[Steam]

It's a lie. Heh.

Anything that's not waterproof tends to smudge on my face, including eyeliner or eyeshadow. I think I rub my eyes a lot.

[Fey]

ah, then you need a makeup fixative. I like the Ben Nye Final Seal. It's a spray(that smells a lot like Listerine....) that you put on after your makeup is on and it'll help keep it in place even with rubbing and touching. It stings a bit due to alcohol content, but I've used it on full face makeup and daily makeup and it's great.

[Steam]

Oh, dear. Does it do anything to your skin?

[Fey]

not that I've ever noticed, but I have a pretty strict skin care regiment.... So, to be safe I'd say make sure after washing it off your face use a lotion/moisturizer that works well for your skin to negate any drying affects.

[Steam]

That's probably the best idea. I don't use a lot of moisturizers, I'm worried they'll increase the oil content of my face. I try to keep the acne at bay.

What type of moisturizers do you use?

[Fey]

Ah, yes. This is why I have a strict regiment, I had terrible acne. I use an oil control lotion by Mary Kay, but I know a lot of companies make them. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser(not bar soap), use an astringent to get excess oils off, and then put on my moisturizer. Believe it or not, by moisturizing you're preventing your body from making it's own oil, so it helps a LOT against that.

[Steam]

Naturally I don't have a lot of acne, though my face tends to dry out easily. I use Proactiv to protect against the normal acne that might occur.

And I did not know that about moisturizing! That's useful, I'll use that.

You know so much~! @w@

[Fey]

hung out with a mary kay lady for yeeeeeeeeeears, you learn a lot that way LOL

[Steam]

Heh. I was thinking you might be a make-up artist or saleswoman. I will now come to you with any make up questions!

[Fey]

my best friend is a makeup artist, if I have costume/theatrical questions I go to her. But no, I don't sell this stuff, I buy waaaaaaaay too much.

[Ishu]

I have much more makeup then I need- and I don't even use most of it. I always stick with neutral colors as anything else looks WONKY on me.

• Mascara
• Eyeliner (sometimes I use eyeshadow as eyeliner
• 3-4 Eyeshadows (browns)
• Liquid Concealer

I'm too lazy to go get it all out and check the brands. I have noticed that most makeup from, er, I can't remember what it's called. >> It's not mary kay but another magazine seller. Anyway, most of their makeup ends up being very disappointing for me.

I only wear makeup when I go to work, have an interview, special occasion, stuff like that. ^^

[Arikana]

I don't have any makeup at all. :'D

I really don't like taking the apply the stuff on, and I don't believe it's necessary at all as natural beauty is much more beautiful than some cosmetic crap. ^_^;;

[Leirana]

I only use make-up for special occasions, like parties, anniversaries or the big event, Halloween. Maybe a bit of lipstick on daily basis and powder but I don't like drowning myself in it. Like Arikana said, natural beauty is better than cosmetics products ^ ^

[Rinni]

Does anyone here know what the shelflife is of makeup / how to tell if it's gone bad?

I found a bag of make-up in my room; dun remember when I got it. >.<

[Ishu]

You are SUPPOSED to get new makeup every month but from what I have noticed 1 year is the longest you should really keep it.

[Fey]

It depends on a few things, contrary to popular opinion it's rare for makeup to truely go bad.

1) is it dry or liquid makeup?
~liquid makeup can go bad faster
2) Do you store it in a cool, dark location?
~humidity and light can affect shelf life
3) Do you use clean brushes each time you use it?
~reusing brushes can build up bacteria

This being said, I've had makeup for YEARS with no negative affect because I ask myself these questions and try to keep them in mind. I never store them in a humid location, I use disposable/cleanable brushes, and I rarely keep liquid makeup(excluding foundation) longer than a year.

Another good way to judge is to open it and try it. If it's a dry makeup does it still come out smoothly on an applicator? If not, toss. Does it smell funny? If so, toss.