Discount Shopping, The Sniff Test & 1/2 Off Expired Wine

Today was one of my favorite types of days!

We piled the girls in the car and headed out for a little shopping. On today's agenda, two of our local discount stores. Now, discount stores can kind of be like going through someone's attic. Lots of junk, old stuff, random items, but sometimes you find some really cool things too.

There are definitely things I would NEVER purchase at a discount store. Things like food items and medications need to have their expiration dates check. I'm not saying "don't buy them", just check the dates. $2.99 DNA Paternity Test anyone? I wish I was kidding. It's possible that I may have found some other items and left an interesting display. Haha! It wasn't even the strangest thing we saw today but that would lead us into a non PG conversation. Any-who! Moving on...

The one thing you will always find a lot of at these stores are healthy & beauty items. I tend to really look things over. Certain items don't really "expire". For instance, I bought false eyelashes. Those obviously don't go bad, the glue eventually. But something like foundation can break down over time. I tend to do a sniff test. If it smells funky, you don't want it on your skin.

It got me thinking about how many times we buy makeup that we rarely use. That cobalt blue eyeshadow seemed pretty in theory, right?

You can keep your makeup lasting longer too by avoiding the use of your fingers. Fingers have bacteria, which you transfer to the product and that just creates a breeding ground. If you need your fingers, wash or wipe in between. Use sponges and brushes when you can. More on that later...

Here is a list of basic things you have and how long you should keep them:

Foundation/Concealer: Rule of thumb is 12-18 months. If it's water-based figure about a year. If it's oil-based about 18 months. If it starts to separate or dry up, it's probably time for new. If your water-based one dries out, you can add a little toner to it. I would choose a toner without alcohol. I go through so much foundation that this would never be an issue for me. I actually have about 4 on hand that I mix and match.
Powder: About 2 years. They don't usually contain water or anything that would make it "go bad"
Eyeshadow: 2-3 years.
Eye/Lip-liner: 3 years. Make sure you sharpen it regularly. If it's a liquid liner, it will get goopy. Toss it!
Lipstick: 1-2 years. If it smells funky. Toss it!
Mascara: 6 months. Yes. That's it. It can harbor so much bacteria that you don't want in your eyes. This is an item you should NOT share with your friends.
Brushes: Wash them every couple of weeks in a mild detergent. Let them air dry. E.L.F. makes an inexpensive wash. They also have a spray that you can use daily to kill any bacteria. The better you take care of them, the longer they last.
Makeup Sponges: Wash them once a week. I would toss them every couple of weeks.
 
In general, if it smells, separates or breaks down...toss it! Try to keep bacteria to a minimum. I wipe my face down with a cleansing wipe before I do my makeup and I tend to wipe my hands and makeup containers down as I use them too.

You should also keep your makeup in a cool, dry place. An extra tip: Lipstick and liners last longer if you refrigerate them. Also, I keep my eye cream in the fridge. It's refreshingly cool and personally I think it works better that way.

Now, go sort, organize and clean that makeup bag, boxer or drawer. If you have to throw some stuff out that just means you get to go shopping for new stuff! Maybe check out a discount store for some pretty bargains and a 1/2 off bottle of expired wine. That's a fun night right there!

xo
Bethany