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Makeup School 101: Makeup expiration dates
Wait, makeup has expiration dates?
Ok friends, how many of you are today years old when you learned that your makeup does, in fact, have expiration dates, rather than simply using it until it’s all gone? I know, whaaaaat?
While I’m definitely not a hoarder/penny pincher/pack rat, the idea of throwing out makeup before it is absolutely, completely gone feels kind of wrong, doesn’t it? Like, I paid $40 for this concealer, and I’m going to use every last drop of it, even if it takes me a decade!
We’re all guilty though- raise your hand if you can find something in your makeup bag that has been in there for waaaaaaaaay too long. Like since 2015. Or your wedding. Or college.
I recently did a mass purge of all my old, rarely used makeup and beauty products, and I can tell you that I had been hanging on to about 50 random products from the days of my 2012ish Birchbox subscription.
Even though I knew I wasn’t going to be using those products- hello, they had been sitting in a drawer for years- I still had a struggle over throwing away perfectly good(ish) products that were nowhere near empty. Who else has this conflict?
Why does makeup have expiration dates?
The true ewwwww about makeup is that once you use it, it begins to harbor bacteria. This especially applies to “wet” products, such as foundation, mascara, etc. Repeated exposure to air and your face will cause the amount of bacteria to grow and grow, going from normal levels to (eeek!) eventually skin breakout or infection causing levels.
Dry makeup, such as eye shadow, eventually expires since the ingredients eventually begin to break down and become less effective. Also, there is the risk of bacteria growth in your dry makeup, which could result in skin irritation, infection, or pink eye. No thanks.
How do we know your makeup’s expiration dates?
Holy moly, these little symbols actually mean something?!? 3M= 3 months, 24M= 24 months. You get the idea. If you take a look at any of your makeup or skincare products, you will see that they all have one of these little above symbols on the back or bottom of the packaging. These symbols indicate their life span.
I remember seeing these little symbols, but never knowing what they actually meant. It’s kind of like the million of little symbols you will find on a clothing tag when you are just trying to find out if you can put your new skirt in the dryer.
Learn from my mistake…
True story, I found one an old deluxe sized sample of a day cream that I used a few times, lost/forgot about it for at least 4 years, and then re-discovered it in my bathroom closet.
You can guess what I did- instead of tossing it out like a normal person, I decided to use it again. My face started to sting after awhile, and then was red and irritated for a few days, even after washing my face pretty quickly.
I have no idea what the issue was- whether it was bacteria, rancid ingredients, etc.- but bottom line: after a long time, products are no long effective and their ingredients do not keep working like you want them to. Do yourself a favor and toss them before they go bad.
I don’t expect anyone to keep a thorough record of makeup purchase and expiration dates- let’s not be crazy. Just be generally aware that when your makeup has been around since Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston’s romance, it’s probably best to toss it out and start fresh.
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Vacation Beauty Essentials
You guys! I’m so sorry that I have taken such a long break from The Self-Care Beauty! Since I just got back from vacation, I am excited to share all of my vacation beauty essentials with you.
My family, along with about 90(!) of my relatives, just finished up an amazing week in Mexico for a family reunion. We stayed at the Barceló Maya Tropical resort, and it was amaaaaaazing! It was the perfect all-inclusive place to get relax and have fun as a family.
This also means that for 8 fantastic days I was able to experience 90+ degree temperatures in 100% humidity. I don’t know about you, but that meant that I had to be very selective about what beauty products I used, since I didn’t want to feel greasy or have my makeup melt off two seconds after being applied.
This brings me to what I am excited to share with you….. my vacation beauty essentials! These are the products that helped be go from looking like a sweaty mess to looking sweaty chic. ‘Cause when you’re in a crock pot of humidity, there’s no escaping the sweaty bit 😉
Hair Care
If you haven’t tried It’s A 10 products yet, you are in for a treat! This truly is a vacation (and summertime!) beauty essential for me! This product eliminates frizz, boosts shine, smooths hair, and generally makes you hair look a whole lot better. I can spray this on my hair and can let it air dry, or I can blow dry for fantastically silky hair. This is a must have for crazy humid climates!
Self-Tanning
This product deserves an entire post for itself, but LET ME TELL YOU- I am PFL (pale for life) with no chance of achieving a natural tan. Save yourself the sunburning and eventual wrinkling, and just get yourself a bottle (or 10) of this self-tanner. It’s that good! If a good self-tanner isn’t on your list for vacation beauty essentials, it’s time to add this to the list!
I’ve tried SO MANY different brands of self-tanner, all to become a splotchy, unfortunate-looking tangerine. This tanner is the real deal. You will get a natural looking glow, and you will LOVE IT.
A few pointers: you MUST apply this mousse with a tanning mitt. It will eliminate streaks and will create an even application. I recommend this one. Also, be sure to exfoliate before applying, and put a bit of lotion on your knees and ankles before applying the mousse.
I use the medium shade, but there is also dark and ultra dark.
I know that this self-tanner is a bit on the pricey side, but one bottle has enough for about 4-5 full body applications, or a ton of legs only applications. For reference, just one professional spray tan will cost about $40. My legs are legit ghostly, so a of of times I’m just doing my legs to look healthy.
Foundation
For vacation (and summertime in general) I wanted a lighter foundation option with SPF, since I spend so much more time outside. This foundation has great staying power and gives me just enough coverage for looking put together but not overly made up.
I tried a few different brands (First Aid Beauty, IT Cosmetics, and BeautyCounter) of tinted moisturizer/sheer foundation with SPF, and this one is my favorite. BeautyCounter Dew Skin is a close second, but I prefer the matte finish over the dewy finish just a smidge better.
Sunscreen
If you haven’t learned yet, I am a total lover of all things BeautyCounter. The quality is amazing, and I love that I know I am putting healthy, safe products on my skin AND my kids’ skin. Also, I’m not a BeautyCounter consultant, and I am not getting any BeautyCounter perks/products for saying this.
This mineral sunscreen is pricey, but it really is a great product. When we were in Mexico, I underestimated how much sunscreen we would go through, and we unfortunately ran out of our trusty BeautyCounter sunscreen. The sunscreen options at the resort were pretty limited, so we ended up buying a bottle of Australian Gold to get us through the week.
While this was much better than nothing, my kids and I hated it! The chemicals stung when we applied it to our faces, and when we would sweat our eyes would sting too! All that to say, I’m happy to be reunited with BeautyCounter sunscreen again.
Setting Spray
If you’ve read The Self-Care Beauty for any period of time, you are probably well aware of my deep, undying love for Urban Decay’s makeup setting spray. It really does make a difference in how my makeup stays on all day, especially when you’re in humidity central.
Moisturizer
I have fallen in love with this gel cream (aka lotion), and it is perfect for the summer! It’s like a mixture of lotion and gel, and while it moisturizes you never feel greasy.
Another thing I love about Hydro Boost is the fact that it doesn’t contain any type of mineral oils, which most lotions do. While there is nothing wrong with mineral oils in typical situations, if you have a spray tan, this is a big no-no. Something about mineral oils causes your spray tan to break down and fade much more quickly.
While I swear by my Kiehl’s body lotion in the fall and winter, Hydro Boost is totally my jam in the spring and summer.
Get Your Summer On
I hope that my list is helpful for you! These are the products that I have tried and absolutely love. What products do you absolutely swear by in the summer? Comment below!
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But First, Your Skincare Routine.
From Makeup to Skincare
As you may have gathered, I am a total makeup lover. Set me free in Ulta or Sephora, and I am instantly in my happy place. I love that makeup has the ability to take my face from looking just so-so to much better with just a few products. But let me tell you: It’s my skincare routine that has become the real priority.
When you think about it, one major purpose of makeup is to create the illusion of clear and healthy skin… but if your skin already is clear and healthy on it’s own, you’re already like 5 steps ahead, right? #winning
Establishing a Good Skincare Routine
When I was in high school, I was introduced to Mary Kay makeup, and I learned the basics of good skincare… Wash your face, wear a moisturizer, and remove your makeup before bed. Nothing too intense for my 18 year old self, right?
Fast forward a decade or so, add a few wrinkles, and you know that amping up my skincare routine was on my mind! I think that my skincare practices have always been good, but I don’t think my skin type is doing me tons of favors when it comes to aging… more on that in a minute! For that reason, I’m all about skincare so my skin can look healthy, fresh, and youthful.
I know that this chart can seem a little intense if your skincare regimen consists solely of soap, but I promise, this only takes me a minute in the morning and 2-3 minutes in the evening.
Let me quickly explain this skincare routine chart:
Cleanser
I alternate between two different cleansers- Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser and Beautycounter cleansing balm. They are both great for my skin, and have never caused any irritation. I love how both of these options easily remove my makeup!
Toner
I have recently fallen in love with toner- I am always amazed and how fantastically clean and healthy my face feels after using it! In case you are in the dark about toner like I was, toner thoroughly cleans the skin and helps remove built up surface dead skin cells. Cleanser does most of the job, but toner gets all the dirt, extra makeup, and other oils off your face. I currently use Neutrogena Oil and Alcohol Free Facial Toner.
Treatments
Ok, what in the heck am I talking about when I say “treatments?” This can mean all sorts of things- masks, microneedling (it sounds 10X scarier than it actually is), micodermabrasion, etc. This might sound like a foreign concept for some, and that it totally ok! I’ll be talking more in-depth about all of those soon! Basically, this step is for the slightly more specialized part of your skincare routine.
Serums
Serums are favorite new part of my skincare routine! I just started using them about four months ago, and I can tell a difference in my skin since starting! Serum is a skincare product you put on your face and neck, and it is full of a fantastically high concentration of active ingredients. My favorite serums are by BeautyCounter and Lancome. I’ve also heard fantastic things about TruSkin’s Retinol serum, so I’m ordering it ASAP!
Moisturizer
For daytime, I always wear a moisturizer with SPF. I typically use Neutrogena’s SPF 35 face lotion, and I’ve always liked it a lot! It goes on nice and light, sinks in fairly quick, and doesn’t have a sunscreen smell.
For evening, I am currently using BeautyCounter’s Recovery Sleeping Cream. It is nice and thick with the most wonderful fresh scent. The thing that I love most about BeautyCounter is knowing that all the ingredients are clean and safe. That is one major reason why I frequently choose the brand.
Eye Cream
Having a specific eye cream is key, because the skin under the eye is much more thin and delicate than on the rest of your face. Having a cream that is specifically formulated for that type of skin is super helpful! In the evenings I use BeautyCounter’s Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream.
Face Oil
Ok, last step! Face oil is having a major moment in the skincare industry, and for good reason! I am absolutely in love with BeautyCounter’s No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil. For one, it smells absolutely divine. Second, I have noticed that my skin is brighter and more healthy looking after using it!
Pale For Life
Nope, not in the cards for me…. and I’m ok with that! My skin type is normal to dry, my complexion is pale with pink undertones, and my skin mostly burns and freckles in the sun. This greatly affects how I age, according to science. My skincare routine has become extra important to me, since I know genetics isn’t really in my favor when it comes to aging.
For me, I would 100% rather avoid UV rays like the plague and rely on the best self-tanner EVER to get a healthy glow. (More on that self tanner in a future post- it’s fantastic!) Even if you naturally tan easily, I would HIGHLY recommend that you still slather on the SPF and get yourself some bomb self tanner. No one wants to look like the lady from There’s Something About Mary, riiiiiiight?
In Conclusion…
Who has a great skincare routine, and who is still doing what you did in high school? If you’re an adult human, IT’S TIME TO INVEST IN YOUR FACE, GIRLFRIEND! You’ll thank yourself later!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
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Makeup School 101: Makeup Application Order
Ok girlfriends, it’s time to talk about makeup application order. Diving into the makeup world can definitely feel intimidating, especially with the 50 million makeup products you see every time you go to the store. When you know what order you should apply your makeup, you will start to feel a bit more confident with your makeup skills.
Truth be told, I’m no makeup expert- I still can’t manage to do a decent cat-eye, but I totally have a handle on the basics of makeup.
Here’s what I know:
There is no 100% correct makeup application order.
There are definitely certain steps to makeup application that should be done one after the other, such as 1. cleansing, 2. moisturizing, and 3. priming.
Is the makeup police going to come and get you if you want to do your brows before anything else? I won’t tell on you. You do you, boo.
I’m just going to share what works for me, as well as why I choose this general makeup application order.
Steps 1 and 2
As you see, I didn’t even include cleansing your face as a step, because girl, that is a given. Wash your face and remove any traces of yesterday’s eye make up with some remover.
When you are putting on a facial moisturizer, be sure to use one with some SPF. Sun damage is the quickest way your face is going to start aging, and it’s so much better to be actively preventing all that right now. If you don’t use SPF every single day of your life, today is the day to start.
I don’t use anything fancy for my daytime facial lotion- I just use Neutrogena with SPF 35. I’ve used it forever, and it feels light and non-greasy. This one is my favorite!
After you’ve let your moisturizer sink in for a few minutes, it’s time to put on your primer. As previously mentioned here, primer is an absolute must, and will ensure that your makeup applies more smooth and has much better lasting power. This is by far my favorite primer!
Face or eyes first?
While it doesn’t really matter if you decide to do your eyes first or your face first, I happen to prefer doing my face first. Why? When I’m doing my foundation and concealer I am all up and around my eyes, and I prefer doing my face without worrying about messing up my eyes. When it comes to make up application order, you do what works for you.
Step 3 to Step 7
After my primer has had a minute to set into my skin, I get started with my foundation. I prefer a liquid to powder foundation for a matte finish right now, which I apply with a flat top foundation brush.
When you are doing your foundation, be sure to blend, blend, blend into your neck. I vividly remember being in the 7th grade and seeing a girl with a major foundation line ending at her jaw… poor girl forgot to blend!
Also- side tangent- if you can, go to a makeup store or beauty counter to get color matched for your foundation. It’s always comforting to know that yes, your foundation doesn’t make you look cray.
After foundation, I conceal under my eyes, as well as any blemishes that might be present.
My new favorite cheek palette- blush, bronzer, and highlighter all in the same place! You can find the palette here. After concealer is blush and/or bronzer. While I always wear blush, I only wear bronzer in the summer or if I’m doing a bit of contouring. My recommendation is to get yourself a matte bronzer, not a shimmery one.
When I’m done with blush/bronzer, I set everything with a translucent powder. While there are A+ powders out there, I’m perfectly fine with using my B+ grade e.l.f powder. It’s cheap and gets the job done!
Step 8 to 10
While I don’t always wear eyeliner or eyeshadow, I always wear mascara, since I feel like a naked mole-rat without it! I have tried about a million different mascaras, and my current favorite is Younique’s Epic mascara. It’s fantastic!
When I take more than 3 minutes on my makeup, eyeliner and eyeshadow come into play. I love how they take a super natural look and instantly make you look a little polished and fierce.
Step 11
Eyebrows! Please take a minute and give your eyebrows some attention! As mentioned previously, a defined brow offers so much balance to the face, and can also look completely natural.
Step 12
It doesn’t matter whether you love bright and bold lipstick or just prefer a bit of chapstick. Whatever you are doing, lips always look healthier when they are moisturized and have a bit of shine to them.
I love having pink lips, and I always feel like my lips just blend into the rest of my face without a little bit of color. Who else feels that way?
Step 13
First of all, congratulations if you made it this far! When you are a makeup newbie, the idea of 13(!) steps seems kind of intense, right? But here’s the grand finale of makeup application order- makeup setting spray! You know that I love this stuff and totally swear by it! Learn all about my intense love here.
All that to say what?
It’s true, there are some definite make up application order guidelines… such as foundation and concealer before blush and bronzer, but overall, I say you should do what works for you! Love doing your eyebrows first? You go, Glen Coco! Want to do eyeshadow before foundation? Right on! But repeat after me, girlfriends: You must always start your makeup with a clean, moisturized, and primed face!
May your day be as flawless as your makeup!
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Father’s Day Gift Guide
Celebrate your Dad/Husband/Favorite Guy
Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and you know what that means… an awesome gift guide, of course! I’ve gathered up some of my favorite products and gadgets for the man in your life.
Whether you are celebrating your own father, your husband, or your favorite father figure, it’s nice to take a day to honor someone who is so special. Take the time to voice your love and appreciation, since they deserve it! If you’re a gifting type of person, get them a gift too!
When I was younger, I would always make my dad a card, and he was able to enjoy the day without as many interruptions if there was a golf tournament on tv. There was always a cold Diet Coke on standby, and my sister and I loved to tell him, “Happy Father’s Day!” about 50 times over the course of the day.
My husband and I have been married for over 14 years, and he has been a father for almost 10 years. While we usually do a pretty low-key Father’s Day, I am always sure to get him a card and a gift. Our kids love making him cards, coloring him pictures, and having quality time with their dad.
2011: A dad and his boy. Every time Ben mowed the lawn, our oldest son Dylan was ready with his toy mower. It was so cute. 
Hilarious and tender at the same time. The products featured in today’s Father’s Day gift guide are all super fantastic items that appeal to such a wide variety of men, so hopefully you will find something that will feel like the perfect gift to give in less than 2(!) weeks.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Use code CARESHIP for free shipping!!!
Navy and pink tie c/o 21Rhinos- 21 Rhinos tie // I am a HUGE fan of these ties- in fact, Ben now has three of them! I first discovered this company about a year and a half ago, and I just love that you can customize your tie with a picture! Lucy LOVES to see a picture of herself when Ben is wearing a tie and always flips his tie over to see if he is wearing a “Lu-Lu tie.”
- Apple AirPods // These are the coolest! If your dad or significant other ever listens to podcasts, music, or audio books, he needs some AirPods.
- Raising Men Book // Is your husband obsessed with all things Navy Seals like my husband? This book combines two of this favorite things- Navy Seals and fatherhood. I get a little weepy just reading the cover of this book.
- RYOBI nail gun // What is it about men and power tools? There’s just something they love about them, right? Get your husband to channel his inner Chip Gaines and start putting up some shiplap with this baby! My fave home improvement blogger swears by this one!
- Nonwe swim trunks // True story, my husband has had the same one pair of swim trunks for about a decade. He’s definitely due for a (super cheap!) upgrade in the swim department.
- Amazon Echo // Another true story, when I got my husband one of these for Christmas last year, he didn’t want to keep it at first. He was muttering things about “big brother always listening.” About 2 hours later, he decided to use it to listen to music and fell in love. It’s been a fixture in our kitchen ever since. Looks like he didn’t mind big brother that much 😉
- Indoor Putting Green // My dad and husband are total golf nuts, so this is perfect for either of them. Now my husband can practice his putting while we are trying to watch a show together. This will definitely result in bickering 😉 But at least he’s happy, riiiiiight???
- Rocketbook // Holy moly, these things are AMAZING! It’s a smart notebook with reusable pages! Watch the hilarious video on Amazon that shows all the things this notebook can do!
- The Art of Shaving kit // Is your husband a bit of a fancy man who enjoys upscale shaving products? Mine totally is. He LOVES the sandalwood scented shaving cream and after shave balm. Yes, it’s more pricey than whatever you find at Target, but it lasts forever, and it smells what I imagine Chris Hemsworth smells like.
Sharing is Caring!
I hope you are able to check out some of the fab products listed in this guide! If you want to share this guide with someone else who is shopping for a Father’s Day gift that would be AWESOME too! Sharing is caring!
