Blush Flush

I’ve never been much of a makeup person.  I especially don’t like the feeling of too much stuff on my skin.  But I realized something today that somewhat grossed me out.  I’ve had the same blush for almost 10 years.

I didn’t wear blush until my early 30s.  Until then, I stuck to mascara, lipstick, powder, and maybe some eyeliner and shadow for special occasions.  But then I noticed how pale I looked in photos, so I thought it was time to get some color on my face.

I went to the Bobbi Brown counter in Fresno, picked out a pretty pink powder blush, and bought some brushes.  I’ve used it sparingly, for church and special occasions.  And now, quite literally almost a decade later, that blush container is almost empty.  Which leads me to two thoughts:

1)      Time to buy new blush.

2)      I probably should have thrown this blush out eight years ago.  I can’t think about the possibility of how many germs are in there after so long.

Please grab your makeup bag or whatever you keep your cosmetics in and dump it out onto a clean countertop.  Spread everything out and toss anything that’s broken, dirty, or just plain nasty.  If it’s unopened, it’s safe to keep.  But once they’re exposed to air, ingredients will lose their color or staying power.

I know, I know - more pens than makeup.

Here’s the shelf life of different types of makeup:

• 2 Months:  Mascara
• 6-9 Months:  Moisturizer with SPF; Liquid Eyeliner; BB Cream
• 1 Year:  Foundation; Moisturizer without SPF; Concealer; Cream Blush; Eye Pencils; Lip Liners; Color Sticks/Stain
• 12-18 Months:  Lipstick; Powder; Bronzer; Eye Shadow
• 2 Years:  Nail Polish 

Throw away anything that’s expired so you don’t expose yourself to any bacteria.  (And now you have a great excuse to go makeup shopping.)  You might want to use a skinny Sharpie to mark the date of purchase on the label of your makeup from now on.  Also, stop by Sally’s Beauty Supply and pick up some makeup brush cleaning solution and clean those puppies, too! 
 

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.