It's Time to Toss.

     Good evening, Fam...  If you are like most people, you tend to start moving things out that you  don't need in your life as the weather changes.  You bring out the spring/summer clothes right about now because the weather has started to change and be consistently warm.  Reality is, we really should try some of those outfits on BEFORE we put them back in the closet to wear again, but I am going to stay in my lane on that topic.  You store all of your sweaters and boots away until the fall chill forces you to bring them back out again.  But one of the things that we ladies tend to ignore tossing is our make up.


     Ladies, (and gents in some cases) check out your make up supply.  The FDA does not require expiration dates on make-up packages.  So, it's up to us to remember or at least keep track of when we started using the product.  In my research, I found that the suggested dates to toss your make up are dates that people who work in the make up industry have collectively come up with.


      Although the make up item may look okay and smell okay does not mean that it is.  Many factors come into play with the decision of when to toss it.  Some of the decisions should be made using common sense, but just in case...  If you recently had an eye infection, and were using your eye make up, YOU NEED TO TOSS IT.  If  your lip gloss is looking cloudy and goopy, TOSS IT.   If you open up a product you have had sitting around for a while and it has a questionable smell, TOSS IT.


     Below are suggested TOSS dates for your make up.  Other than the mascara and the gel/liquid eyeliners,  I suggest ONE year on everything else.  That's an easy date to remember. 

• Mascara--3 months
• Lipstick and Lip liner--1 year--remember to sharpen your pencil before each use
• Blush/powders--Creamy products should be discarded after 1 year.  Powders discard after 2 years.
• Eye pencils--2 years.  Sharpen pencil before each use.
• Eyeliners (gel/liquid)--3-6 months
• Foundations and concealers--18 - 24 months
• Eye shadow--1 year

      I know many of us like applying make up with our fingers.  STOP IT...  You can transfer all kinds of bacteria from your hands to your face.  Use make up brushes.  You don't have to spend an arm and leg on them.  Target carries a great brand that are inexpensive.  Brushes should also be TOSSED depending on the quality and how often you wash them.  If your brush is shedding or has a crack in the handle (a crack is home for bacteria to grow), is dry, TOSS IT.  Now, the kicker is that make up brushes should be washed everyday.  Hello!  "Ain't nobody got time for that!"  So, those of us who just don't have the time, once a week should be sufficient.   But remember, the importance of washing the brushes is to rid the brush of bacteria that could cause skin breakouts.  There are many products out there to use for brush cleaning, but I suggest using baby shampoo.  It's gentle and will get the job done.  If you are using sponges, they should  definitely be washed daily and TOSSED monthly.  Remember, sponges have the ability to hold lots of bacteria, too.  That's why you should never share your brushes and sponges with anyone.  There is too much of a chance to pick up bacteria from someone else's brushes and sponges.  Funny, all I could think about as I was writing this was that bright red round make up sponge I used to see my grandmom and aunties pull out from the bottom of their pocketbooks on Sundays, covered with lint, tobacco leaves, and God knows what else, so they could wipe their faces.   Can you imagine the stuff living on that sponge???

      Well ladies and gents, take care, and toss the old, broken, dirty and smelly.  Watch your time of use so that you keep your skin healthy.  Most importantly, it's okay to TOSS IT.
SMOOCHES