The risk of bacteria contamination to all cosmetics increases with time and use. If you are unsure when it is time to replace your cosmetics, skincare, brushes and tools,
here are some guidelines to follow.
Cosmetics
Liquid Foundation--
1 year or sooner if the color, odor or consistency changes.
Concealer -- 6-8 months
Loose Powder -- 1 year
Pressed Powder, Eye Shadows, Blush -- 6 months (even if the color still looks good)
Mascara -- 3-6 months or discard if it becomes dry, thickens or clumps
Lip Gloss and Lipstick -- 1 year or sooner if you have had a cold sore
Eye and Lip Pencils -- 1 year. Sharpen often to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area.
Skincare
Facial Cleansers and Moisturizers -- 6 months
Facial Toners -- 1 year
Exfoliators -- 1 year
Brushes and Tools
Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of brushes. Use liquid soap or a mild shampoo to wash natural-bristled brushes once a month and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so the handles don't loosen and the bristles don't break.
Miscellaneous Tips
- Using a sticker or laundry marking pen, note the date you began to use the product; if you can no longer remember when you started using it, toss it.
- Never share makeup or eye applicators.
- Do not add liquid -- especially saliva -- to cosmetics. It can cause bacterial growth.
- Do not use eye makeup when you have an eye infection. Throw out any products you used at the time of infection.
- Keep makeup containers tightly closed when not in use.
- Keep makeup out of sunlight; light and heat can degrade preservatives.
- Throw makeup away if the color changes or an odor develops.
- Replace sponge makeup applicators often.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CLOTHING FRESH
Many of us take almost everything to the dry cleaners. However, some of the chemicals used by dry cleaners are pollutants and perhaps carcinogenic and can linger in freshly-cleaned clothing for up to one week. If this motivates you to turn to your washing machine, here are some guidelines to follow:
- All black and dark washable garments should be washed inside out to minimize fading.
- Cotton knits should also be washed inside-out to minimize pilling.
- A cold-water rinse cuts down on wrinkles.
- Borax can be used to get odors out of synthetic fabrics. A half-cup added to a regular wash deodorizes and is an excellent cleaning booster. For serious odors, pre-soak items for 30 minutes in borax and warm water.
- Remove clothing from the dryer while they are still a little damp then hang or lay flat to finish drying.
- Some recommended pre-wash spot treatments include Oxiclean and Clorox Bleach Pen (for whites). Some shampoos applied to spots on cuffs and collars can dissolve body oils.
- Nearly anything labeled "dry flat" or "line dry" can be put in the dryer (on low) for 10 - 15 minutes first, and the garments will dry faster and wrinkle less.
- Home dry-cleaning products (e.g. Dryel) are great for freshening and deodorizing dry-clean-only garments, but leave spot and stain removal to the professionals.
- To remove deodorant marks from clothing, try rubbing with a crumpled up nylon stocking.
Fabric Dictionary
There are many different types of WOOL and it is handy to know how each can work for you. Some brief descriptions follow:
Boucle: A soft, thick, textured wool that is knit or woven to produce a looped knotted look.
Crepe: Very light, with a slightly pebbled surface. Crepe has day-to-dinner flexibility.
Gabardine: A highly woven, smooth and strong wool also referred to as worsted.
Jersey: Fluid and light weight, it is a single knit with nearly invisible ribs.
Lambs' Wool: Shorn from lambs up to eight months old, it results in a very soft fabric.
Merino: Very fine, soft cashmere-like wool from the merino sheep. It is more luxurious and more expensive than lambs' wool.
