Makeup Brush Care for the Summer | Tip Off Tuesday

I covered the topic of cleaning your makeup brushes and cosmetic bags earlier this year but with the temperatures getting hotter and the faces getting greaser I thought we would revisit the issue.  Trying to combat oil and shine is tougher in the summer so be diligent with keeping your brushes clean weekly to avoid makeup and oil build up which will only add to the dilemma.  Click the links below to read my original posts.


How to clean your makeup brushes.  Don't worry it's quick, cheap and easy!
Don't forget your makeup bag!  It can harbor bacteria.

Makeup Bags harbor Bacteria | Tip Off Tuesday

Don't forget to clean your makeup bag.  You rummage in and out of it, stuff spills and that sort of scene.  It can be a big ole' breeding ground for bacteria just like those unwashed brushes.

Cosemtic Clean Up by amariebeauty featuring a stila eye shadow

I shared my favorite method for cleaning makeup brushes here.  You don't have to get religious about it but a good habit is once a week.

A clean makeup case for a clear face.

Warm water and soap will do the job.  Just don't get it soaking wet and make sure it's dry before putting your goods back in it.

Tip Off Tuesday: Sharpen to Shed Bacteria

Eyeliner sharpeners are part of the basic beauty tools.  Regular sharpening of your eye liner pencil keeps bacteria from building up on your liner.  Bacteria by the eye = no good it can bring on the fun stuff like gooey eye, styes and the almighty pink eye.

eyeliner sharpener

Sharpen once a week with a stainless steal sharpener to keep it clean for personal use.

Makeup Brush Breakdown

brushes by amariebeauty on polyvore.com

There are tons more brushes but these five are the basics.  They fill the void, and totally improve, for the little makeup brushes that come with makeup and are quickly becoming obsolete.

1.  Applies blush.  The shape of the brush does some of the contouring for you and makes blending easy.

2.  Picks up lots of product allowing you to sweep it all over your eyelid quickly and evenly. 

3.  A blending tool, the smokey eye's best friend.  The point in the middle picks up more product so when you apply it to the crease of your eyelid it goes on darker in the center shading lightly around it.

4.  Used to dust loose powder and gives much better control than powder puffs.

5.  Applies liquid or cream foundation.  I get questions as to what this brush is for so I included it in the break down.  I prefer a wedge sponge to a brush because a sponge is easier, brushes can leave streaks without a little practice and know how.

Lena from Mom2MemphisAndRuby introduced me on her blog yesterday if you are visiting from there welcome and stick around for a quick tip tomorrow! 

Read about cleaning your brushes here.

When in Doubt Throw It Out

The shelf life of cosmetics.

CONCEALER:  Up to 12 months

FOUNDATION:  Water based up to 12 months - Oil based up to 18 months

FACE POWDER:  Up to 2 years

EYE SHADOW:  Up to 2 years

EYE LINERS:  Up to 2 years

LIP COLOR:  Up to 2 years

MASCARA:  3 months

NAIL POLISH:  12 months - depends on the quality

Don't forget to wash your makeup bag too or it can become a bacteria breeding ground.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Beyond The Looking Glass Look for Winter 2011 via  polyvore.com

Tip Off Tuesday: Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning your brushes regularly insures better makeup application.  Skipping this step lets oils build up on the brushes, not to mention makeup and bacteria.  Cleaning them also preserves the life of the brush and if you own a nice set you want them to last.

When there is no build up on your brushes your makeup sticks better, shines less and applies faster.

I clean my brushes two ways.

1. Spray on brush cleanser.  You spritz it on the brushes and brush them onto a rag or paper towel until no more makeup comes off the brush. 
2. Shampoo.  Squeeze a pea size amount into the palm of your hand, dampen the brush and swirl it around.  The makeup will loosen up off the brush with the shampoo then you rinse it out under running water.  Shake the excess water off and let them air dry.  

I prefer to use shampoo, I use the spray when I am using my brushes on the go.