Professional makeup artist Pallavi Brar of Glo Bar Studio provides tips on how to refresh your makeup this season.
Since spring has officially arrived it’s time to carve out time for some spring cleaning. Although traditionally spring cleaning is reserved for all areas of your home, garage and even your closet, an area that often gets ignored but deserves the same amount of attention is your makeup bag. To help us approach our makeup kit purges with a method, I chatted with Pallavi Brar, a makeup artist from Glo Bar Studio (follow them on Instagram @glo_bar to see their beautiful work.), a Toronoto-based team of six dual trained artists that offer hair and makeup services for bridal hair and makeup. Read on for her expert tips on how to keep your makeup bag in tip top shape this season.
Photo Credit: Glo Bar Studio
TIP 1: Think of it as a refresh not a purge.
“Parting with that limited edition lipstick, letting go of your favourite blush which cracked two months ago or simply forking out the money to repurchase that luxurious mascara that is past its expiry date; it’s always hard, even for me as a makeup artist,” explains Brar. Instead “I motivate myself to purge by convincing myself it’s a refresh. If I’m making additional room, I get to treat myself to new products. You’ll be surprised how effective the thought of makeup shopping can be.”
TIP 2: Toss expired products.
“Removing the dried out and expired items is a no brainer,” says Brar. So start with that. As a rule of thumb, Brar recommends refreshing eye products such as mascaras and gel eyeliners approximately every three months. In contrast, lipsticks, liners and oil free foundations should be replenished around the one-year mark. Overall, “follow your instincts; if it’s changed in smell, texture or colour it’s time for it to go,” warns Brar. We concur, your makeup shouldn’t smell funky when you wear it as that causes bacteria to transfer onto your skin.
TIP 3: Keep it clean.
Since most makeup bags are waterproof Brar recommends wiping down your cosmetic bag inside and out with a makeup wipe and letting it air dry. Try Joe Fresh Make-up Remover Wipes ($10 CDN).
Photo Credit: www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
Also spot clean your tools, for example your brushes, in between uses on a daily basis and then deep clean them with a weekly thorough wash in hot water and dish soap.
“Sharing is caring but not when it comes with the cost of an eye infection,” warns Brar. Don’t share items that come in close contact with your eyes and skin and don’t share items such as mascara, eyeliner and brushes that are not disinfected in between uses. Finally, limit contact with products by purchasing a pump for items like foundations when possible. “M.A.C cosmetics sells inexpensive pumps that help you keep product bacteria free," says Brar.
TIP 4: Budget your spring makeup buys.
Given Pallavi’s passion for makeup we asked her about some items for us to stock up on for the season. “It can be tempting, but you don’t want to end up with buyer's remorse.” That being said for spring pops of colour is huge for the eyes and cheeks. "Wear a sheer bright pink or coral blush coupled with a lipstick or gloss in the same colour," says Brar.
![](/wp-content/uploads/images/blog_articles//1458699642_1458690639_rsz_colorful_gloss_balm_09_overdressed.jpg)
Try Sephora Colourful Gloss Balm in Overdressed ($13 CDN)
Photo Credit: www.sephora.ca
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Photo Credit: www.murale.ca
Brar also recommends wearing a “subtle, but effective purple eyeliner [this season] on the lower lash line paired with mascara, which is surprisingly neutral for brown eyes,” she explains.
![Makeup Forever Purple Liner](/wp-content/uploads/images/blog_articles//1458689909_rsz_1aquaxleyepencil_i-90_open_copy.jpg)
Photo Credit: www.sephora.ca
![](/wp-content/uploads/images/blog_articles//1458699768_1458689937_rsz_ea_grand_entrance_mascara.jpg)
Photo Credit: www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
Main Image Photo Credit: www.vibe.com
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Amanpreet Dhami
Author
Amanpreet Dhami is a Toronto based writer, editor and producer with a focus on beauty, fashion, wellness and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in TheKit.ca, 29secrets.com, Beautezine.com and Elevate Magazine, where she is the Editor-in-Chief. When she is not writing up a storm yuo can find her cooki...