We all get busy though and sometimes we need those little reminders. One area where I could definitely use some help is with my makeup. It’s amazing how many products one girl can accumulate! I buy a new product and it goes into one of my two bags of makeup and before you know it, they are overflowing with mascaras, eye shadows and powders.

Well, it’s time to take inventory and tidy up. Not only for the ease of finding the product I want without having to empty out half of the bag, but for the health risks associated with old makeup. The first step is to toss out all of the old products. Which seems easy enough, right? Except I have a terrible memory. I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast this morning, so I’m certainly not going to remember when I bought every shade of lipstick I own. There are a couple different options to help us keep track. You can write the date you opened the product on a calendar or directly on the product label with a sharpie. There are these handy labels by Beauty Alert that you can stick directly on the product. Or if you’re like me and your entire life is on your phone, then you’ll love their downloadable app that will notify you when your makeup has expired. (Yep, there’s an app for that!) You can check your app store for other available options. You should note that it is the date you opened the package, not the date you purchased it that matters.

Here are the suggested guidelines to follow:

• Foundation, cream blushes, concealer, eyeliners: 1 year
• Mascara: 3 months
• Powder based: 2 years
• Nail polish: 2 years
• Lipsticks/gloss and lip liner: 1 year

Brushes and applicators should be washed every 1 – 2 weeks with a gentle shampoo. Depending on the quality of the brush, and with proper cleansing and storage, they can last for years.

Of course, if before any of these suggested timeframes you notice the color changing; an odor or separation in the product, throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want is to get sick from your makeup. All beauty products are a breeding ground for bacteria and the biggest problems tend to be with eye products like mascara and eye liners. If you notice any changes in your skin; redness, inflammation or itchiness you should discontinue using the product immediately. In doing my research for this article I saw some pictures of women who have experienced the effects of using old makeup… it’s not pretty, it looks very painful and much like a box falling on your head, would be quite the wake-up call.

If you are anything like me, I start to feel a little restless this time of year. I have more energy and want to use it up. My body starts to crave the outdoors. The warmer weather means so long to the large sweaters and scarves that have concealed me (and the pounds I’ve gained) all winter. Exercising becomes a priority since I’ll be in lighter fabrics; wearing shorter sleeves, dresses and the dreaded bathing suit.

Spring also brings some changes to my beauty routine… with one exception.

One thing that will definitely change is my moisturizer and sunscreen use. I’ll need to lather those on more than usual to keep my skin hydrated and protected from the sun’s harsh UV Rays. I will most likely lighten up my long dark locks and will be adding more fun, light colors to my makeup bag. Yet, with all the changes coming in the new season, one constant will remain; my daily use of neuLASH and neuBROW. These two must-haves will always be a part of my beauty routine; Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.

If you’re not familiar with neuLASH, it’s a lash enhancing serum. I’ve been using it for over 5 months and couldn’t be happier. I first noticed an improvement in the look of my lashes after 5 weeks, which I thought was fast, but on average results are seen in just 4 weeks. I look in the mirror now and the first thing I see are my eyes. They just pop. I look more awake and because my lashes are healthier and shinier I feel like I look younger. My eyes are my best feature now because of neuLASH.

neuBROW is similar to neuLASH in that it conditions and strengthens, but it is formulated for your brows. I just started using neuBROW 4 weeks ago and have already had compliments on my eyebrows. Although I’m trying to achieve a bolder, stronger brow look, I still visit the salon every other week for maintenance and shaping. While I was there on my last visit I received a compliment on my brows and how nice my they looked. I said that I had been using neuBROW and she was amazed. Now she’s using neuBROW to improve the look of her brows and can’t wait to show off the results.

If you haven’t tried neuLASH or neuBROW, this would be the perfect time. The trend for Spring 2013 is lush lashes and bold and beautiful brows, as demonstrated at New York Fashion Week. And even if you’re not one to follow trends and just want to have more luscious lashes and beautiful brows, try neuLASH and neuBROW and awaken the beauty in you!

For more information, visit www.skinresearchlabs.com.

Does your beauty routine change with the Seasons? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

neuLASH and neuBROW are registered trademarks of Skin Research Laboratories and were engineered to address the weak appearance of the lashes and brows caused by aging and everyday beauty rituals such as curling lashes, over-tweezing, waxing and removing makeup. SRL has combined leading edge technology with innovative essential peptides, proteins, vitamins and conditioning ingredients to create the best targeted skincare treatments available. neuLASH and neuBROW are available online at www.skinresearchlabs.com and at the following Department Stores; Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.