56. Protect your biggest investment and clean your make-up brushes!

We don't use dirty washcloths or soiled toilet paper, right?

I was putting on my bronzer this morning (oh yes, ladies....black girls need bronzer too - especially in the fall/winter months!), and I caught a whiff of something that smelled...well....old.

It's been a minute since I've lavishly laundered my makeup brush collection, and that quaint odor was a horrifying reminder of what else I might be putting on my face besides some iridescent color.

For your reading pleasure, here are a few tips from Lauren Conrad's Beauty School on How to Clean Your Make up Brushes.

Instructions:

1. Begin by running your brushes under lukewarm water, rinsing out all of the residual makeup. Try to focus on the actual bristles while avoiding the part of the brush where handle meets the head, as this can loosen the glue over time
2. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a squirt of shampoo, and gently swirl your brush tip in the water. If you need to, you can also swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to work up a lather.
3. Rinse the brush tip under running water once again. Repeat steps two and three until the water runs clear from the brush,
4. Use a cloth to wipe your brush clean, reshaping the bristles as you go.
5. Lay your brushes flat on a cloth to dry.

And there you have it! Your makeup brushes will be as clean a whistle. It’s also worth mentioning that there are specially formulated brush shampoos on the market. A gentle clarifying or baby shampoo will do the trick just fine though.

I think it's also helpful to know what happens when you don't wash your makeup-brushes as often as needed. 

Many thanks to Mandie Williams from The Gloss for posting an article on what happens when you don't clean them thoroughly. Here are 10 Terrifying Things Dirty Makeup Brushes Do to your Face.

 

1. Dirty Brushes Break You Out

 

2. Dirty Brushes = Terrible Color Payoff

 

3. Dirty Brushes are a Circle Jerk for Germs

 

4. Dirty Brushes Cause Skin Irritation

 

5. Dirty Brushes Give You Poo Face

 

6. Dirty Brushes Could Rip Out Your Eyelashes

 

7. Dirty Brushes Give You Herpes and Pinkeye

 

8. Dirty Brushes Ruin Your Investment

 

9. Dirty Brushes Cause Mystery Breakouts and Allergies

 

10. Dirty Brushes are Just the Gateway Drug

 

32. Perfect Buns

The woman shall master the version of a bun-inspired hair style that suits her taste and activities for the day (or night!).

Prima ballerinas and librarians aren't the only divas who can rock a bun-inspired hairstyle, and no matter your texture,you can rock it in any way you'd like. 

If you're on the shorter side of the height stick, buns can actually add height, and so bun-styles are my go-to for days when I'm rocking flat shoes (or lots of fabric).  That way, my person isn't too overwhelmed by what I'm wearing.

Also, if you're African American like me, buns can be a great style to express your hair texture and natural curl pattern in a really chic way.  Whether your sides have baby curls or are slick like Rick, the sloppy, classy, or edgy bun is a great go-to style.

29. Signature Fragrance

The woman shall know her signature fragrance and make it known to friends who engage in gift-exchange practices.

Knowing the fragrance notes that work with your natural oils (and moods!) is a great way to complete your already fabulous package.

Head to Sephora to get 3-4 samples of perfumes that could be flattering for you.  I love having a fragrance for day and night, and some ladies also prefer some perfumes during certain seasons.  The right perfume is a pleasant way to enter a room and an unforgettable way to make your exit.

19. Cosmetic Consultation

The woman shall own cosmetic products (and application knowledge) that best suit her unique features.

In these, the days of Nicki Minaj-type masks and tattooed mascara, so many ladies hide themselves under pounds of concealer, miles of false eyelashes, and lipstick so oily that I'm sure it requires EPA approval.

Mastering make-up is an evolving skill.  Your skin will change, as will the way you want to appear.  Take advantage of the cosmetic expertise at your local department store and book an appointment.  Don't be suckered into buying everything they recommend, but be prepared to snatch up the cosmetics that you know will work for you.

A couple pointers that seem to work really well:

1. Bronzer can double as an awesome blush.
2. Once you find the shade of red lipstick that works for you (mine is Dubonet by MAC - and there's a perfect shade for every woman), get loads of it at the Company Cosmetic Store (an outlet store).
3. Define your lips or define your eyes.  Choose one, as accentuating both adds years, folks tell me.

6. Cracked Nail Polish

The woman shall repair cracked nail polish immediately or remove it altogether.

I type really hard really fast, leaving me open to cracked nails, especially on my ring fingers.  The solution - I keep nail polish remover, files, and a bottle of OPI in my desk at all times. 

If you're in the business where you're signing checks, contracts, or reviewing paperwork with clients and prospects, they'll notice your nails.  Make sure your nails can speak for themselves, k?