When to throw it out...

Recently I have been wanting to know about cosmetic expiration dates. But of course, cosmetics do not come with an expiration date so I decided to look into myself. I found out soooo many useful tips and facts!

So while researching I found out the average "life span" of cosmetics products. Some I was shocked to find out about and others not so much. Here's what I found:

• Mascara- 2-3 months. Mascara has the least amount of time to use and is the most common cosmetic product to cause infection; such as pink eye. To help prevent infections, do not pump your mascara. This forces air into the tube and make more bacteria. Also do not add water to extend mascara life. Like air, water is a perfect ingredient to make bacteria in your product.

• Eye & Lip pencils- 1 year. Yes, they do last a about a year, but make sure you sharpen at least once a week to get rid of bacteria. Also, if it is crumbling or easily breaking off, it's time to toss it.

• Lip gloss & Lipstick- 1 year.

• Powders- 1 year. This includes eyeshadow and blush. Remember that these usually get used with brushes so make sure that brushes are washed.

• Liquid Foundation- 3-6 months (add +1 month if cream foundation)

• Concealer- 6-8 months.

Still not sure if it has expired??? Heres some clues it's time to throw it out...

• Bad smell
• Change in color
• Different texture

Here are some other tips.

• Store your cosmetics in dry, cool areas. Bacteria loves to grow in warm, moisturized places.
• Use common sense with hygiene! Always wash hands before and after using a product. Also do not have finger tips come in direct contact with product.
• Wash brushes- natural, once a month and synthetic, 2-3 times a month.
• Wash tools after use such as a sponge.
• DO NOT SHARE MAKEUP! This causes germs and bacteria to grow faster AND you never know what the other person is carrying. Which leads to...
• Be careful at makeup counters. Use all the tools provided.

SO some of this is common sense but to me, most of it was new. I am definitely going through my makeup tonight! Hope this helped :)

♥ -Shayla

What all can Vaseline do???

So the other day I was watching re-runs of Americas Next Top Model, and Tyra was using only using Vaseline on the models at a photo shoot. I also remembered how my Grandma would whip out her Vaseline for us grandkids if we had chapped lips. It got me thinking about what all could Vaseline do for you??? I decided to do a little research and see what other people would use theirs for and this is what I found...

1. Use at the ends of your hair to smooth down split ends

2. Apply on eyelashes overnight and overtime your eyelashes will become more thicker, longer, and healthier.

3. Use on elbows and knees to get rid of ruff, dry skin.

4. Apply on feet over night, then cover with socks and wake up to softer feet :)

5. Makeup remover

6. Helps tame crazy eyebrow hairs

7. Remove makeup stains from clothing

8. Use as a lip balm or apply on lips before using lipstick/ lip liner.

9. Mix Vaseline and sea salts to make a nice scrub.

10. Helps heal new tattoo's

11. Use as a eyeshadow base

12. Help protect cuticles

13. Use on skin after shaving to help soothe razor burn

14. Helps ease off stuck rings

15. Scrunched into hair for a textured look.

16. Rub over old nail polish and make your nails look freshly painted.

17. Rub evenly on to skin before applying self tanning products for a even tan.

18. Helps perfume last longer if applied to sprayed areas

19. Helps prevent wind burn

20. Can be used on the necks of nail polish bottles for easy lid removal

21. And my favorite, use with under eye concealer for a long lasting creamy look.

Now that I found more uses for my Vaseline I am definitely going to be using it more :)

♥ -Shayla