLY CLEANING

Certainly, springtime offers the ideal time for cleaning your makeup supplies. Who doesn't feel a bit more energetic in the spring? It's a wonderful opportunity to tackling projects you have been saving all winter long.

Here's how to clean up your makeup.

SORTING AND TOSSING

First, sort through all of your cosmetics products. You may need to be a little tough here. If you haven't used a product in several months, toss it out. If the cosmetics container is sticky, oily or otherwise messy, discard it.

Foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, lip glosses, eye liners and other moist or semi-moist makeup items must be replaced fairly frequently (at least every couple of months).

Although cosmetics can be costly, eye or skin infections can be even more so. It's better to throw out old products than to risk a personal problem.

CLEANING

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