Spring renewal
Face the season with updated makeup and clean bag
Spring cleaning is one of those things that really needs to be taken in stages. There's always a lot to get done, and you can't do everything at once if you're going to do it right. I like to focus first on the item I almost always have with me: my bag and the makeup bag inside it.
As far as my bigger bag goes, I do a thorough check through every corner, getting rid of all the obvious stuff I don't need — from random bobby pins and perfume samples to wayward receipts. It's amazing what you can find that you thought you'd lost months ago. Then I bring it to my dry cleaner, who can take care of cleaning it without damaging it.
Then there's my makeup bag overhaul. I always remind people: It isn't hygienic to keep many beauty and grooming products for too long. So begin by looking for anything that's past its expiration date and dump it immediately. If you can't find a date on it, here's the general rule:
Mascara and eyeliner: 6 months Lipstick: 2 years Lip gloss/liner: 1 year Foundation/concealer: 1 year Powder products: 2 years Eyebrow products: 2 years Moisturizer: 1 year
The best part is that this is your golden opportunity to replace the older products with new ones. Sometimes that means just buying the same product, if it's one that works for you and stands the test of time. If not, then sometimes that means branching out and trying something new in a lighter shade for warm weather, like pinks, peaches or lighter tans.
Switching to a lighter foundation will give you a lighter look — and as always, double check that it has sun protection built in. After all, sun is what the coming months are all about, so be prepared to enjoy those rays (safely) to the max.