Guest Blogger: Dawn from "At First Blush"!

I am thrilled and so grateful to one of my oldest friends, Dawn of "At First Blush,"

who is filling in for me while I'm down in Massachusetts.  Dawn and I have been friends since fifth grade (thank God I don't have any of those photos scanned), and she has been my go-to beauty expert my whole life. 

Whether it has been me copying her perm in 7th grade (yikes!), being a bridesmaid on her wedding day,

 or her doing my make-up on mine,

she is a stellar friend and a talented esthetician and fashionista.  Her blog is really funny and insightful, especially for someone as cosmetically challenged as myself.  You will definitely enjoy it!

So now, with further ado...



Dawn!  And her adorable little man, Connor.

When Becky asked me to be a guest blogger here, I was so excited. Then, trepidation set in. I thought, "What am I going to write about?" I'm a mommy, too, but not nearly as crafty or witty as my BFF. I am, however, a self-proclaimed product junkie, and have been since middle school. While Becky was left to figure fashion out on her own (having a hippie mom did not lend itself to be very helpful during those treacherous years), she leaned on me to guide her. From Pink Bubblegum Lip Smackers to modern bridal chic, I have to say, I am the advisor on most things trendy in our relationship. And Becky is the one I turn to when I don't know what to do when my toddler won't touch a vegetable, drink his milk, or is driving me crazy on a rainy day!

With that said, it only seems fitting that I share this text sent to me a few weeks ago from your favorite blogger at Rub Some Dirt on It.  Becky wrote, " Just thought I'd make you laugh and tell you I'm still using the same eyeliner from my wedding ;) Almost 4 years!" 

You made me laugh, alright, Becky. Then, I proceeded to roll my eyes, and mutter, "Dear Lord..." 

That text prompted this very blog post:

When to Toss Your Cosmetics 

Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner-Every 3 months

This black, moist, liquid-in-a-tube is breeding ground for bacteria. After 3 months, not only does the formula start to dry out and get cakey, but you are more likely to develop infections in your eyes. 

Liquid Foundation, Blush, and Bronzer-Every 6 months

As liquid foundation sits on our vanity, it becomes oily and starts to thicken. This can leave you with an uneven application and breakouts. Also, dipping your fingers in these products leads to more bacteria build-up. 

Powder Foundation, Blush, Bronzer, and Eyeshadow-2 years

Hallelujiah! Something we can keep on our vanity for what seems like forever! But, beware. Even powder formulations can dry up and be more difficult to blend. Also, if you use a "puff" to apply the product, please, please, please, wash it at least once a week!

Cream Eyeshadow-6 months

The same rule applies here as with the other liquids. This is especially crucial because our sometimes clean fingers are usually the applicators, and thus bacteria can transfer back and forth.

Eyeliner and Lip Liner-2 years

Sorry, Becky, that fabulous eyeliner that reminds you of your beautiful wedding day needs to be tossed in the garbage! After two years, the color and shine of the product can disappear.

Lipstick-1 Year

Praise the lipstick queen! Who wants to spend the money on the perfect shade of lipstick to only have to toss it after 6 months? Not me! So, ladies, keep that lipstick in your purse a little bit longer, even if it might lose some of its sheen and color.

Lip Gloss-6 Months

I don't know any women who actually still has the same lip gloss after six months, but I'm sure there are some of you out there! I am a bit of an addict, so mine don't last that long. This is a tricky one. I think that if you have the lip glosses with the wand that dips in, it should be tossed after 3 months, because, again, you are transferring bacteria. But, if it's the kind with the slant tip that you squeeze, you should be o.k. with the 6 month window.

Quick tip: 

**Sharpen your eyeliner and lipliner before each use so it's like new!

That's it! I hope you enjoyed a little segment that had nothing to do with kids or crafts. It's something written just for you! Now, go clean out your makeup bag, go shopping for some new stuff, feel and look gorgeous!

Thank you, Becky, for allowing me this opportunity to be your guest blogger! I have enjoyed every minute of it! And, thank you to Becky's audience for taking the time to check me out!

By the way, Bloggies, if you have any questions regarding skincare, makeup, fashion, etc., head over to my blog: www.atfirstblushbeauty.com, or email me at dawn@atfirstblushbeauty.com

Have a BEAUTIFUL day!

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Thank you, Dawn!!  I couldn't ask for a better friend.  And just to make you all laugh, the part where she says, "I don't know anyone who still has the same lip gloss after 6 months?"  Haha, Dawn, you sure do!!  I am still using my lip gloss from my wedding, too!!