Fusion Beauty Blog by Product Expert Heather Boswell

MAKEUP MAKEOVER IV

Today will turn our attention to mascara. The rule : Sorry girls,  after three months, it's time to go. Pumping the wand into the tube adds air to the product, drying it out and promoting bacterial growth. I used to have a drawer full because I could never find one that covered all the bases. And have you ever tried one of those double ended mascaras with the white stuff on one end that you have to wait to dry before applying the color? Ugh!  Now, I have ONE mascara...I think you know which one it is. It's weather resistant, water resistant, conditioning, strengthening, thickening, lengthening and the color is totally rich. I wear it everywhere. I went fishing with my kids last weekend. Had my mascara on. (of course!) Swimming...yup. To the gym, you bet. I would say the only time I don't wear mascara is when I go to sleep. Oh and by the way...I am a huge fan of the makeup remover wipe. Takes my LashFusion off in two seconds.

Ahhh...that does feel better. Everything is nice and new in pretty, clean packages and I can actually SEE what I have. Because it's all about beauty right? My quality products look beautiful in the drawer and in my organized makeup bag that I am not ashamed to pull out of my handbag. And..I use every carefully selected item. (because if you can't find them you won't use them and if you don't use them they don't work!)

MAKEUP MAKEOVER III

Powdered products can last for over a year so I have a little flexibility here. I am choosing two blushes and 6 eyeshadows on top of the stuff I use every day. Now the criteria here is that they have to be something I have used in the last 6 months. Done.  One pink mosaic and one peachy coral. Now here is the tough part. Eyeliner pencils and cream shadows are only good for 6 months! Hardly enough time to use them. I am keeping black, brown and grey liners and everything else, all those fun colors that I thought I would wear but never have...gone! I only have one cream shadow in a bisque color so yay, I get to keep it.

Almost done....Finally the lips. Have you ever noticed that we tend to buy the same color over and over again in different packaging and different consistencies? Most women do. We are naturally attracted to colors that look good on us (in clothing too) so if you find you have lots of one shade then it is likely a good one for you. This step is easy for me. I haven't used lipstick in 3 years. Not one. And this statement from a makeup artist who collected every lipstick color on earth...just in case. I got rid of any unused tubes to my sister, my mom and some girlfriends but since they only last one to two years before they should be disposed of I threw the rest away. I have my favorite LipFusion Color Shines, a few pencils and two Liquid Lipsticks. These are great because they are like having your plumper, lipstick, lip pencil and gloss all in one. Hooray for the ultimate multi-tasker!

MAKEUP MAKEOVER II

Happy 4th of July!!

Okay we're on day two of our makeup make-over and today I have to sort out the stuff that I DON'T use every day. Should be easy right? Easy to determine what I don't use but how to decide what to throw away? Starting with Foundation. I do have a couple colors kicking around because I used to switch up my foundation every season before I started using my current foundation with customized color that activates to my perfect shade. (So easy) I seem to have wow, 3 bottles here. Cha-ching! That's a huge amount of money I am now saving but throwing them away? Here's the rule: Upon opening, liquid foundation has a shelf life of one year. Keep sponges, brushes or your fingertips clean when applying to prevent contamination. Bye bye. All three bottles are over a year old. At least I won't be making that mistake anymore.

Moving on to powder. I have a translucent powder here. Not using it anymore because I switched up to  SkinFusion mineral powder so I am getting mineral benefits at the same time. You know me...always the mulit-tasker. If I am using a powder then it had better do more than just give color. So, although powders can be stored for up to 2 years, I NEVER use this so it is gone. Same goes for my old bronzer. I can't remember the last time I used it. Again, I have switched to a bronzer with vitamin and anti-oxidant benefits as well as great color so this old one just won't cut it. Into the bin it goes.

Next time we will get into color...lips and eyes. Do we really need 5000 colors?

MAKEUP MAKEOVER

Well, it’s July. Finished your Spring Cleaning? Yeah, me neither! Although I have read a few articles on how to de-clutter, simplify, feng shui or whatever term you choose to use to perfect your home or closet. Haven't DONE it yet but I think I may start with my makeup drawer...well drawers actually as it seems to be spilling over into any available storage space I have in my bathroom.

Today we will start by PRIORITIZING. You know, sorting out the stuff you use every day and can't live without. This should be easy because it is likely right on top. Okay, I've got my maintenance products: LiftFusion, SkinFusion Brightener and LipFusion XL. Then for my daily makeup routine: foundation, powder, brow powder, eye shadow, liner, lash treatment, blusher and bronzer, lip pencil and plumper and an assortment of lip colors. Done.

Everything else is going into the "to be sorted" pile and I will deal with it "tomorrow". Hmmm...coffee smells good. Think I'll take a break.