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Buying
and maintaining the right products for your skin are as important
as knowing how to use them. The product tips below are great for
busy people who want to get the most out of their time and money.
Antibacterial
Lotions
Clean
your hands while you moisturize, especially before you eat. This
is a product that really does double-duty.
Cold
Cream
Keep
Cold Cream from spoiling and maintain its freshness by keeping it
in the refrigerator.
Essential
Oil Storage
When
storing oils used in massage and facial recipes, always use dark
containers (ultraviolet light damages the oils) and keep them from
extreme heat or cold.
Foundation/Lotion
Sponges
Choose
the most dense foundation sponge that you can afford; the more
dense the sponge, the better the blend into your skin. Inexpensive
sponges will absorb your foundation. Also, replace your sponges
monthly to prevent bacterial buildup.
Makeup
Brushes
Natural bristles last longer and are almost always better than
synthetic bristles. Good choices are squirrel, which are the
softest and blend the best; sable, which will last almost forever
and can be used with creamier products such as lipstick; and
Taklon, which distributes the makeup without absorbing it.
Makeup
Shelf Life
After
you've opened and used your makeup, it's exposed to the air and
all sorts of pollutants that gather on your face and hands. Be
sure to discard cosmetics, even the really expensive ones, within
the time frames that follow: Lipstick, Lip Liner, 1 year; Eye
Shadow, Eye Liner, Mascara, 3 months; Blush, 6 months; Nail
Polish, 2 years if stored properly.
Skin
Care Applicator Storage
Keep
sponges, Q-tips, cotton balls, and other cosmetic/skin care
applicators sterile by storing them in sealed canisters or jars.
SPF-What
it Means
SPF
(sunscreen protection factor) tells you how long you can stay in
the sun before getting burnt. If you usually burn after 10 minutes
in the sun and you're wearing an SPF 20 sunscreen, the formula
works as follows: 10 minutes X 20 SPF = 200 minutes. Keep in mind
that you'll need to apply sun block more frequently if you're
perspiring or get wet. Rule of thumb: wear a product with an SPF
of at least 8 every day, even on cloudy days.
Streaking
Self-Tanner
Prevent
streaking when you apply self tanner by diluting it with your
favorite lotion. Your skin will be smooth, tan, and healthy! Even
better, dilute your self-tanner with moisturizing sun block.
Sunscreen
Shelf Life
Always
check the label of your sunscreen to determine its shelf life.
Most sunscreens without expiration dates are good for two to three
years. Store sun block in a cool, dry place; extreme heat may
decrease your sunscreen's shelf life. Also, if you notice any
color, odor, or consistency change in your sunscreen, throw it
out! Your skin is worth every bit of the $10 you'll spend on a new
bottle of sun block.
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