When was the last time you seriously considered what you had lurking deep within your go-to makeup bag? A bazillion years ago. We’re all guilty of keeping products for months, years – hell, some of us are edging on decades – or simply just sticking to the tried-and-true mainstays we’ve been loyal to for our entire 20’s.
Well, that all ends now. It’s high time you had a serious cull of your beauty stash and spent a bit of your pay-check on fresh, new pretty things. Here’s why.
BACTERIA IS GROSS AND IT’S PROB ALL OVER YOUR STUFF
No one wants to wipe bacteria all over their faces, but the truth is because we can’t visually see those little revolting critters, we kind of put the blinkers on and pretend they don’t exist. But – um – they do, and if you haven’t cleaned your makeup brushes, replaced your products, or washed your makeup bag in yonks, you’re absolutely putting your skin and general face at risk.
On the low-key side you might just be in for some mild rashes or breakouts. But bad stuff happens – staph infections for example can be transmitted because of makeup brush bacteria, and an age-old bottle of mascara can give you a fun eye infection.
There’s different rules for different products in terms of when you need to bin ’em – mascara for example is generally recommended for replacement every 3 months, lip products every 6, and powders for around a year. And absolutely wash your makeup brushes and makeup bag every month.
YOUR SKIN TONE USUALLY DEEPENS IN THE WARMER MONTHS
Whatever your skin tone, chances are spring and summer will deepen it – even if you’re pale and sunscreen daily, the Aussie sun is a menace and you’ll usually find your winter foundation, powder and bronzer just won’t cut it once the weather warms up.
Nothing looks worse than a mismatched base, so spend the time colour matching your summer skin and pick up a foundation that blends seamlessly. If your skin tone is naturally darker, you may also need a different, deeper-toned bronzer too.
Alternatively, you can pick up custom-colour drops like these ones from Sportsgirl – add ’em to your usual foundation to deepen it slightly, and you don’t even need to own two.
SUMMER IS FOR FUN COLOURS
Look, you can absolutely rep a deep, dark lippie in summer if that’s your jam. But if you love to brighten up your look when the sun hits but just don’t have the cash to revamp your entire wardrobe, a pop of lip or cheek colour can do the job without destroying your bank account.
Our pick this season? Cherry red or berry-hued lip tints, like this coloured balm from Sportsgirl. They’re foolproof, last forever and look effortlessly chic with everything from a party dress to cut-offs and a tee.
THERE’S SO MANY AMAZING PRODUCTS OUT THERE
If you’re the kind of person who hasn’t given a second thought to what’s in your makeup bag for ages, you’re probably not remotely across just how bloody awesome makeup is at the moment. Eyeshadows are glittery and so pigmented one swipe makes you look like a disco princess, there’s a highlighter to suit everyone (this epic Sportsgirl palette has four), and the best thing is it doesn’t have to cost you the earth to pick up something high qual.
Need somewhere to start? Have a look at Sportsgirl‘s beauty range. It’s pretty… well… beaut. Check it out here.
