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Care of cosmetics

Here are some tips on how to store cosmetics

THIS ARTICLE will focus on how to maintain and store your cosmetics. All of us have cupboards full of crumbling powders, worn out lipsticks and dusty jars of cream gifted by friends and relatives from abroad. Now is the time to clear out the clutter.

The seven golden rules to follow when storing cosmetics:

* Store cosmetics in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight; but not in a medicine type of box or under the sink. Humid and hot areas spoil the cosmetics.

* Check the expiry date, especially sunscreens and other SPF products. They not only lose effectiveness over time but also become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

* Keep your make-up tightly capped. This prevents oxidation and contamination thus prolonging the shelf life of your cosmetics.

* Watch for changes in colour, odour, texture and consistency such as product separation. There may be signs of growing bacteria.

* Never moisten make up with saliva or water. Saliva increases the chance of breeding bacteria.

* Don't share or lend your make-up or applicators - not even a quick dash of lipstick or eyeliner. Chances of getting infection from the other user are high.

* Last but not the least, if you get an eye infection or cold sore around your mouth - immediately throw out any products that may have come into contact with that area.

Some facts to help you ditch your cosmetics:

* Mascara: (shelf life - three months): Don't pump your brush in the tube. This introduces air, which promotes bacterial growth.

* Eye and lip pencils: (six months): Sharpen pencils before each use. This helps to clean the surface. Avoid using lip pencils as eye liners as some colourants are unsafe.

* Powder (face, blush): (6-12 months): Wash the sponge and applicators regularly with a milk shampoo/soap.

* Lipsticks (one year or more): Store at room temperature.

* Cleansers (6-12 months): Use tubes or pumps instead of jars.

* Toner (6-12 months): Apply with a clean cotton pad or ball.

* Moisturiser (6-12 months): Choose a pump or tube instead of a jar for hygienic storage.

* Undereye cream (6-12 months): Do not apply higher than your eye socket. Any higher may sting your eyes.

* Sunscreen: (one year but check expiry date): Don't leave outdoor or in direct sunlight.

Thus knowing how to store beauty products will make them last longer and keep your skin free from rash or infection.

Queries answered:

* Jyothsna wants to know whether the application of face pack, which includes honey, will cause greying of hair if smudged on eyebrows.

No, Jyothsna, this is a misconception. There will be no greying of hair when the pack is smudged on to the eyebrows.

* Dinesh wants to know some tips to put up weight. He has dry skin and wants to know what type of soap to use. He also wants to know what type of facial to do and how often to do a facial.

Eat at least 4-6 bananas daily. You can make it into banana shake, which is more effective. Eat nuts and dried fruits like peanuts, almonds, cashewnuts as snacks. Instead of three meals a day, eat 6-8 times. This way, you will eat more and your calorie intake will increase and hence, your weight. Add pure ghee or butter in generous quantities to your rice or chapatti. For your dry skin, use a face wash. A facial should be done once in 4-6 weeks.

* Vanitha is 17 years old and has an oily face with lots of blackheads and acne. She wants to know what facial to do.

Vanitha, since you are young, you should try to avoid facials. If you go to a parlour, ask them to do what is called a deep cleanse. This will help remove your blackheads.

LILY MADHOK

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