When does Makeup Expire

Letting go of makeup is hard to do, but at some point it has to be done. Makeup has an expiration date, Here's a quick guide on the shelf lives of some beauty products.

When Does Makeup Expire? by iheartlablush featuring nars cosmetics

Mascara: 3 to 4 months, although I'd throw it out at 3 since mascara is the most common place for bacteria to grow.

Eyeshadow: powder 2years, cream 12-18months

Concealer: up to 1year.
 Foundation: oil free foundation 6-12months, cream 18months
Lipstick & Lipgloss: 1-2 years
 Eyeliner: liquid 3-4months, pencil can last up to 3years
Blush & Bronzer: Powder blush & bronzers 2 years, cream ones 6 to 9months
Nail Polish: 1year
Makeup Brushes: 2 years, make sure you wash and care for your brushes.

 

Try  labeling your beauty products with the date of first use. This will help you know how long you've been using a product and when it's time to throw it out.

 

Tips: Lashes

From singles to strips, I'm totally obsessed with false lashes.
I'm guilty of wearing them almost everyday, I just love how they make your eyes stand out.
The downside of using false lashes, is that over time the glue damages your natural eyelashes, causing them to fall out, so taking care of your natural lashes is a must! even if you don't use false lashes like I do, you still need to take care of your lashes.

Foundation: 3 mistakes you want to avoid

              

1.       Using the wrong foundation type

There are different types of foundations textures such as liquid, powder, stick (more of a matte) and cream, the right way to choose the perfect one for you is by your skin type.

-          Dry skin try a liquid foundation which will give your hydrate your skin and give it a nice glow.

-          Oily skin you want something lighter like a mousse foundation, powder  this will help reduce the appearance of oil

2. Wrong Foundation color:

    Using  a foundation that is  darker or lighter than your skin makes it look unnatural and almost mask like, make sure you apply your foundation under good lighting  and also choose the correct foundation shade.

3. Applying foundation with out a primer

  Remember “ to not prime is a crime” – Napoleon Perdis

You must always apply primer before using foundation this helps hydrate your skin and helps prevent clogged pores, this also helps your foundation look fresh and stay on longer.

PS: make sure you don't over apply foundation making it look thick on your face, this will overall affect your look, and the way your face feels.

Coconut oil face scrub..

I have recently started breaking out, and my face wash wasn’t exactly helping, so I decide to Try something different, I have been using coconut oil & baking soda 3 times a week, and it’s working!, I was a bit skeptical since my skin can get really oily, but after doing a little research and trying it out, it doesn’t make my skin disgusting oily, see oil actually dissolves oil, and your skin needs natural oils.

Its good to detox your skin, from all the pollutants in the air, facial washes, moisturizers, ect. And by using natural ingredients you are allowing your skin to be clean, and to breathe, and to be able to do its job. Baking soda is a soft natural abrasive that gently exfoliate your skin while absorbing excess oil and contaminants that are hidden in your skin, while coconut oil is a very light, anti-microbial oil loaded with vitamin E and omega 3's which your skin will absorb well and will allow your pores to breathe. Making it a perfect combination for your skin.


What you need:
¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
½ tablespoon Coconut oil
Warm Water
cloth

Directions:

Put a warm towel over your face to open up your pores, Mix the teaspoon and coconut oil, as you rub the oil in your hands it will become liquid and rub gently all over your face
(If you scrub hard, your skin will over-produce more oils almost immediately.) let it sit for a few minutes then rinse with warm water.
Your skin will feel sooo soft

Tips: how to save your broken eyeshadow

This is by far one of the BEST tips ever…

Have you ever dropped a blush, eyeshadow or powder compact?, total mess right?
Well now instead of carrying in a ziplock bag or throwing it away, you can save it.
All you need is rubbing alcohol… amazing right!!

You Need:
Rubbing alcohol
Spoon
Medicine Dropper

1. with the dropper add a few drops of the rubbing alcohol to the powder & let it soak in.

2. Press the powder with the back of a spoon.

3. Let it dry out for a day or two

& that’s it!!, 3 simple steps to get it back to normal & mess free, don’t worry it is safe for your eyes, the alcohol evaporates with in 1-2 days.


XOXO,
Zarahi

Holiday must: Cranberries

I love homemade face masks, and with thanksgiving just around the corner, I will be stocking up on some cranberries, and not just eat but also to make an amazing
Anti-aging face mask, put those extra cranberries to an amazing use, Cranberries are amazing for your skin, they help fight free radicals that can cause wrinkles, and they also help keep your skin moisturized, this mask is filled with vitamin A & C.

What you need:
1. 1cup of fresh cranberries
2. 2teaspoons of grapefruit juice
3. 1cup seedless red grapes
4. 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin
5. old tshirt (cranberries may stain your clothes when u apply the facemask)



1- blend all the ingredients, make sure the grapes & cranberries are washed, puree them until they look like a paste.
2- let it sit in the refrigerator for about 40mins (so that it gets thicker)
3- let it sit out for a few minutes.
4. make sure your face is clean & wear an old T-shirt
5- apply the mask once it is at room temperature.
6- relax for 15mins then rinse with warm water.

Nude lips

I love a nude lips, and as my luck would have it I found the perfect shade & then lost it, so instead of making another trip to the store, I made some at home.
Here is a quick way to use what you already have in your make up bag, mix & enjoy!
What you need:
empty container, concealer, brush, clear lipgloss, pink lisptick (optional)


1.grab a bit of concealer (always a shade or two lighter then your actual skin tone )
2.in an empty container mix it with clear lipgloss
3.mix it with a bursh until its creamy
(if you want add a bit off soft pink lipstick)
4.exfoliate & moisture your lips
5.apply!


PS: don’t apply the concealer directly on your lips!!

How to create the perfect pout

Here are a few tips to help you get that perfect pout.

1.Exfoliate your lips then apply a hydrating lip balm (try doing it before you apply lipstick, lipgloss)
2. don’t have a scrub? Try using a disposable mascara wand & lip balm (or Vaseline)
3. ALWAYS apply a hydrating lip balm (or lip primer) before applying lipstick.
4. Want to tone down the bright lipstick? – try mixing a small amount of liquid foundation; this will tone down the color as well as make it last longer.
5. Use a lip brush to get a precise application (try using a square eyeliner brush, it will give u a lot of definition)
6. winter is almost here, this cold weather causes your lips to dry up ( try mixing a bit of lemon juice to your lip balm, this will help exfoliate your lips)
7. Invest in a good lip liner, there is nothing worst then a dry lip liner.
8. Invest in a lip primer, this will help keep your lips moisturized
9. Apply lip liner all over your lips, this will help keep the color all day & night.
10. Apply your lipstick/ lip gloss in a vertical movement, (if your lips have deep lines, this will help to hide them instead of highlighting them)

Just like your face and eyes, your lips also need especial care & prep, so investing in a few extra lip products, will make a HUGE difference.
3 things to always have
Lip primer
a good lip balm
lip scrub (or make one at home, its easy & inexpensive)

5 tips: Mascara

Great lashes are a must, and if you’re like me and have horrible short flat lashes or get those nasty clumps, here are a few tips to help keep them looking good & clump-free.
1. Always use a eyelash curler if using mascara. (before NEVER after)
2. try a hot eyelash curler (heat them up with a blowdryer) it helps keep them in place & curled.
3. If applying two coats of mascara make sure you do it before the first coat dries otherwise you’ll get those nasty clumps.

4. Do not pump the mascara wand, it dries up the mascara, which will make it flake & clump up.


5. Wipe your mascara wand on a clean tissue before applying it to your lashes.

try using waterproof mascara, it’s less clumpy & holds the curl better.
at night apply either Vaseline or jojoba oil to your lashes (or even coconut oil!). it helps nourish your lashes.

5 quick tips to help get that picture perfect look

                                         5 quick tips
I love taking pictures, so when my makeup looks good & doesn’t show on the pic, it kinda ruins it.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure the picture comes out as amazing.

1. Make sure your foundation is free of any SPF, the SPF will make you look washed out.
2. Contour & highlight your face, this will make a HUGE difference in your pictures.
3. If using fake lashes, add liquid liner to the strip before putting the glue on (& make sure you are using a good glue)
4. Apply your concealer after foundation, that way the foundation won’t rub off & you can see where you need the extra coverage.
5. make sure your eyebrows well groomed & not over plucked, they make a big difference.


Please make sure you have the proper lighting, that makes a HUGE difference.

see the difference?? lighting makes a HUGE difference in your pics.

Quick hair tip

Even after you wash your hair, you still have build up from all the products that we put in our hair, shampoo & conditioner included, to help remove product build up, Before getting into the shower, comb your hair(dry) this helps break down the buildup. Then apply your regular shampoo while your hair is still DRY. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.
This will help leave your hair clean & shiny.

DIY Conditioning masks for dry/ damaged hair

I love treating my hair to a deep conditioning hair mask, after all it goes through a lot during the week, from  a hair straightner, curler, blow drier & too many products.

A conditioning mask helps not only relax my hair but also my mind.. those minutes you spend before you rinse are just that relaxing. Below are some do it at home hair masks if you don't want to purchase some.

Hair Rescue Mask 

You will need the following:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons light olive oil
• 4 drops essential oil of peppermint
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 
  

Mix all the ingredients in a blender( or food processor) blend until you have a smooth mixture, next  apply the entire mixture and massage it into your scalp and hair. Put on a shower cap (or wrap your hair in a old towel) and leave the mixture on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.

Banana mask 

 You will need the following one

• 1 banana
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 5 tablespoons olive oil

Next spread the mixture through your hair and wrap your hair around & leave it on for  about 15 to 30 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Keeping your skin smooth

I love the winter, the snow, the hot chocolate by the fire place, holidays.. all of it! but I do hate dry skin. As the temperature gets colder my skin gets drier and drier, So below are a few tips to help keep that skin smooth & silky.. none of this rough skin I'm sure we all hate.

- Make sure to moisturize after every shower & hand wash!!

-If you use hand sanitizer like no other (I am soo guilty of this) make sure its also moisturizing.

-Exfoliate!!!  Do it once a week  ( personally i do it twice, it is ah-mazing for ur skin)

-Try putting lotion or body butter on ur hands and feet then putting saran wrap (& socks) let em sit there for about 20mins or over night.. your skin will be SMOOTH

-Make sure you drink H20

-Omega 3 fish oil pills are great for your skin

-Avoid soaps that dry up your skin.

KEEP YOUR SKIN MOISTURIZED this winter <3

Tips: pimples

Who doesn't hate pimples. They seem to turn up at the worst of times.. While we are getting ready for a first date, big presentation, prom,wedding, ect.

Well here are a few tips to help reduce the chance of getting pimples.

1. Stop touching your face. We are all guilty of it, try to minimize it and make sure your hands are clean!

2. Wash your face at least twice a day.

3.Use a PH-balanced Face wash.

4. Facials!, try doing a facial once a week.

5. A healthy diet, make sure to eat foods high in fiber.

6. Avoid junk food and caffeine.

7. Drink lots of H20.

8. Try & reduce the stress in your life.

9. If you use products, like lotions and/or makeup, look for ones that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic,(that means that they won't clog your pores.)

<3 Z

Makeup at the gym DO or DON'T?

This past weeks have been crazy since my body decided to get sick, if it wasn't one thing it was something else. Horrible but today I decided to start getting back to my routine. I got up early and went to the gym. Now I normally only wear a bit of waterproof mascara to the gym and nothing else, this morning I looked like I had seen a ghost so I decided to wear a bit of loose powder and blush (the pale/yellow skin tone is not my thing).

At my gym a majority of the girls wear makeup and I mean the works, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick some even fake lashes. Now personally I cant do it. (my pores would be going crazy & the runny makeup is nowhere near cute) but thats me, everyone is different and if you need makeup at the gym go for it. I mean realistically we have our days where we look amazing without a drop of makeup (Like J.Lo) and sometimes we have our days where we look like the living dead. (Jessica Simpson) So this got me thinking, makeup at the gym is it a do or don't??, what do you think??

Fall 2011 Trend: Natural Look

Fast, natural and refreshing, The nude look is in for this fall.
As Calvin Klein once said "The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural"
I love the natural look, all you need is foundation a nit of blush on the apple of your cheeks, mascara to make your eyes stand out, light eyeshadow (if you wish) and soft lipstick/lipgloss. below are some amazing nude looks.

Versace

Gucci

Fall 2011 : Vampy Lips

Fall is seriously around the corner! and with this heat, Im kinda glad.
So with the fall near, I'm super super excited for the new looks we will be seeing this fall.
One of my Favorites is the bold lips(vampy lips), which I think NEVER goes out of style. I love hot pinks, reds, magentas, oranges and I'm now just falling in love with the blackberry bold lips.
I hope to see a lot of you sporting this sexy trend!
below are my favorite colors.

Tea Tree oil

Growing up my mom always had me use tea tree oil (she is a trader joe's junkie) and I have to admit minus the nasty smell, it is ah-mazing. So below are a few pros & cons of this amazing & natural product.

Pros:
-cleans skin
-prevents &control break-outs
-doesn't irritate your skin
-leaves skin soft


Cons:
it smells a little funky
-dries your skin just a bit

Quick Acne home remedy

Want a quick way to help control your acne, with out a trip to the drug store?
Try this easy recipe for a yummy face mask that will help you control & prevent acne.

I personally LOVE at home facials, because you can apply them, relax, read a book (or watch come TV) then rinse off and have your face feel clean & fresh.

This is an easy homemade facial made of just Oatmeal & honey.


To start make 3/4 of oatmeal with H20(or a bit of milk) like you normally would make.
then let it cool off for a few mins & add a 1/4 cup of honey mix && apply to your face.


**TIP: to help reduce the redness & puffiness around your eyes, also apply a tea bag of chamomile tea over your eyes. ( put the bags in hot H20 then put them in the freezer for a bit.)

Time is everything

So one of the best tips that I have learned and want to share is TIME, when ever you are getting ready and doing your make up, take your time. Don't rush it, having the right tools is also a must but I have been guilty of not blending right because I'm rushing out of the house. So now my morning routine gives me plenty of time to blend & just have my face looking flawless. So make sure you don't rush.