Beauty Product Tips : Common Beauty Questions Answered

Here are some questions that we ask ourselves on a regular basis. Read these beauty product tips.

1. Some creams come with a thin plastic lid under the cover. Should I keep it or toss it?

Keep it. Exposure to light and air breaks down many active ingredients, including vitamin C and retinol, making them inert. Also, store these products in a cool, dark place to help maintain their efficacy.

2. I add water to my shampoo to make it last longer. Will it clean as well?

If it’s a concentrated shampoo that really lathers up (and takes a lot of water to rinse out), there’s no harm in adding water. A nonsudsy shampoo could become too watered down to remove oils.

3. How often do I need to wash my makeup brushes?

Many experts agree that once a month is fine. Dip the brush in warm, soapy water—use shampoo or a mild bar soap. Rinse it, blot the brush with a clean towel, then use a blow-dryer to dry the bristles gently.

4. Should I toss out my lipstick after having a cold?

No. You can use it safely after having a cold because that virus should die quickly. Plus, it can’t reinfect you. Your body has built up antibodies against the virus. But strep throat is another story. These bacteria may be able to survive longer. So throw out the lipstick or you may risk reinfection.

5. I keep my cleansing puff in the shower. Does it matter if it never fully dries out between uses?

Yes. Moisture that lingers in a puff can be a breeding ground for bacteria. So after rinsing it, let it dry completely by taking it out of the shower and hanging it on a hook. Or, if you are extremely motivated, microwave it for 30 seconds between uses.

6. Is it OK to store sunscreen or a lip balm with SPF in a glove compartment?

No, especially during summer. Once the car heats up in the sun, high temperatures can cause the sunscreen’s active ingredients to degrade right in the container. And the lip balm will melt, to boot. When you apply a degraded sunscreen or balm to your skin, you’re not getting the SPF that’s indicated on the bottle. In fact, you might be applying nothing more than a thick moisturizer.