Opening the medicine cabinet or makeup drawer to behold a littered mosaic of
creams, mascaras, brushes, and the like, many of us face the realization that we are
product junkies! Of course, a refined and minimalist approach to beauty is ideal,
but where to start?!
Deciding what to keep, what to toss, and what can be salvaged
is a daunting project. Beauty and Wellness Expert June Jacobs, CEO and Founder of
June Jacobs Skin Care, has curated The Beauty Deep Clean
Checklist to make the process effective, straightforward, and supremely relieving.
“The thoughtful decisions you make about your products are just as critical as the
rituals you do to reset the mind and body. Edit the items on your shelf that no
longer serve your skin. Not only will you feel lighter, you’ll probably also end up
with a skin care regimen that’s more personalized, targeted, effective and safe.” –
June Jacobs
Keep your product collection fresh and effective with June Jacob’s three simple
rules:
RULE #1: Keep an eye on the PAO!
Always look for the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on your product. The little
symbol is provided by manufacturers based on individual stability testing. Keep a
Sharpie in your makeup bag to mark your opening date. Once the PAO has passed, it’s
time to toss the product as it is no longer effective.
RULE #2: Keep your brushes clean!
Washing your makeup brushes once a week will minimize oil and germ transfer. Follow
this process to maximize cleanliness:
1. Use lukewarm water and baby shampoo to gently wash bristles in the palm of
your hand.
2. Rinse.
3. Squeeze out any excess water.
4. Allow brushes to air dry.
RULE #3: If you can’t remember the last time you used it, let it go!
Product lifespans often depend on the area of application. Mascara and skincare
applied around the eyes should be changed frequently. Also, keep in mind that
packaging impacts the lifespan of your skincare. Anything that you take from the jar
with your fingers is at a higher risk for contamination. Once a jar has been opened,
it should not be kept for more than six months, max 1 year. Depending on the
componentry, the product will be more or less susceptible to oxygen, bacteria
formation, and increased speed of aging the product. For example, lotions with an
airless pump are protected from the elements and last longer.
Over the counter (OTC) products are FDA regulated and have an expiration date. Of
course, for your safety, we recommend you throw away any products that have passed
the expiration date.
Happy Cleaning