The Holiday season is approaching, and we all want to put our best face forward. I know we usually save the cleaning for springtime, but holiday time is a great time to clean out your makeup bag. During the holiday season, even the natural California beach babes, want to look a bit more Kardashian for the mass of parties and social gatherings the holiday season has to offer. Unfortunately, many of you probably haven’t opened that makeup bag since last NYE, tsk, tsk :)

Since expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation, rashes and eye infections, it’s important to replace them before they go south. Unlike food, cosmetics aren’t required to have an expiration date on their packaging. Instead, you’ll have to keep track of when you opened them.

If you know how to take care of your cosmetics, your makeup should serve you well. But use common sense: if your gloss is gloppy, your foundation is separating, your lipstick has a funny smell, shadows and blushes are covered in film or particles, — it’s time to bid it adieu. Products that go around the sensitive eye area often have the shortest life span (so throw out that year-old mascara immediately!!).

Remember it is also VERY important to clean your tools, meaning your brushes and sponges. Brushes should be shampooed twice a month, and sponges cleaned in the wash once a week as well. For the lazy beauty, you are better off with disposables applicators that can be found in most beauty supply stores. Lastly, ladies be smart, DO NOT share your cosmetics or tools with anyone, that is pink eye or cold sores waiting to happen. If you are going to deal with bacteria, please let it be your own.

Your last resolution of 2015 should be to never let crusty compacts and congealed concealer make an appearance again.