Cosmetic Cleanse: How to Detox Your Makeup Bag

Just like your fridge and fashion, makeup needs a detox too. Furthermore, you need to make smart, staple investments on certain things to get long-term reward. Here are the to 15 tips for doing just that…

Buy for your skin tone right now– not the warmer desired tone of mid-summer or the paler one of winter. Purchasing for a future season is a false economy as the product will only lay dormant until then, and most likely not be at full efficacy when you do eventually pop the top.
If you use water-based foundation, it will last for approximately 12 months whereas oil-based varieties can stay true for up to 18 months.
Refresh your makeup look ever season, beginning with your coverage. You don’t have to reinvest, simply warm up what you have with one part liquid bronzer to two-parts foundation in the spring and summer seasons.
Concealer is generally safe to use for up to a year. The only exception to the rule is if it begins to appear cakey or the consistency changes at all. That is when it is ripe for binning.
When shopping for makeup, do so as you would for clothes. You need core basics – mascara is the LBD, foundation is the Spanx etc – and only a peppering of colour eye shadows and bright lips – these are more akin to the bright on-trend bags or sexy stilettos. Remember also that, like with your wardrobe, everything should work together so have a game plan for day and night looks in mind when workshopping your spend to reduce clutter and a waste of cash!
Eye shadow is a stayer – with some brands keeping up to three years. To prolong the life, always keep any plastic barrier within the compact that protects the product in place. If it gets crumbly or moist, then toss it.
Nail polish should be stored upright when possible so that it doesn’t congeal or separate. If you see this happening, give it a shake. Once it settles if there is a yellowish haze or layer to it, then it needs to go to nail polish heaven. Wherever that is.
On a budget? Buy a three-in-one cheek, eye and lip tint. Apricot is the safest all-round flattering tone for this. Failing that, a clear lip-gloss works wonders to instantly uplift lips, eyelids and cheekbones in record time.
Clean cosmetic brushes twice as regularly as you replace your toothbrush – every three weeks – by using a gentle cleanser in warm water to soak them. Gently finger separate the bristles and allow them to dry lying down. If you have oilier skin or use a lot of contouring products, this will have to be a more regular occurrence.
When good lipstick goes bad, it will smell that way. Take a whiff and if it smells a bit wrong, it is. Throw it out pronto.
Replace mascara seasonally, if not more often. As this product comes into contact with your eyes, air and all other liners and eye shadows so regularly, mascara’s can really go downhill fast. Also, never pump the product in and out of the wand when applying– instead, scoop it as you would the last bit of ice cream from the tub! This will prevent too much air getting in and ensure you get every last particle within the tube.
Eye lingerie is an essential – so think basic taupes, nudes and browns. These never go out of fashion and are great solid bases for a dewy day look (add clear lip gloss or Vaseline over the top) or act as the perfect canvas to covet if you are going for a winged liner look.
Always keep the cap on eyeliners, as they are the playgrounds of bacteria. Sharpen pencil eyeliners regularly to ensure a fresh, hygienic tip.
Pump applicators are a smart investment for foundations as the dispensed amount can be easily controlled so waste is avoided.
Store perfume in the fridge if you want it to see you through several years. The worst place to store it is where you probably are – in the bathroom – as the temperature osculates between hot and damp from the shower and cold and dark at night. If the fridge is not an option then drop it in your lingerie drawer. This is cool, dark and consistently seductive – and a great reminding point for you to pop on your perfume before you get dressed.

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