I’ve been trying to wear more of my lipstick collection lately, but I found it hard after realizing how dry my lips were. There’s really one major rule to wearing lipstick — you just can’t pull it off on dry lips!

I’ve heard great things about the Mint Julips lip scrub from LUSH, but I just could bring myself to buy it. As much as I love LUSH, I thought this was something simple that I could make myself.

Here’s what I used:

• 1 empty container
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil (or try jojoba!)
• A few drops of honey

That’s it! You can play around with the oil and make sure you have enough after you stir it together. The oil hydrates while the sugar exfoliates, and the honey has beneficial properties as well but I just like the aftertaste it leaves. No more dry lips!

I recommend following up with your favorite lip balm before any lipstick, and it’ll look even better.

Have you ever made your own lip scrub, or do you prefer to buy?

There’s a challenge within the beauty community called Project 10 Pan. In essence, the goal is to “hit pan” (or get to the bottom) of 10 beauty products from your collection before buying more.

It’s a great idea. But you have to stop and think…this really labelled as a challenge? It is. And some girls have a hard time with it.

Project 10 Pan should be how we always approach our beauty collection. Here’s why:

• You use what you have. So instead of buying a 4th mascara, you’re using one you already have until it’s empty.
• You save money. Only buying make-up when you run out of something allows you to largely widen the span in which you’re shopping for make-up.
• You can evaluate items. Using something longer means you can really evaluate the product and whether or not it should be in your collection in the first place.
• You have more space. Running out before you buy more means you’ll have a solution to your makeup storage problem.
• You have less waste. Those shadows you have had in your collection for the past six years are expired because they weren’t used fast enough.

I’m an advocator of only having one of anything except for eye shadows, as that’s how I’ve always been. When I run out of mascara, I go out and buy another one. It’s minimalist beauty! I can fit my entire collection in one bag for travel, if needed. You can view my collection briefly here.

But if you have doubles of items, at least allow yourself to run out of a few things before your next shopping trip. It’s better for your wallet, the environment, and probably your skin.

Have you ever tried Project 10 Pan? Or do you already purchase make up modestly?

Image source: 1

★★★★★

Scent: This actually doesn’t smell very…intriguing. However, consider what it’s formulated without: parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and a whole bunch of other things you should avoid putting onto your skin every day. Those important points considered, I can’t complain about them leaving the scent as it is!

Application: The application of this cleanser is what makes me a fan. This stuff works like magic and not only cleans dirt and oil off of your face, but takes off even the most stubborn makeup. I’ve been able to stop buying my makeup remover wipes and keep this in the shower, allowing me to wash my face in one step instead of two and saving my trash can from overflowing with makeup remover wipes. I’ve been looking for a product to help me do this for weeks! I’m a huge Origins fan, but not even their cleansers were removing my mascara. Sorry Origins, I’m sticking with this cleanser.

Price: It’s pricey… I had to take off a star for it. If it were slightly cheaper it would be perfect, but paying $18 for a little tube is kind of steep. On the positive side I only need a tiny amount to wash everything off of my face (see the second picture!) so this will last a while. One final recommendation, check eBay before picking this up at Sephora to save a few bucks!

Final Thoughts

Most of my skin care is from Origins because I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my skin since switching. However, their cleansers weren’t cutting it for my nighttime face wash routine.

I stumbled across the FAB cleanser after borrowing it from my sister this Christmas and was shocked at how perfectly it cleansed my face and that the ingredients were marked for sensitive skin. Figuring out it was only available from Sephora and for $18 was disappointing… But unless there is a cheaper alternative this is the new staple in my routine. I highly recommend it for those with sensitive skin, or anyone who wants to skin the makeup remover in their routine!

Start the new year right this year by going through your make up stash! As most of us realize, make up has an expiration date. Make up can breed bacteria, even if you’re careful and hygienic when applying.

The chances of you catching some life threatening bacteria are slim, but you can avoid acne, skin irritation, and common infections such as pink eye if you take proper care of what you’re putting on your face. If you haven’t hit your collection up in a while, the new year may be the perfect time to toss questionable items.

Here are some expiration dates to be aware of:

• Powders and shadows: 2 years
• Cream shadows: 12 to 18 months
• Foundation: 1 year
• Lipstick & lipliner: 1 year
• Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months
• Nail polish: 1 to 2 years

Don’t forget to clean your brushes and other make up tools:

• Brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent, and spot clean more frequently with brush solution spray
• Sponges: Replace weekly, or buy a re-usable washable sponge. I use this one from Sonia Kashuk as it works well, costs less, and is reusable if you wash it well after each use!

To more easily remember when you bought something, you can write the purchase date on the bottom with a permanent marker. Keep in mind that these numbers apply only to make up and has been opened and used at least once.

You can extend the life of your make up by always using hygenic practices such as washing hands with soap and water before application, using sanitized tools to dip into pots, and using indirect application when possible.

When was the last time you cleaned up your make up? Are you going through it now, and do you have any tips to share?

Image source: 1