Making Cosmetics Last Longer

If you wear makeup, then you have probably experienced cosmetics that fade away throughout the day. I've always envied the women who can wear their makeup all day without a retouch, since I have to constantly blot away excess oil with a tissue throughout the day, taking makeup with it. I have found that the more expensive makeup I buy, the longer it lasts. The key to making your cosmetics last all day is using quality makeup and proper application. Here are some tips for making your cosmetics last longer:

• Before applying your makeup, prep your skin to remove oil. Makeup will slide from oily skin, so use a facial cleanser designed for your skin type.
• Apply a light moisturizer if you have dry skin so that your pores won't absorb the foundation.
• Use a good foundation specifically designed for all-day wear, applying gently in upward strokes with a makeup sponge or your fingertips.
• If you have dark spots or dark circles under your eyes, use an oil-free concealer.
• Set your foundation with a light dusting of face powder, using a wide brush.
• Since cream blush tends to fade away or absorb into the pores, use a powder blush applied with a large brush, just on the apples of your cheeks.
• Apply eye shadow in layers, and use a powder shadow instead of cream, so that it won't all end up in the crease of your eye during the day.

Just like foodstuffs, cosmetics have an expiration date. Here are some commonly used cosmetics, and how long they will last:

• Mascara. Throw away your mascara after six months. Most women pump the wand in and out of the tube to get at the product, and that action creates air inside. What you end up with is dry, flaky mascara that will flake from your lashes. Even if you seldom use your mascara, toss it after six months and buy a new one.
• Lipstick. After two years of sitting in your makeup drawer, it's time to throw out that tube of lipstick. Lipsticks can pick up bacteria, become dry and fragile, and even lose their color after a few years.
• Powder. A powder compact will last for about a year. If you use the puff that comes with the compact, realize that each time you touch your face with it, you may be picking up bacteria and transferring it to the powder. Throw it out after one year.
• Foundation. Depending upon the formula, foundation can last anywhere from three months, to two years. If you've a bottle of liquid foundation that you haven't used in a long time, and you see that the product has separated, with water on top, and the product at the bottom, then it's time to toss that foundation in the trash.

The key to making your cosmetics last longer is to buy quality products, apply them correctly, and throw the makeup in the trash if it smells bad, has color loss, or you've had it for more than two years.