When to Throw Out Your Cosmetics

Have you ever bought a container of beautiful blue eyeshadow, or the new whipped form of foundation only to use it once? Do you have tons of makeup, just waiting for the right time to use it all? You may have waited too long. All types of makeup have a shelf life. Just think about the germs that you put into your makeup when you use it. Whether its from contact with your skin, eyes, lips, or finger it does not just go away and the longer it sets, the worse it gets. However, even if you have never used a product you should still be aware of the expiration date.

Also, please note that if you store it improperly (like leave it in the car on a hot sunny day), the expiration date will be much shorter. If any of your makeup has a change in odor, color, or texture then it is best just to get rid of it.

• Concealer: 6-8 months
  
  
• Foundation: Water-based foundations can last up to a year. Oil based will last a little longer, up to 18 months
  
  
• Eyeliner/Lipliner Pencils: These can last 2-3 years, but must be sharpened regularly to keep it free from bacteria
  
  
• Liquid Eyeliner: 3 months. This comes in contact with your eyes and can be full of bacteria. Make sure to never share liquid eyeliner.
  
  
• Mascara: 3 months. Just like the liquid eyeliner, mascara can hold a lot of germs. Be careful not to "pump" the wand in and out of the tube. It can push air and bacteria into the container and dry it out quicker.
  
  
• Eyeshadow, Blush, Pressed Powder: 2-3 years
  
  
• Lipstick: 1-2 years. It will have a spoiled smell when it is out of date. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator.
  
  
• Nail Polish: Can last up to 2 years if stored properly
  
  
• Cosmetic Sponges: These should be washed bi-weekly or weekly if you use it more often and discarded after a month
  
  
• Makeup Brushes: Should be washed with mild soap once a month

These dates are just the average. Cosmetics that are stored properly can last a little bit longer and improper storage can cause it to be garbage-ready before its time.

If you don't use makeup that often, or you just like to use several different types and colors, then don't spend a lot of money on them. There are several companies that offer good quality cosmetics for a low price.  One of my personal favorites is E.L.F. Cosmetics.

Guide to Long, Beautiful Hair

Envious over all the girls with long, gorgeous locks? Its not so hard to get and keep your hair looking healthy and full of shine. These tips will help you.





Trim Your Hair Regularly. It is important for your hair's health to keep it free of split ends. The splits in the ends of your hair may not seem too serious at first, but they can travel up and cause breakage and make your hair appear frizzy and dull.





Maintain a Healthy Diet. What you take in affects what you see on the outside. This is not only true for your skin and body, but also your hair. Just like your body, your hair needs certain nutrients in order to stay healthy. Here are some hair healthy foods/nutrients

• Water: Adequate hydration gives your hair that perfect shine


• Soy


• Fiber


• Iron: A lack of iron can result in hair loss


• Vitamin A


• Protein

Avoid overly applying damaging products. Dyeing your hair more often than necessary can really have a harsh effect on your hair, especially if the color is lighter than your original color. Hair should be dyed no sooner than 4 weeks apart. Yes, most people can dye it sooner, but this is not recommended. For healthier dyed hair, it is best to go to a salon to get it done. If you do dye your hair at home, remember that if you are using the same color to only do your roots. As for perms, this process is considered by hairstylists to be the most damaging process done to hair. If you want a perm, then definitely go to a professional.

Prevent Heat Damage. Can't live without your blow dryer and straightener? You don't have to. Heat can cause a significant amout of damage to your hair and dry it out, causing split ends and a brittle-like appearance. However, there are some things that you can do to slow the process and keep your hair gorgeous.

• Use a heat protectant. A spray or serum, either one will work.
• Use a good quality flat iron. The prices on these are high for a reason, they work!
• Keep your flat iron clean
• A diffuser on your hair dryer is more gentle on your hair
• Don't leave the hairdryer in one spot of your hair for too long

Condition. Deep condition your hair regularly and apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to your ends only on a daily basis. This will prevent your hair from becoming dried out.

Guide to Perfect Glutes (aka Nice Butt)

Before you read these, it is important that you understand that spot training to get rid of trouble spots does not really work. The only way to get rid of fat is to burn more calories than you take in. Spot training does however, strengthen and tone muscles. The butt muscles are just like any other muscle in the body and can be shaped and grow (in a good way) just as a bicep. The following exercises are the best for shaping and toning your bottom.


Squats

How to do them:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly lower your body as though you are sitting in a chair until your thighs are parallel with the ground.
• Push yourself back up slowly, making sure to keep your weight in your heels. Make sure that your torso stays straight and keep your abs pulled in.

Top Mistakes with Doing Squats:

• Don't allow your knees to go out past your toes
• Keep the weight on your heels. If you use your toes to bring you up and down, it will not be as effective and will strain the knees.

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Lunges

How to do Lunges:

• Stand with feet together
• Step forward with one leg and lower body into the lunge position, bending your leg. You should keep both your front knee and back knee at 90 degree angles
• Keeping the weight in your heels, push back up to starting position. Keep your abs tight and torso straight

This is just the stationary lunge. There are several different types of lunges, including: walking lunges, alternating lunges, and side lunges.
Top Mistakes with Lunges:

• Don't let your knee extend past your toes.
• Keep your torso upright

Other common exercises that are great for shaping your butt include:

• Biking
• Walking
• Running
• Deadlifts
• Stepping up stairs (the higher stairs work best (90 degree angle))
• Hiking

How to bring out your eye color

Want to show off your beautiful eyecolor? Just a few tricks with your makeup and clothes will have people mesmerized by your gaze.

For Blue Eyes

For people with blue eyes, it is important to use a color with a tone that is darker than that of your eye color. Colors that work best: brown, rose, silver, peach, gold, lavender and violet. Do not use colors that match the color of your eye, it will make your natural color seem dull. Brown eyeliner and mascara works best to bring out blue eyes, but also pairing a soft black eyeliner with silver shadow will make them pop. Wearing blue and pink clothing will bring attention to your eyes.



For Green Eyes

People with green eyes should avoid colors with cooler tones, to prevent looking washed out. Colors that work best: Warm purples, medium pinks, deep greens, bronze, and peach. Avoid silver, blue, and white. Brown/black eyeliner and mascara works best for green eyes. Wearing green and gold clothing will bring out the green in your eyes. Also, gold jewelry works very well to enhance green eyes.


For Brown Eyes

People with brown eyes should use light colors to best bring out the colors, as it contrasts to the brown. Brown eyes are usually the easiest to compliment. Colors that work best: blue, pink, purple, green, gold. Both black and navy eyeliners work well for brown eyes.


e.l.f. Eyes. All Eye Makeup Just $1

Great Products for Blue Eyes:





Great Products for Brown Eyes:




Great Products for Green Eyes: