Natural cosmetics lack the chemical preservatives contained in their conventional cousins and, therefore, they require more of an attentive care routine. No one likes the moment when they have to throw their favorite shade of lipstick in the trash. Getting the most out of your products generally boils down to two key things: sanitation and proper storage. If you want to ensure the optimum longevity of your favorite products, try following these simple guidelines.

Coming Clean

Sanitization is sacred when it comes to makeup maintenance. There are many things that can go wrong when using dirty cosmetics. The spread of bacteria not only reduces the shelf-life of products, but can cause rashes and infections. How do you know when your makeup has gone off? In liquid makeup, the oil will rise to the surface and consistency of the product will thicken. Powder makeup will begin to clump together. Eye makeup is one of the biggest culprits of transmitting infections and for this reason eye liners and mascaras should be replaced regularly (approx. every 3 months). Lipsticks to leave behind will no longer look creamy on the lips and we all know what a bad nail polish looks like. It’s a little more tricky to tell with skincare, so it’s best to follow the general rule of replacing products every six months. With that in mind, always wash your hands before applying makeup (or skincare), keep all containers clean and sealed, and never touch applicators to an unhygienic surface (including a dirty face).

Brush Hygiene

Weekly washes of your makeup brushes are a must. Whenever you use them, bits of makeup, oil, bacteria, and even dirt get trapped in the bristles. By leaving brushes shower-less, not only do you risk clogged pores and breakouts, but you’ll decrease the long life your products had looked forward to. The horror! Here’s what you gotta do: spot clean brushes after each use by spraying them with a mixture of one part alcohol and three parts water. After you have sprayed them, wipe them clean on a fresh paper towel. Bacteria has no chance of building up inside your brush this way. Once or twice a week do a more thorough cleanse with olive oil (keeps the brushes soft) and dish soap(keeps them clean). Add the two ingredients into a little bowl with water and swirl makeup brushes inside. Finish by rinsing with warm water. Also: Wash beauty blenders and makeup sponges before using them.

Location, Location, Location

Searching for a cool dark place may make you feel reptilian, but this is one thing cosmetics and crocodiles have in common. Even though the bathroom seems like the most logical, convenient place to keep your products, it is actually by far the worst. The heat and humidity characteristic of the bathroom environment is a perfect breeding ground for foundation destroying bacteria. Pretty much all makeup would be better off in the fridge or in a cool drawer or cabinet inside your room. This includes everything from lipstick, liquid foundations and coverups, to mascara, nail polish, and even perfume.

How Long is Too Long?

Knowing when to toss your beloved products is half the battle. I know the impulse to want to use your daily lotion until the last drop. The truth is, however, that you might be doing yourself more harm health-wise than you are saving money. The golden rule for natural cosmetics is 6 months (but only 3 months for mascaras). That’s right, 6 short months after opening your product, either you’ve finished it or you toss it. This is why you should avoid stockpiling cosmetics, instead getting the ones you know you will use, and doing so promptly after purchasing them. Look for an expiration date on the package or follow the golden rule for knowing when to ditch. If something smells rank but you know you’re within the time frame, the sniff test rarely fails to tell you when it’s time to move on.

Revival & Repurposing Techniques

-old nail polish can be revived by adding a couple drops of acetone based nail polish remover.
-broken lipstick can be fixed by melting the broken edge, setting, and then leaving in the fridge over night. (or for extra fun find a little jar in which you can mix two melted colors together to create a new fabulous exclusive shade not available in shops)
-use an old mascara brush (after thorough cleansing) as a brand new brow brush
– mix sparkly eye shadow with clear polish to create a new nail color.
-get the last few drops of lip gloss (or liquid lipstick) out of the container by leaving it in a glass of hot water and waiting for the remainder to drip to the botom.
-mix the last few drops of an old perfume with an unscented lotion to created a perfumed body lotion.