How To Extend The Life Of Your Makeup

Collecting makeup is more fun, I think, than collecting other sorts of things like stamps and coins. The only problem with collecting makeup compared to those other goodies though, is that makeup goes bad, and finding ways to make makeup last longer is no easy task.. We've heard about how long different types of products generally last, but what if those six months or one year just isn't long enough. I mean, there are plenty of products that still seem fine past their expiration dates, but how do you know if they actually are? Well for starters, you can look for changes in color, texture, and smell. But if you want to make sure your goodies are still, well, good, there are ways to extend their shelf lives.

Generally speaking, being able to get the most out of your products is all about proper storage and sanitation. Start by properly closing all of your products when they're not being used, and try to avoid dipping your fingers into anything (hands cary so much bacteria). Every little precaution you take is a little bit longer your makeup will last. But for the longest life, you'll want to follow all of these tips if you can.

1. Know When To Pump

Make sure to have a pump, especially for foundation bottles. Using a pump will keep the product airtight so it won't be contaminated by any dirt or bacteria, and it will also prevent you from accidentally using too much.

On the other hand, don't pump your mascara. This will only make it dry out faster, causing you to have to toss it sooner.

2. Cool, Dark Places Are Your Friends

Don't ever keep your makeup or perfumes in the bathroom! The heat and humidity will make it all go bad more quickly. Instead, store everything in cabinets or drawers where they are in a controlled environment and not exposed to the sun. If your room is too hot during the summer, try storing cream products in the fridge.

3. Use Sponges Properly

Always make sure your sponges are damp before using them. If you use beauty sponges dry, they will absorb more product than they apply, causing your makeup to run out more quickly.

4. Wash Your Brushes And Sanitize Your Products

The cleaner you keep your tools and makeup, the longer they will last. Bacteria will not breed as quickly or as much on products that are touched with clean brushes (and not fingers). There are also sanitizing sprays and wipes that you can purchase to clean makeup itself.

5. Shy Away From Doe-Foot Applicators

When you touch a doe-foot applicator to your face (whether a concealer, cream eyeshadow, or lipgloss) and then reinsert it into the product, whatever bacteria is on your face is now also all up in your makeup. Although it might seem excessive to do this with a gloss or liquid lipstick, apply concealers and shadows to a clean palate or the back of your (clean!) hand before applying them to your face with a separate brush or your fingertips. Alternatively, you can purchase and use disposable applicators which can be relatively inexpensive.

6. Know How To Revive Your Products

Old nail polish can be brought back to life by adding a few drops of acetone-based nail polish remover. Dried-out mascara can be revived by adding a couple drops of saline solution. Broken lipstick can be resealed by slightly melting the cracked edge, smoothing it out, and setting it in the refrigerator overnight. Finally, broken compact or other powder product can be fixed by adding a couple drops of rubbing alcohol and pressing it back into shape.

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