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Summer is finally here, and what better way to embrace the boiling hot sun and high humidity levels than by updating your beauty products and adjusting your daily routine?
If you’re unsure about how to begin or questioning what you should keep versus what you should toss, look no further! Here are few tips for maintaining a healthy complexion this summer:
Out With the Old, In With the New
Have you ever been browsing the cosmetic aisle and stumbled upon a lipstick you just had to have, only to find out you have one at home that’s almost identical? If the answer is yes, you’re in luck as we have the perfect tip for you!
When it comes to keeping track of all your beauty products, it can be a good rule of thumb to follow the saying, “out with the old, and in with the new.” Each time you decide to bring something new in, be sure to also take something out. Whether you find that there are items you haven’t used in quite some time or they simply don’t align well with the seasonal changes, it’s essential to be cycling through your products to ensure you’re getting the most out of them.
Toss Old Products
This task goes hand-in-hand with the mantra above. You must always be assessing the state of your beauty products to guarantee that they aren’t expired and still get the job done. Take the time to go through your skincare, makeup, and hair care products to check if they’re expired. If a product is still in good condition, but you realize that you haven’t used it in at least six months, it may be time to get rid of it.
To be certain you’re correctly assessing your beauty products, here’s how to know when it’s time to say goodbye:
Skincare
Unfortunately, skincare products can’t last forever and have an expiration date just like many other beauty products. While they don’t have a set date, there is a length of time they can be used once opened, and it can typically be found at the bottom of the packaging by the period after opening (PAO) label. If your product is missing a label, use your senses to assess the state of your product. Be sure to look for a funky smell, change in color, or a separation of the product as those are telltale signs that it’s past its prime.
It’s important to be mindful of these signs as your products will lose effectiveness and grow bacteria over time. That means that your retinol treatment may not work as well as it used to, or your sunscreen may leave your skin exposed to harsh UV rays. If your sixth sense is telling you something is off, consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist so they can reassess your skin to give you a new prescription skincare treatment that’s right for you.
Makeup
If you take a close look at the packaging of your cosmetic items, you’ll probably find a number with an “M” next to it, signaling the shelf-life the product has after opening. If you’re unsure of when you first used your makeup, there are other signs of expiration to be on the lookout for. Whether its nail polish, mascara, or foundation, if the texture has changed of any of your cosmetic products, that means its no longer good to use. For example, mascara and foundation typically clump and become dry once they’re expired.
Protect Your Scalp
Throughout your lifetime, you may have heard wearing a hat can cause your hair to thin and even make you go completely bald. While there is no hard evidence around this, it has been proven that wearing a hat is an effective way to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is especially true for those with thinning hair as the scalp is more exposed. Any hat is better than no hat at all, but if you want to optimize your protection, choose a hat with a wide brim to ensure you’re protected all around. Wearing a hat not only helps keep your hair healthy, but also protects the skin on your face and neck from unwanted sun exposure.
To take extra precaution, apply sunscreen directly to your scalp, making sure to focus on the area where you part your hair, as this can be the most sensitive. If rubbing gooey SPF into your hair doesn’t sound appealing, dab it on your scalp it while your hair is already wet, or avoid liquids altogether and purchase a non-greasy sunscreen stick and reapply as needed.
Deep Clean Your Brushes
According to dermatologists, you’re supposed to clean your makeup brushes every seven to ten days. Without the necessary cleaning, brushes can quickly experience bacteria buildup, leading to breakouts, skin irritation, clogged pores, and poor application, ultimately destroying the integrity of your brush.
Deep cleaning your makeup brushes can be a long-neglected process, but it’s crucial to do, especially for the ones you use daily. Luckily, with a little effort, the process can be quick and straightforward. All you have to do is rinse the bristles to remove any lingering makeup, swirl the brushes in a bowl of lukewarm water and soap, rinse, and repeat until the bristles appear to be debris free. Make sure to remove any excess water from the bristles and lay them out to dry before using them again.
Ultimately, the glow up guide to summer skin is what YOU make of it. But, by following these tips, you’ll be readily prepared for the new season and maintain a healthy complexion all season long!
For more information on seasonal skincare tips, check out this infographic!
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