Sometimes, especially during this time of year – the bleak winter season, women can really get stuck in a rut with their make up.
How do you combat the winter make up blues? My first suggestion is to do a little feng shui on your make up bag. If it is filthy and loaded with old make up, it’s time to make some changes. First, dump everything out of your bag. Make two piles – those things you use, and those you don’t. If it doesn’t make a regular appearance on your face, pitch it. It’s that simple. Let’s be honest, even if you thought you might someday wear that vibrant shade of blue shadow, it really is just taking up space. The other important factor to remember is that there is a shelf life on make up; it does expire.
I’ve listed the shelf lives of most popular types of make up below. If you have had it longer than what’s typically safe, that product is most likely no longer good. Even of you’re not sure when you bought it, a telltale sign is that some make up will smell rancid when its past its prime. Increasingly popular natural make up lines have even shorter shelf lives.

How Long Your Make Up is Safe to Use:

  • Liquid Foundation: About a year. If it’s in a pump bottle, it can be a longer life.
  • Liquid Oil Foundation: Usually a year and a half. Pumps last longer.
  • Powder Make Up: Can last 2 years or more.
  • Lip and Eye Pencils: 2 years; sharpen regularly to sanitize.
  • Lip Sticks: Good for about a year
  • Natural Lip Balms: 3 to 6 months.
  • Make up brushes should be cleansed with a mild soap often. Don’t use alcohol as it can be drying on your brushes.
To preserve the life of your make up, store in a cool and dark area. Leaving it in your car or direct sunlight is not suggested.

For a an easy and natural look for winter try this make up routine:

  • A tinted moisturizer with SPF
  • Apply a powder bronzer
  • Mascara and eyeliner
  • Tinted hydrating lip gloss
  • Finish with a hydrating mist to set make up.
I have been trained with the TiGi Academy, Aveda and others. If you are not sure how to apply make up or not sure what colors are best suited for you, please see me for a complimentary makeover at Robin Salon & Spa. Offer is good Tuesday thru Thursdays for a limited time. Just mention this article for a free makeover at the time of making your appointment. Call 410-208-2576 to book with Christy Stone Trala.