Spring Clean Your Makeup Routine
by Guest Blogger Kelly Machbitz


Certified Image Consultant and Professional Speaker

As a professional makeup artist and licensed skin care specialist, the first question I usually ask a new client is, "When did you clean out your makeup bag last?"
Did you know that cleaning out your cosmetic bag can save you time and money? By knowing what you have, and making a list of what you need to replace, you won't waste your money buying things you already have or products that won't work for you.
Follow these 7 simple steps to help you clean out your cosmetic case and keep your makeup routine cost and time effective: 

Step 1: Inspect
Pull everything out of your bag and make a thorough inspection. Toss out anything you haven't used in a year, looks or smells funny, or has changed consistency.

Step 2: Separate
Separate the basics you use every day from the special items you use only occasionally. Those items you use frequently earn a place back in your makeup bag. Those items you don't use on a daily basis, like glitter eye shadow, should be put in a separate location. This will help you cut down on clutter and speed up your beauty routine.

Step 3: Start With The Basics
Be sure you have all the basics which should include: concealer, foundation or tinted moisturizer, powder, blush, eye shadow (at least two shades), eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, and lipstick or gloss. If you are missing any of these, put them on your shopping list.

Step 4: Check Formulas & Colors
Make sure your basics are all working for you as far as formulas and colors. In the summer months, many women switch to a foundation of lighter consistency due to the heat and humidity. And with increased sun exposure, most of us need to use a darker shade. Your "off season" colors, if less than 6 months old, should be stored in a separate location until you need them again. If they are more than 6 months old, toss them out and buy new next season.

Step 5: Clean
Give everything a good cleaning. Wipe the outside of containers as well as the inside of lids with a makeup removal towelette or moist washcloth. This will help keep your makeup bag clean and let you easily see what you have inside. Wash and sanitize sponges and brushes and let them air dry. Toss out old sponges that are torn or permanently discolored and replace brushes when they start losing hairs.

Step 6: Organize
Separate your brushes and disposables. By placing brushes in a separate bag inside your makeup case you will help preserve their shape and prevent them from becoming unnecessarily soiled. Use zip lock bags to store disposables like q-tips and tissues. This way they will be readily accessible and stay clean and tidy until you need them.

Step 7: Shop
Take your shopping list with you to your favorite cosmetic counter and get an expert's opinion on the products that are right for your coloring and skin type. They can tell you about important ingredients, advise you on the latest color trends, and tell you how a product will perform. You can purchase the products that they recommend and be confident you will achieve the best results, or you can take their advice and head to your local discount retailer to find similar colors and formulas.

For more beauty and fashion tips,
go to Kelly's website at TotalFashionMakeover.com or follow her on Examiner.com

Kelly Machbitz is a Certified Image Consultant and the author of
"Wear This, Not That! Stylish Solutions to Flatter Your Figure"
Available on Amazon.com



"Image Matters-All About Face, a Complete Guide to Makeup and Skin Care"
Available on Amazon.com



Thank you for reading!
Best,
Sarah
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