saving face

Streamline your beauty bag, and sanitize before you glamorize.

› By Angelique Anacleto

Would you want a professional glam squad using expired, crumbly cosmetics or grimy tools on you? If the answer is no, then it’s time to get real about what’s in your makeup bag.

Instead of beautifying, microbefilled makeup and soiled tools can wreak havoc on complexions, causing irritation, redness, rash and even infections. Just ask Ocala dermatologist Dr. Ashley Cauthen of MidState Skin Institute.

“When expired makeup starts to grow bacteria, smearing or brushing that onto skin increases the likelihood of [an] acne breakout,” Cauthen says. “Additionally, as ingredients break down or fluids separate, degraded product exposes free radical pollutants that cause rapid aging.”

Cauthen’s solution for shining up makeup tools is simple and easy: “I just use a little bit of shampoo and allow 24 hours to fully dry.”

As beauty resolutions go, replenishing products also encourages routine freshening of your look during the upcoming year.

Time Checklist

For max results, stick to these timelines for keeping cosmetics in top condition.

EYES liquid eyeliner, mascara: 3-6 months

LIPS lipgloss: 1 year, lipstick: 3 years

PENCILS

Sharpen before each use. eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip liner: 3 years

Hack Checks

› On packaging, look for a Period After Opening (PAO) open-lidded jar icon followed by a number, like 6m, signifying a six-month lifespan.

› Batch codes on packaging also refer to dates of production but are not as userfriendly when determining expiration.

› Mark your own start date and end date on the product using a permanent marker, or tuck a tiny notebook in your cosmetics bag for logging dates.

LIQUIDS sunscreen: 1 year, or check expiration date; primer, concealer, foundation: 2 years; skincare formulas: 3 months to 1 year, as antioxidants quickly lose potency; lotions: 2-3 years for pump containers

› Store tightly in a cool, dry and dark location.

› Dispose after noticeable changes in color, odor or consistency.

› Refrain from adding liquids unless directed.

CREAMS

STICKS

POWDERS eyeshadow, blush: 12 to 18 months concealer, blush, highlighter: 1 year eyeshadow: 3 years eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, highlighter: 2 years pressed or loose powder: 3 years

› Swab lipsticks with alcohol before each use.

› Wash hands before applying makeup.

Going App

TOOLS

Cleanse with a mild detergent. beautyblender sponge, airbrush stylus: after each use; makeup brush (natural hair or synthetic), shadow applicator: weekly

For free digital reminders on when to discard: Tell Me When app (Android) displays remaining time. My Cosmetic LifeSpan app (Android) constructs your beauty list by name, brand, start date and expiration.

When 71-year-old Jack Hillesland began having trouble breathing in October 2016, his wife drove him straight to the emergency room at Munroe Regional Medical Center. His breathing only got worse once he arrived.

“Long story short, my heart was in bad shape, and I had to have quadruple bypass surgery,” Jack says. “I was given such great care.”

Jack’s wife, Jenna, stayed by his side through the two weeks he was in the hospital, and his son and daughter visited. He remembers the doctors and nurses at MRMC taking the time to answer all of