Supernatural Botanicals

Tired of inconsistently sharpened lip and eye pencils each time you try to sharpen pointy new tips on them?  Chances are good that it’s your sharpener, not your pencil.

Try these tips to get the most consistent, perfectly sharpened pencil.

1. Always use the proper sized sharpener for the pencil.  Don’t sharpen a small pencil in a large sharpener….you’ll get a crooked edge on the pencil.
2. Use good quality sharpeners from an art store.  Purchase several sizes for your various pencil sizes.  Even good quality sharpeners are fairly inexpensive, and you’ll only need to purchase these about twice in your lifetime….it’s a good deal, go with it.  It’s worth it.
3. Maintenance.  Keep your tools clean.  They’ll perform better and it eliminates any entry point for bacteria.  Use a Q-Tip to gently clean our the sharpening barrel.  Never use alcohol or water on your blades…it will make them rust.

If you are still using liquid foundation makeup (nothing wrong with that, although you should just try mineral makeup), using a sponge to apply it with is a must; reason being is that you can spread bacteria onto your skin via your fingers.  Bacteria can wreak a whole host of problems, including breakouts and even skin infections. 

Not only is using your fingers a bad idea from a bacteria perspective, it also stretches the skin, thereby creating creases, wrinkles and over time, sagging skin.  Using your fingers to apply foundation also gives an un-blended appearance. 

Fingers, no.  Makeup sponges, yes.  Regularly change makeup sponges and wash them under hot, soap water.  Allow to air dry.  Try triangle sponges (pictured) for hard to reach areas such as the eyes.

Maybe.  That’s why the FDA is considering banning Triclosan, a bacteria-killing chemical used in hand sanitizers and liquid soaps.  Some experts think that it alters hormones and helps to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Further studies are needed to determine if the additive is dangerous.  The reality is, we really don’t know yet.  The jury is still out on this one.  It’s best just to go old school and use regular soap and water to clean your hands until we know more.

In the Cold and Flu season, you should replace your mascara and lipstick once a month to avoid germs that can take you, and your immune system, down for the count.  Head germs off at the pass and avoid getting sick by having good makeup hygiene.  If anything (at all) has been in your makeup bag longer than three months, toss it.  Wash makeup brushes with shampoo and conditioner and let air dry to keep all makeup tools clean and free of germs. 

Did you know that germs can last on paper money for 17 days?  Carry hand sanitizer with you in your purse and your car …and use it regularly.  Wash your hands with soap as often as possible to avoid getting sick.