How long should you keep your makeup?

Mascara has the shortest shelf life of all cosmetics, and should ideally be replaced every three months or so, to minimise any risk of infection to the eyes. Don’t try and revive dried out mascara: recycle the packaging, and treat yourself to a new one. I suggest Dr Hauschka Plum Volume mascara, as it is a little subtler than black but still gives you gorgeous longer, thicker lashes, which is sort of the point, non? It contains lovely conditioning ingredients and I think has improved my eyelashes since I started using it. Always put the top on tightly and don’t pump air into the tube. Write the date on it with Tip-Ex when you open it and bin it three months later. Your eyes are worth it! If you ever have an eye infection, you should bin all your eye make-up and start again.

Kajal/Kohl/Eye pencils can last for a couple of years. You should be able to smell if it is going off, as it might seem rancid. Sharpen regularly to keep them clean and pointy. Keep the lids on please! (And don’t share, though if you really must, make sure you re-sharpen between users.)

Eye shadow powders generally keep for ages. Opinions vary from 2 years, but if they are kept clean, they might be okay for longer. Again keep them clean. A quick wipe with a cosmetic tissue and if you really feel the need, some alcohol would do the trick nicely.

Lipsticks also last about two years. You might find that the smell changes after this and they are rancid. The more natural the ingredients, and the lower the amount of preservatives, the less time they may last. But, this is a GOOD thing, as you don’t really want to be licking your lips and swallowing toxic chemicals, do you? Lip pencils last about two years too, and do keep them sharp or they are fairly useless. DON’T share them with anyone, unless you think you would really would like to get cold sores.

Blushers and bronzers are good for a couple of years. Again, trust your nose! Clean them periodically by wiping off with a tissue, or alcohol, like powder shadow. If you use a clean brush, they stay cleaner too. Wash your brushes! 

Foundations can last 12 to 18 months. Put the date on when you open them, and trust your sense of smell; if the smell changes, bin them. You might also want to check that the colour still suits you seasonally, as most people's skin darkens in the summer and gets lighter in the winter. Try to get one similar to your skin tone, unless you really like the Tango/Essex look?

Finally, your brushes: clean them regularly and gently and leave to air dry - not on a radiator, unless you really want to wreck them. If you can slant them downwards slightly so that water doesn't run into the wooden handle and ferrule, they will last better. Good quality brushes are worth investing in and taking care of. 

Finally, I know there is some gorgeous makeup out there, but consider the planet and your own health. Why not use a natural makeup, one that hasn't been tested on animals? There are lots of Organic, natural and ethical brands available nowadays, so why not try one? I love Dr Hauschka, obviously, but BWC lipsticks are also great. Which ones have you tried?

I stock all the Dr Hauschka Make up which is organic, ethically produced and good for the skin: www.theorganicbeautician.com