Spring is the perfect time to toss out old skin care products

 

Everyone has a product that they use each day until every drop is gone, like your favorite fade cream for black skin. However, other creams, potions and cleaners are likely to sit in a drawer or cabinet until they are way past their expiration dates, where they pose risks to your skin.

Products that have passed their use-by dates are not only ineffective and foul-smelling, but they can cause infection or rashes, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. So, this spring remember to go through your old products and toss the ones that smell bad, have changed in texture or those that you can't even remember purchasing.

Creams and cosmetics that come in a jar and are applied with the fingers are the most likely to become contaminated with bacteria or fungus, which can cause pimples or even a serious infection if they come into contact with broken skin, so you should get rid of these first.

The best part about purging all of these old cosmetics is that you now have space to stock up on your old favorites, like that black skin product that your girlfriends keep stealing from you.

What makeup should you keep in your purse?

 

Many women know what it feels like to wake up and only have a few minutes to apply their African American skin care product before rushing to the office. Since this can happen often, especially to particularly busy women, you may want to carry some supplies in your purse for touch-ups at the office.

Recently, the Huffington Post Canada published an article with some advice on what cosmetics to keep in your bag.

First, the news source recommended avoiding liquids, since they can spill in your bag and if you're trying to put makeup on in a small area like a bathroom then applying liquids may be messy. Next, you don't need to carry your whole makeup collection with you, just the basics, such as powder, eyeshadow and lipstick.

MakeupGeek.com states that you should always carry face powder with you in your purse. Even if you use a liquid foundation, applying a little bit of powder can help blot up any excess oil that may appear on your skin throughout the day.

Clothes to save your skin this summer

 

Along with wearing sunscreen, you should also cover up to protect your African American skin this summer. Many women may not like the idea of wearing giant T-shirts on the beach all season, but there are other ways to wear protective summer clothing. Recently NBC 8, a Michigan news source, reported on how you can protect your skin while still looking great.

First, if you find a truly great hat, it can serve to help you look stylish and and protect you from the sun. Next, try out some long dresses, which have become very popular in recent years.

"Bright patterned maxi dresses are fun ways to keep you fashionably dressed and keep your skin away from harmful rays. Color-blocked maxi dresses are in this summer. Match these with some colorful stacked sandals and a sheer, cotton cover-up and you’ve got a great look that is also a perfect solution for avoiding harmful [UV rays]," according to the news source.

The New York University School of Medicine states that there is clothing made from fabrics that have been treated with chemical UV absorbers, known as colorless dyes. These may help protect you against sunburn, while keeping you comfortable. 

Get the Cannes red carpet look

 

If you're looking for examples of how to use your African American skin care product to help you look like a celebrity, look no further than the recently held 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This is one of the biggest movie festivals, and it was filled with celebs and their makeup artists. Recently, Grazia Daily spoke to renowned makeup artist Jamie Combes who talked about the "dos" and "don'ts" of the red carpet.

Combes said that when it comes to the red carpet look, one rule of thumb to follow is that there should always be a pop of bright color on the lips, eyes or cheeks.

Next, the news source spoke to makeup designer Violette, who was also at the festival. She had some suggestions for making eyelashes and lips pop.

"Make lashes appear more luscious and luxurious by using a sharp black eyeliner to draw in the tiny gaps between the lashes. Don’t be afraid to cheat when applying your lipstick. I use a red lip pencil to draw in the lip before adding the lipstick and finishing it with a powder," said Violette, quoted by Grazia.

InStyle magazine spoke to some celebrities about how women can achieve a red carpet look in their everyday life. Beyonce said that she makes her African American skin appear flawless by using moisturizer, while Mary J. Blige said she never goes a day without thoroughly washing her face.