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Simple beauty shortcuts that will improve your overall look this season.

Tip #1: Out with the old
To help keep track of when your makeup expires, put a little sticker on the container with the date you opened it. That way, you'll know when to toss it.

Makeup can last anywhere from 3 months to 36 months, depending on what it is. Most powders, like blush and eye shadow can last up to three years. Lip gloss, lipstick and foundation will keep for 2 years. Eyeliner is good for 6 months. And mascara has the shortest lifespan at only 3 months. When's the last time you changed your mascara?

Tip #2: Start Fresh
You can improve the look of your makeup without changing your makeup at all.

The most important part of applying makeup is starting with a nice clean canvas. You can actually help your makeup look better just by making sure your face is clean. Proper cleansing and exfoliation lifts off the dead skin from your face and keeps it from looking duller than it really is. Once that's done, you'll notice your makeup sits a lot better on your face.

Tip #3: Begin with the Basics
Wearing too much makeup can actually draw attention to the problem spots you're trying to hide.

When the right makeup is applied properly, people won't even know you have makeup on. They'll just think you're face is naturally that flawless. There's few ways to look more naturally beautiful. (1) Wear less makeup or (2) for those of us who don't have the most perfect skin, choose makeup that's sheer and light on your face.

Tip #4: Tailor your makeup
You can completely transform your whole look by simply adjusting your eye makeup.

Your eyes can say so much without a single sound. They can be flirty, innocent, mysterious, compassionate and anything in between. Just the slightest change of eye shadow color or the way you apply the eyeliner can make a dramatic difference. With the right tools, you can teach them to say anything.

Tips for applying makeup:

Do's:
Do know the shelf life of your makeup. Try putting a small sticker on the container with the date you opened it.
Do use an applicator when applying makeup. Cottonballs and Q-tips can be tossed after each use. Sponges should be rinsed once a week with antibacterial soap.
Dont's:

Don't use your fingers to apply makeup. The oils from your skin can create a breeding ground for bacteria and ruin the consistency of powders.
Don't "pump" the applicator when applying mascara. You'll only introduce air into the tube and speed up the contamination. Instead, wipe the want along the sides of the container.

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