Each month I will dedicate a segment to trending topics and the questions you have posed. If you need advice on makeup, styling, or tattoos, please feel free to place a comment in the Ask Glamma section of my blog, or e-mail your thoughts.
From Kathleen in Vancouver, B.C.: “What about doing one on expiration dates on beauty products …. Anyway, it’s just a thought as many often wonder if the expiration date on beauty supplies (and shampoo) is put there to get you to buy more or should it really be listened to.”
A: Expiration dates ARE important to pay attention to. On the bottom or label of cosmetic products there is a symbol (pictured below) for expiration dates. Once opened, you should use the product within the specified time. If your cosmetics begin to smell that is never a good sign. The longer you keep a product, the larger the risk of bacterial infection.
A general rule to follow: Mascara and liquid eye liners replace every few months, eye creams and facial moisturizers every 6-8 months, liquid cosmetics such as foundations, lip-gloss and lip color annually, lip and eye pencils 1-2 years, and powdered products such as shadow, foundation powders, and blush can be stored for up to 3 years.
From Donna in San Diego, California; “Do I really have to change my mascara every few months? I like the way the mascara goes on my lashes after a few months. …. Is it OK for my friends to use my makeup?”
A: So many girls hold on to mascara for too long, and old mascara is not like aging fine wine. There are many great a thickening mascaras on the market including my personal favorite Benefit’s Bad Gal Lash.
Eyes are very susceptible to infection, so I don’t encourage the sharing of makeup such as mascara or lip products. Mascara wands pick up bacteria from your lashes and place them back in to a nice moist dark environment. Not to sound like a nagging parent, but do you really know where your friend’s mouth has been? Sharing makeup is similar to sharing a toothbrush.
From Danielle in Toronto, Ontario; “I have been invited to take part in a makeup event. I was going to support my girlfriend who doesn’t want to go alone. Is there any obligation to purchase?”
A: Before going to a cosmetic event, take inventory of what you have in your makeup case and write down the top three items that need replacement. It is easy to get caught up in the “hype and excitement” of a makeup event. It is considered proper etiquette to purchase a few items in lieu of your makeup lesson. I always equate having an in store makeup lesson to that of going out for dinner. If you choose to have a meal and sample the food, you should be prepared to pay for what you have in front of you. A 45-minute makeup lesson is your appetizer, a drink, and a small salad.
Question from Jamie in Atlanta, Georgia; “Can you give any tips on how to make eyes “pop” while wearing glasses? I have several friends who wear glasses but don’t want to have to cake on tons of eye makeup just to get their eyes seen.”
A: Put aside the myth that boys don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses. Your peepers are prime for showcasing a wide array of colors. Don’t be afraid to venture in to using vibrant violets, breath-taking blues, or warm bronze colors to create a smokey eye. Just use the technique laid out on creating a smokey eye.Tricks of the Trade: The Smokey Eye Replace your black gel liner and black shadow with a color. Makeup Forever, Stila, and Bobbi Brown have gel liners in colors such as plum, blue and green. So go ahead, and show the girls in the office who can be the alluring girl behind those mysterious specs.
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