A new spring resolution: it’s time to turn over a new leaf and do a little spring cleaning. Let’s start with makeup. “Old cream, foundation, mascara, even lipsticks, will go bad, so if it smells funny get rid of it.” If you’re a cosmetic junkie like most of us, your drawers are probably filled with makeup and samples of cosmetics. The rule is: If you haven’t used it in two years, pitch it. If they’re still good and you’re not using them, donate to someone who will or hold a makeup party and exchange. Smell it! Old cream, foundation, mascara, even lipsticks, will go bad, so if it smells funny, get rid of it. You don’t need a health risk with cosmetics any more than you do with food. You should use new mascara every three months. And if you experience eye irritation or infection, always throw away all eye makeup and start fresh with brand new products; you don’t need to reinfect yourself. If liquid makeup or foundation has separated or smells funny, throw it away. If you’re not sure, stick to the golden rule: “When in doubt, throw it out.” “Use an emery board to scrape the top of your blushes and pressed powders, since the oil from your skin sometimes makes the upper crust hard.” Clean your equipment. Wash your brushes with shampoo or Woolite. Sharpen lip and eye pencils. If you sharpen your pencil and the tip is still dry, throw it away. Tightly cap your pencils on a regular basis to prevent them from drying out. Wipe your lipstick on a paper towel until you can achieve a smooth tip. Another possibility is using a butter knife to scrape the lipstick smooth. Use an emery board to scrape the top of your blushes and pressed powders, since the oil from your skin sometimes makes the upper crust hard. Check your makeup to see that it is right for today. Don’t go too dark with lip liner, for example. This is not the 80s, and generally you should match the liner with the lipstick. Change lipstick to match your clothing, and then match your blush to the lipstick. Get rid of old nasty sponges and eye sponge appliances, and clean the tops of jars of cream. Get yourself a good foundation brush. Makeup applied in this way looks nicer and will last longer, too. When you use a sponge to apply the makeup, it is harder to control and the sponge absorbs a considerable amount of foundation, so it won’t last as long. Resolve to get a facial once a month and start using your facial masques and scrubs at least once a week. It’s fun and healthy for your skin. And let us repeat the dire warning: Don’t go to sleep with your makeup on! Every day you don’t remove your makeup, your skin will age 12 days. Don’t grow old before your time. Enjoy a happy and refreshing spring. For more information or a free consultation with Nick Caridi in the New York or South Florida areas, call (516) 330-2666.