Rules of Thumb (or brush) Vol. 1

1)NEVER wear red clothing when attempting to try on/purchase lipstick. (Orange and pink clothes are also a no-no...sorry).
2)Be aware that the word "TESTER" means that product has most likely been exposed to fingers and mouths before yours. Hygiene is the way to go. Yay!
3)Cosmetic brushes are to be washed regularly (at least every 2 weeks) to avoid transfer of dirt, dead skin, bacteria, and oils back onto your clean skin. Think about it...YUCK. Wash them with cosmetic brush cleaner or baby shampoo.
4)The purpose of foundation is to match and even out your skin. We do not purchase foundation that is a different color than our skin. When we match, we can avoid our face and neck being 2 different colors. Bronzer is used to make us look more tan...please always mind your neck.
5)Make sure your skin is properly exfoliated and hydrated before applying makeup. No makeup will ever look good if your skin isn't healthy. Ever.
6)You must not get sentimental about your cosmetics! Throw them away if you're not using them or if they smell funny. If it is a liquid item, one year is almost too long and these types of cosmetics/skincare have shelf-lives and can go bad and cause infection and irritation. Dry products have longer shelf life but can be just as dirty if your not washing your brushes or not using clean fingers. Anything with sunscreen has a shelf life of one year only. After 1 yr, the SPF is no longer effective.
7)Mascaras (each) should be in your life for 3-5 months. Thats it. I don't care if it was $50. They eye doctor will cost way more. Throw it away. Now.
8)DO NOT go to bed with your makeup on. Each offense costs you irreversible aging.
9)Exfoliating everyday can be irritating and too harsh for most skin types. Alternate days with your regular face wash.
10)Use sunscreen...everyday...for the love of your youth! Its never too late.