It's no secret that I'm a huge girly girl. Because of this, I spend a lot of time searching the web for girly blogs. I have specific folders in my boookmark collection dedicated to crucial topics such as"Hair & Makeup" and "Fashion & Beauty." And they're big collections. These three sites, however, are most definitely my must-reads (after Sparkle*Shelf, of course!)

1. Makeup and Beauty Blog. The best way to describe this blog is fierce. Karen, the author and your "friendly neighborhood beauty addict," is fabulous, gorgeous, and writes the funniest entries and product reviews. She also posts great tutorials to help you learn how to do your makeup! Even more amazing? She recently posted an article about how to "rescue a broken pan of pressed powder from the brink!" If only I had read this blog back in 2007 when I smashed an entire compact of brand new, expensive Estée Lauder! We've all been there, right? Plus she does giveaways--10 Days of giveaways to be exact! Love her, love the blog.

2. CollegeFashion. Before my I started my Freshman year, I was obsessed with gathering information on everything college. Cool stuff for my dorm room, different clubs, greek life, classes, all of it. College fashion and style, however, happen to be a pretty underdeveloped field. Yes, trends vary from campus to campus, however, students often seem to get a bad reputation for being sloppy and not caring much about what they wear. Having spent a year in college, I can tell you right now that contrary to popular belief, not everyone wears sweatpants and pajamas around campus 24/7. Not at all. This is where CollegeFashion comes in. College Fashion is written by a fellow college co-ed named Zephyr. The blog covers all kinds of different trends from fashion to beauty to fitness. Zephyr's writing style is totally chill and down to earth, and she offers lots of suggestions of what to wear for any given event, even rainy days. Jeans, cardigans, tote bags... This is how many college girls dress. The blog also features links to weekly sales and provides coupon codes so we can get our online shop on! About to go to college or already there? If so, you MUST check out CF.

3. La Couturier. Oh La Couturier. My f a v o r i t e blog without a doubt. Seriously, reading La C is better than eating a gigantic bowl of chocolate mousse or some other rich, fabulous dessert. It is that decadent. La Couturier is all about high fashion, style, glitz, and glamour. It's a hodgepodge of label lust, designer features, and reader questions, peppered with rare glimpses into it's author's seventeen-year-old life. Yes, you read that right, La Couturier is only 17. Still, her beautiful site, flecked with franglish, supplies expert fashion and style advice.  She is on top of all of the latest fashion happenings and can put together an outfit for any occasion without breaking a virtual sweat. I look to her site whenever I want to try something out of the ordinary with the ordinary clothes I already own. Her unconventional-yet-beautiful style is has inspired me to wear a red dress, leopard print peep toes, and a distressed leather jacket on more than one occasion. This girl will make an amazing stylist. Fun, fresh, and undeniably different, her blog has got it all. It is truly lovely, and embodies all things feminine. Read it once and you won't be able to stop.

Have any favorite websites devoted to all things fashion and beauty? Leave links in the comments section!

If haute couture eventually influences street fashion, then pedestrians in Hong Kong will soon resemble icebergs, birdcages, Native American Indians and Eastern European folk dancers.

Those are just some of the stylized costumes represented in a recent fashion show by one of Hong Kong's top design schools.

Mambo is a local label that stands out among the designer shops and ready-to-wear outlets in Hong Kong. Its collection comprises mostly sheaths, shifts and tunics that are simple and chic.

Mambo's garments are impeccably constructed in quality fabrics, custom-made for the company. Yet, they're very affordable compared to similar designer clothes.

Elton Woo has been designing Mambo's dresses, tunics, tops and jackets for more than a decade, while his sister Idy Wu manages sales.

Their small boutique is located in the Central district, near the world’s longest outdoor escalator. It is an open space with pale wood floor, high ceiling, and garments hung on racks on two opposite facing walls.

Mambo's summer collection includes simple dresses, tunics and tops in cotton-silk knits. Most can be pulled over the head and drape easily and comfortably, flattering figures. The dresses can be paired with fitted jackets and shrugs, available in matching fabrics.

Chinese lanterns inspired the young designer who won two top awards in a recent Hong Kong fashion show.

Mei Yan Tang (above, left) won both the Overall Grand Award and the Most Promising Young Talent Award at Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s annual graduation fashion show June 17.

Johnny Depp’s movie, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” inspired a Hong Kong designer’s winning menswear line.

For a recent fashion show at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Frederick Lai created six looks in faux leather, faux fur and wovens. The garments clinched him the “Outstanding Menswear Award” during PolyU’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing annual fashion show. 

Lai was among 24 graduating students who each showed six outfits at the gala show at the InterContinental Hotel. His collection featured body skimming pants and shorts in faux leathers and wovens, topped by oversize vests and jackets, some with padded shoulders.

The newest in beauty and fashion is easily at your fingertips with clubs and services that bring cutting edge products and fashion items directly to your door.

 

 

Fact: Plastic can only be re-used a maximum of 3 times after you recycle it.

Fact: Most plastic ends up in the ocean, choking, harming, and poisoning marine wildlife.

Fact: Plastic takes 1,000 years to biodegrade, and produces 14% of toxins in the US annually.

Wow.... If you ask me, those are some pretty scary facts. There are plenty more, but it's not even lunchtime yet so I won't freak you out with 'em. You see all those plastic bits up there? Those were found INSIDE A BIRD'S TUMMY :( Poor thing, right? Well, you can help prevent it.

Everyone knows it's cool, trendy, fashionable, and SMART to use a cloth or canvas tote to lug groceries and other shopping items. It means you care about your Mother Earth - treat her well, and she'll be good to you. Not only that, but TARTE Cosmetics will also be good to you!

Right now, they've got this super legit "Be Good To Your Mother (Earth)" Reuseable Natural Cotton Tote set that can be zipped into the cutest little makeup bag and comes with 3 full-sized 24/7 Lip Sheers (SPF 15). Best of all, it's only $35, which is less than the cost of the 3 lip sheers (that would bring you up to $42 of your hard-earned dollars).

If you've never used Tarte's lip sheers, you're in for a sweet (and eco-friendly) surprise. Their lip sheers are not only super moisturizing with ingredients like coconut oil, mango butter, vitamin E, and peppermint oil, they are wrapped in post-consumer recycled aluminum! This set comes with the shades Reduce (Golden Coral, my absolute fave), Reuse (Vibrant Pink), and Recycle (soft nude peach). Perfect to keep your pout pretty this summer for sure!

If lip sheers aren't your thing, check out TARTE Cosmetics' full line of other products to keep you and the earth lookin' green. They market themselves as "health couture," and are known far and wide for their Cheek Stains! And TARTE comes with a long list of credentials:

• Naturally fragranced
• Dermatologist tested
• Paraben free
• Petro-chemical free
• Sulfate free
• Glycol free
• Gluten free
• Talc free

These, of course, vary by product, but the lip sheers all fit into that category - so getcha self to their website and spend your green on some green!

Alright, guys, I have some good news for you all. Ten years ago the people that were obessed with saving the earth wore clothes made from hemp, Birkenstocks, socks with their sandals, and danced to the music of String Cheese and the Grateful Dead. Things have changed, people. Thank goodness! Believe it or not, it is considered chic to care about our planet and to do things considered eco-conscious. It may be true that people only care about these things now because it is in fashion, but I don't see that as a huge problem, so long as things change. Am I right? Anyway, in the last few years there has been a handful of designers that have really broken the earth-friendly mold.

I have recently discovered a new designer that I just HAVE to talk about. Bodkin Brooklyn. The main designer, Eviana Hartman, began as a writer, working as a fashion features editor for NYLON magazine, fashion writer for Teen Vogue and Vogue, and was the original writer/columnist of "EcoWise" in the The Washington Post.

The idea behind Bodkin fashion is to create a collection using sustainable materials and production methods. This New York made clothing line uses materials such as organic wool and cotton, artisanal vegetable dye, and various innovative fibers.  The collection is a cross between fashion and style with utility. Okay, let's pretend that this line was not organically made. I would STILL want to wear it. That is what is so rad about the whole thing. They have done an amazing job making these pieces look sexy and chic. I am just dying over the black bustier-topped strapless dress below. Now all I need is to look like that chic when I wear it. Is that too much to ask? I think not.

Ladies, please keep on the lookout for this amazing new line. They are about to become huge and I am so excited to see what they come up with.

www.bodkinbrooklyn.com

One of the very best things about my job as a beauty writer is the perks. I am constantly testing new products and services so I can give you my opinions and impressions and keep you on the cutting edge of what is hip and happening in the beauty world.

 

I can't lie, I straight up love designer denim.

Ever since I bought (well, ever since my mom bought me) my first pair of Seven For All Mankind Dojos, I've been addicted. I have Sevens, Citizens, True Religion, William Rast, Paige, and Rock and Republic. I have high waist, skinnies, low rise, boot cut, dark wash...The list goes on and on. And it's ridiculous. I'll be the first to admit it. I love jeans like most ladies love shoes. So, for this edition of Things I Love Thursday, I thought that I would highlight three of my most favorite types of jeans that I think that every girl should have in her collection. Don't worry-- even if you don't want to buy the designer versions I obsess over, these cuts are wardrobe staples that will be offered at almost every price point!

My Denim Must-Haves!

3. William Rast Jerri Ultra Skinny in Dark Handsand Wash

Denim Trend: Dark wash skinny.

Why I Love it: Dark wash jeans are undeniably the most flattering, and contrary to popular belief, with the right top and the right size, skinny jeans can look good on almost every body type. You can rock skinnies with heels, flats, or my personal favorite, boots. And no one can deny that skinny jeans provide a badass element to an oh-so chic outfit. The darker and the tighter the better!

2. Citzens of Humanity Hutton High Rise Wide Leg Jean

Denim Trend: Long & lean trouser jeans.

Why I Love it: Bottom line: High rise jeans will make your butt look amazing, no matter its size or shape. Seriously, high waisted jeans are practically the things of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. They always look good, they always look classy, and they always hide the muffin top. High waist, trouser-style jeans are essential to any girl's wardrobe because you can dress them up or dress them down. They look great for presentations with a button up or sweater, but because of their booty-flattering cut, are also a staple in night time looks with stilettos and a flirty tank top.

1. True Religion Brand Jeans 'Joey' Stretch Jeans 

Denim Trend: The classic boot-cut stretch jeans.

Why I Love it: These Joey jeans by True Religion are my go-to pair. Technically my go-to pairs, considering I have them in a dark wash and a light wash, but irregardless (and I mean "irregardless," think back to  Gretchen Weiners in Mean Girls) these jeans are truly must-haves. These are the jeans that you'll pull on to go to class or go shopping--they're comfortable, they always fit, and they're cute. The classic, bootleg cut is favored by boyfriends who love this casual, low maintenance look. I wear mine with tee shirts and flats, but love to spice things up with a layered tank top and cowboy boots! They are boot cut, after all.

So what do you think, girls? Are you a fan of designer denim or would you rather pickup an equally cute but wallet-friendly pair? I figure that we all have a favorite something (or two!) we love so much that we go a  bit overboard with the shopping at times... Shoes, bags, lingerie, dresses, or beauty products, whatever. Don't deny it-- we've all got it. For me, that special thing is jeans. True l-o-v-e.

 

Now, more than ever, we could all use a little r & r in Paris, right? Well Darphin just might make your world traveling spa dreams come true if you are the winner of their Paris Spa retreat Sweepstakes.

         * Roundtrip, non-stop airfare for the winner and a guest to Paris, France.

         *A 3-night stay at a 4-star luxury hotel, located in the fashionable embassy district of Paris.

         *4 x 60-minute Darphin Spa Treatments at the renowned Darphin Institute for you and your travel companion to share.

          *2 x $400 USD spending money gift cards to use as you wish.

I absolutely adore wearing dresses because they are easy, feminine, and flatter the curves. As an avid dress lover, I am always on the prowl for the next best piece that is flattering and budget friendly.

Butter by Nadia makes the most amazing wrap jersey dress that can, get this, be tied at least twenty different ways. I just purchased my first Butter dress and am thrilled for a number of reasons. The more ways the dress can be tied, the more frequently you can wear it and the better your cost per wear is. On a more important note, this dress makes your waist look tiny, can be worn with a bra but also can be tied tight enough to offer support without a bra, and hides life's little imperfections. It can be dressed up easily but also can be worn with a pair of gladiator sandals and boho accessories and you will not feel overdressed.

I wore my new dress to work the other day and changed the way it was tied at least six different times. How fun is that?! It would be a fantastic wedding dress or bridesmaid dress since it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

www.butterbynadia.com

These days everyone is trying to eke out just a few more days before returning for beauty related touch-ups and that includes brow waxing. Want your brows to look their best and most tailored between brow shaping? Brett Freedman of Vanitymark visited LA's hottest MedSpa, Kalologie, to get the scoop from one of their lead estheticians on highlighting your arches for optimum crispness and "pop."

• Take a champagne highlighter with a tight brush and brush right up under the brow into your arch. This makes your eyebrows look a little more tailored and cleaner while highlighting the eye.

• Make sure to choose a champagne shade. Too white or too silvery will give an unnatural look. Stick with warm shades. If you're uncertain, line the shades up next to each other and you'll be able to spot the difference. 

We all know there is a plethora of blogs out there that are fashion- and beauty-related. And they are all pretty much the same. Still, a couple do stand out. I just found a new one that needs to get bookmarked.

A couple months ago I pointed you to the Lookbook, a stellar blog on how to book the looks of the celebs for way less. It’s a personal obsession to check the blog daily. Now I’ve got another blog obsession - What I Wore. 

This blog follows the fashion sense and style of Jessica Schroeder. She declares herself to be a thrift shop junkie and also has the lucky distinction of being able to sew her own clothes. 

Nearly every day Jessica uploads pics of her in the day’s outfit. She gives you a close-up, a full outfit shot, including the shoes she’s rockin’ that day, etc.... The project started in March 2008 and has taken off from there. She writes the daily What I Wore blog and is the head designer/director in the junior’s market in New York City.

I’ll admit, when I first stumbled across the blog I thought, ‘Great, one more person who makes a point of flaunting the HUGE wardrobe they have. She’ll never wear the same thing twice and I’ll just feel stupid for my economical and small wardrobe.’ And while Jessica must have a large clothing supply, she doesn’t come across that way. Instead she re-wears things from time to time, especially shoes and accessories.

She’ll inspire you to experiment with your wardrobe, trying new combinations and pairings to expand your fashion palate without spending your entire paycheck at the mall.

What other sites are you checking out daily?

- Katie

Dresses that just about hit the floor are popular again this year, with celebs and normal folks alike.   We all know how Angelina Jolie loves her maxi dresses, and just this week she was photographed in this Ella Moss Hollie Maxi Dress.

 

 

Vivie-Ann Bakos

City: Montreal, Canada
Profession: "Passionista" - DJ, producer, and co-owner of the clothing line ADD
Claim to Fame: DJ and designer
Websites: www.vivie-ann.com, www.add.dj, www.blond-ish.com
Blog: http://www.addictivedjdesigns.com/dj/blog/
MySpace: www.myspace.com/vivie_ann
Twitter: Vivie_AnnDJ 

Who or what has most influenced your style, and why?

Accessories and articles of clothing from every decade since the '20s.  There's something so sexy about how women's fashion evolved throughout those decades.

What trends and designers do you love right now?

Ellus from Brasil, Travis Taddeo cuts and Addictive DJ Designs, of course!

What was your style like in High School?

I was a tomboy and often made my own clothes... and I always got looks walking down the hallway.

What's your favorite bargain item in your closet?

A vintage Heman/Shera belt from Berlin.

What beauty products are in your bag right now?

Darphin everything! Hydraskin light, Hydraskin serum, SPF vital protection, black liner, and a flavored Rachel Perry lip glaze.
 

You're on a trip and the airline lost your luggage. What 3 items do you rush out to buy right away? 

Ha! I've been through this lost luggage ordeal too many times. I make sure all the essentials are in my carry on just in case!

Have you changed your personal style along with your success?

A little... I think I've just begun to dress more feminine over the last few years. But when performing I dress the part(y) - I get into character as a DJ, dressing up in clothing that's as loud as my music. Sometimes I even surprise myself with the outfits I come up with. I have a treasure chest of props and accessories that I pull from. Audrey Hepburn said to take something off before leaving your house, but when I'm heading out to perform, I always put a little something extra on!

What's the most surprising thing you've learned in your profession so far? 

Definitely how to read people... There's a lot of BS in this biz, and I've learned to weed the "talkers" out.

What are 3 things most people don't know about you?

I'm a bit of an introvert, hail from Hungary and I'll pee in the shower.

Any words of wisdom for those trying to break into your profession?

I could write a book on this, and maybe i will, but market, network and PRODUCE music!
 

Learn more about Vivie-Ann Bakos at www.vivie-ann.com, www.add.dj, www.blond-ish.com, & http://www.addictivedjdesigns.com/dj/blog/

May’s issue of Allure has a section called ‘Sun & Skin’ and naturally it addresses how bad tanning is for your skin. This got me to wondering how many of you plan to actually seek out a real, sun-induced tan this year and how many are going to shun the sun in favor of your natural color or using self-tanning products?

 

ZENTS: My new favorite scent is more than just a perfume.

 I'm the kind of girl who is always on the lookout for the perfect perfume. I love the idea of a signature scent, and because of this, own way too many eau de toilettes. I've tried all different fragrances--fruity, flowery, foody, invigorating, earthy, you name it. I've tried designer perfume (Chance by Chanel and Gucci) perfume from mall stores (Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie, Banana Republic, American Eagle, Gilly Hicks) and I have way too many open sample ampules from Sephora perfuming my dresser drawers. It has gotten pretty ridiculous. Still, I haven't been able to find a particular perfume that I call my own. I mean, I was absolutely devastated when my Gilly Hicks Tamarama perfume was stolen, but that's beside the point. I have never had a signature buy-it-in-shower-gel, body-spray, and eau-de-parfum scent. That is, of course, until I discovered it last week.

How? I stepped into a local fitness and pilates studio to take a class, and while I was waiting for it to begin, I explored their mini-boutique. Of course they had the usual fitness things--bottled water, resistance bands, and foam rollers--but they also had something extra:  a beauty counter. I made a beeline over and discovered an adorable display of scented candles, lotion, body oil, creams, and perfumes. The studio offered tester versions of the entire ZENTS line of fragrances, so I unscrewed the cap on a tiny rollerball bottle labeled "Sun."  ZENTS calls their highly concentrated perfume oil Attar, which they claim means "to smell pretty." And after rolling the oil on my wrist and taking a sniff,  Sun did smell pretty. In fact, it smelled DELICIOUS. On their website, ZENTS describes the scent as "warm and sensuous" with vanilla, sandalwood, pink grapefruit, and sweet orange notes. I loved it, however, because it seemed to capture not only warmth and sexiness in a simple, non-overpowering scent, but also because something about it distinctly reminded me of the comfort of being at home mixed with the happiness and freedom of being at the beach. Sun, to me, is the essence of summer vacation. And personally, I don't think anything can get better than smelling like summer vacay. 

As I mentioned earlier, ZENTS come in ten different varieties: Mandarin, Ore, Fig, Sun, Water, Earth, Fresh, Petal, Pear, Oolong, and Water. Even though Sun is obviously my personal favorite, ALL of these fragrances smell good, not just that one. They have great packaging, plus, ZENTS were created to layer! An instructor at my studio told met that her current favorite fragrance combination was a mixture of Fig, Oolong, and Water. Conveniently, ZENTS gives their wearers many options to try their scents: soap, body wash, bath salts, eau de toilette, Attar, body oil, and Concreta, which is a thick cream for dry skin. Certain fragrances even have their own shampoo and conditioner! Even if you don't like to wear perfume, I don't think that any girl (or her boyfriend) can claim that s/he doesn't like delicious-smelling tresses. Don't believe me that ZENTS are phenomenal? That's okay, because as LeVar Burton would say, "You don't have to take my word for it!" (Reading Rainbow! Just me? Awkward...) But seriously, just check out the ZENTS press section where you will find that celebrity fans of ZENTS include Julia Roberts, Oprah, Uma Thuman, and Charlize Theron, just to name a few.

So, if you're trying to find a signature scent for yourself, or just a new perfume for your hot date, give ZENTS a try--and a sniff!

 

April is Earth Month and today is Earth Day so why not celebrate with some beauty products that are kind to you and the planet??

 

 

 

ULTA – the largest U.S. beauty retailer with one-stop shopping for prestige and mass cosmetics, skincare and hair care products, and salon services– is now offering a “College Day” discount!

I know it is important to drink water every day, for many reasons. I am very conscious about trying to eat protein with every meal now, and you must drink water when you eat a lot of protein to help digest it properly.

 

Ever thought about getting extensions? It's the rage with celebrities who seem to have a different hair length nearly every time they are photographed. Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, and Katie Holmes have all been photographed with extensions. But I never in my life even considered that as an option. But, in one of my previous hair-obsessed posts karijensen suggested I consider it when my hair gets a little longer.


Now it’s longer - well a little longer. So I’ve literally spent half of my day researching extensions. Here’s what I found out: It’s DANG expensive, it looks so natural and beautiful if done right and I WANT them now.

Hair length:
3-4 inches for thickening, 4-5 inches for a full lengthening.
You can have up to 30 inches added, although at 30 or more it is heavy and can look lopsided on the head.

Timing:
Between 2 to 6 hours depending upon the look and your hair.

Longevity:
Most places say it can last up to 6 months if you take care of it.

Care:
(according to hairboutique) 
Wash, condition and MOISTURIZE (very important) your hair every 2 - 3 days. The extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils and so need to have moisture added every wash. If you don't moisturize your hair extensions they will become brittle and break easily, leading to split and ratty ends.

Pricing:
(according to costhelper)
Hair extensions typically cost between $150 and $300, plus the cost of the hair (more on this later), for a partial head of extensions, from $300 to $600 for a full head of extensions for fullness only, and from $600 to $1500 for a full head of extensions for fullness and added length.

High-quality human hair that is cut -- not brushed -- off usually costs from $250 to $500 for a partial head and $1,000 to $2,500 for a full head, depending on length and origin. Synthetic hair and low-quality human hair, which are not recommended, cost much less.

These are the best videos to learn more and see extensions in action.

(before and after pics from virtualhaircare)

To be honest, I am secretly loving the colored extensions. Why not get a strand of pink or blue thrown in there with the rest? From the pics I've seen online today, it can be pretty sweet! (pic below from here)

For more information about the kinds of extensions you can get and how they are applied, check out this previous blog post!

 

Did you know that your purse could be making you sick? Charles Gerba, PhD, an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona, studied handbags and found germs that cause skin infections, colds and diarrhea, among other ailments. Women set their purses down in some of the dirtiest spots, like restrooms and restaurant floors. Get a Luxe Link purse hook and you’ll never be forced to put your purse on a floor again!

      

As you're contemplating busting out your spring/summer clothes and packing away the winter ones, and as you begin to get the Spring Cleaning bug, don't forget that it's important to clean out your makeup collection. If you're anything like half the people on Sparkle*Shelf you've probably got more makeup than you could use in a lifetime. It's just so tempting to pick up another little something each time you're near Sephora - we know.

But makeup and the supplies you use to apply it aren't eternal. They do have a limited lifespan and whether they are empty or not you need to consider pitching the older stuff. This will help avoid infections as well as keep you looking fresh and beautiful.

How long will it last?

Foundation/Concealer - 1 year. After that it will start to lose its vibrancy and can begin to look blotchy when applied to your face. If you use liquid foundation, throw it out when it begins to thicken. UGH!!

Blush - 1-2 years. You'll know it's going bad if the powder begins to break or crack. When that happens... it's time to hit up the beauty counter.

Eyeshadow - 1-2 years. As with the blush, when it begins to break or crack with use that means it's ready for the garbage can.

Eyeliner - 6 months-1 year. If your pencil starts to look discolored, pitch it! To starve off the bacteria sharpen the pencil regularly. (Liquid should be pitched after 6 months, as there is no real way to get rid of the bacteria.)

Mascara - 4-6 months. When it starts to clump that's the time to dump it.

Lipstick - 1-2 years. If it starts to get rubbery or no longer leaves color behind on your lips when you apply it that is your clear indication it's time to find a new tube.  

Lipliner - 2-3 years. Again like the lipstick or eyeliner, if the product becomes rubbery, stops adding color or the product color has changed just throw it out.

Makeup Brushes - Varies. If you take good care of your natural-hair brushes, washing them carefully after use and storing them in a flat place, they can last a dozen years. Anything made of fake fibers should be replaced more regularly. Think every 1-2 years.

Nail Polish - 1 year. It can last longer if you don't use it that often. You know it's over when the contents begin to separate, the liquid begins to thicken, etc...

How to make your makeup last:

• Close the bottles/tubes tightly after each use. That will stop the air from getting inside and drying the product out. It'll also keep bacteria out.
• Keep all powders in a dry place. Therefore, your bathroom is probably the worst place to keep your makeup bag.
• Don't share your makeup with others. (Sure, you've heard it before, but seriously, it's a good mantra to live by.)
• Refrain from pumping your mascara wand in and out when applying. That pushes dry air into the product and will make it go bad quicker.
• Wash sponges every week.
• Wash natural-hair brushes at least once a year.