Random information: Make-Up Expiration & Organization

I was recently told about this tidbit, makeup as we all know (and would like to pretend not to know) expires.  Every single package comes with an expiration date of sorts, it's more of a general timeline. This little symbol seen on any package of make up:

for example: see the symbol with the open jar says "24M"

that indicates that after opening it, this product (which happens to be the NARS concealer duo) is good for 24 months or two years.

Around that time, you should check the product for a few key things:

-Consistency: if its still smooth, creamy, or powdery, thinks like concealer which have moisture in them don't last as long as lets say a powder.  Just check the consistency and make sure the formula's intact, especially if its going on your face.  If the formula has separated or is visibly odd looking, than the product has expired, and you should get a new one.

It also depends on what kind of product it is and the company which created it, some things last longer than others, but just check the back to be sure.

-Smell: If it smells funky, let it go.

Those are just some guidelines to go by.  I'll admit that I'm very torn with letting my makeup go, but if it prevents bacteria and infection getting on to my face or skin, its worth it.  Next time your out shopping just check and make sure what your buying will last for the price your paying.  Also go through the makeup you already have and (a bit reluctantly) get rid of the things which fall into the expired category. If its around the time of expiration and the product is fine than use your own judgement on when to get rid of it.  Items like mascara though run out quickly, so I find it easier to buy the smaller bottles or mini's because at least i know I'm going to use the entire thing by the time it expires.  Thats just my bit of advice, hope it helps!

Oh and my other topic of the day: ORGANIZATION-it seriously is so helpful!

By organizing your makeup and perfumes and whatever else, you get to see what you really have. It also reminds you to clean any dirty brushes, get rid of things you don't need, and have everything be much less messy for the future.  Plus, it looks really lovely.

My tips would be to get a small plastic drawer to hold some of your things, along with tins, bins, things of that sort.  Keep everything together by different categories, for me its: lip products, eye products, face, etc.  It really helps un-clutter everything, and makes the process of getting ready that much easier :) Btw, most supply stores, Target, Walmart, anything like that, will have little items that you can buy to organize your collection.  I found some things I thought were functional and cute:

from the top :

1. Small Countertop Drawer (6 pack) ($34.99) - Target

2. Itso Narrow Tray Purple ($3.99) - Target

3. Whitney Rectangular Drawer Organizer ($17.99) - Target

4. Sterile 6 Qt Drawers_Navy Blue (set of 12) ($36.00) - Walmart

I think that any girl can organize for optimal ease and comfort, plus cleanliness.

images property of their respective owners-this was just my opinion, i'm not endorsing any of these products.

fun reads,

bella

p.s. just sticking with Kim for the day ;)

Five Minute Eye Makeover :)

So on a trip to Duane Reade today i stumbled across somethings i just had to try, Wet n' Wild is probably the most affordable makeup brand i can think of.  I picked up a few things to try out:

Wet n' Wild H20 Blending Eye Pencil in Denim Chrome, a steely blue color, and in Black Chrome, an everyday black liner, they were just $1.99 apiece, something your wallet will thank you for.

This five minute look is inspired by the blue eyeliner :)
It's just a nice way to update an blase look, and i know it seems like a lot of steps, but they just take a few minutes, and practice makes perfect!

1. Prime your eyes with a shadow base or anything other kind of primer you use, i use Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer (the original) and then foundation (if you use it).

2. Use a base shadow, something that'll just even out your skin tone.
    I used Estee Lauder Compact Disc Shadow in Pink.
    Highlight the inner corner of your eye and the brow bone
    with a champagne colored highlight shadow.
    (Clinique Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Like Mink, use the lighter shade)
3. Use the H20 eyeliner to draw a line across the lid, starting from the ends and working your way in.  Use the smudge applicator to gently smudge the line, working upwards.  Follow up with a darker shadow (Clinique Surge Shadow Duo in Like Mink, the darker shade) over the entire lid making sure you don't go past the crease.

4. Use any mascara of your choice, I love layering them, I used Smashbox Lash DNA in Jet Black followed by a coat of Maybeline Lash Stiletto in Brown/Black.

5. Line the bottom waterline with a kohl based liner of your choice, and voila! five minute eyes :)

*The clinique shadow's i used are a bit shimmery, so if you prefer something more on the matte side, mac and smashbox both have great alternatives.

Here's  a swatch of the H20 pencil colors:

finally, some old school glam that never fails to please:

Sophia Loren

all kinds of gorgeous.

fun reads

-bella