Organize your beauty kit: Sort out your makeup and skincare products | Cosmetics & Makeup

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Organize your beauty kit: Sort out your makeup and skincare products

Imagine life as a beauty writer: every day, numerous companies are sending their latest and greatest products for you to try out. Before you know it, your beauty kit has its own zip code -- and you’re helplessly lost in it! (Yeah, but it's a great problem to have.)

The time has come to clean house, but it’s an intimidating task. How do you know what to keep and what to throw to the curb?

The season's the reason

“Makeup trends have a tendency to change with the season,” says makeup artist Jillian Villafanem. “Women should view their makeup collection as they do their closet.”

That means every woman should have basic, timeless pieces -- such as a little black dress, a great leather handbag and other items that to invest in and keep from season to season. Makeup is no different.

Girls: You should always keep these beauty basics in your cosmetics kit:

black/brown eyeliner
red lipstick
a natural-looking lip gloss
mascara
a natural blush
a killer bronzer
a lightweight concealer

Everything else? “Much like clothing, if you haven't worn it in six months, then you should throw it out,” says Jillian.

What goes -- and when

The phases of fashion are just one reason to get rid of old makeup. Another reason is part practical and part healthwise.

Toss the items you’ve had for years -- even the ones you thought you couldn't part with. Old makeup that is dried out, clumpy, and/or more watery than usual can lead to ugly breakouts and infection (such as good ol' pinkeye -- like you had as a kid).

Also get rid of old makeup sponges and look closely at your brushes to make sure they're clean and in good condition.

Here are some more guidelines

Mascara ought to be tossed after three months and should never be shared -- no exceptions!
Foundations, lipstick and powders have a shelf life of up to one year.
To avoid infection and bacterial growth, remember that the reusable sponges that come with blush or powder compacts should never be stored in a compact in which they come in direct contact with the product.
Sponges should be washed with a gentle cleanser after each use, and -- when dry -- stored in a bi-level compact.
Eye and lip pencils should be sharpened and spritzed with 99% alcohol to sanitize.
Buy less-expensive brands of eye shadows and lipsticks, as color trends tend to change from season to season.

These tips and tricks to organize your cosmetics will help you step into each season completely organized... and beautiful to boot!

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