Keep Your Make Up Fresh, Just Like Your Dance Moves

We are still deep in competition and recital season here at Black and Pink, with many people running in for last minute items like false eyelashes and hairnets. If you're anything like us, you have probably begun to accumulate a lot of different makeup, brushes, and all sorts of goodies over your years of performing. Before you throw out anything to make room for more, check out some of our tips below to find out whether or not you can save it or toss it!

Eyeshadow
If the color and/or texture has changed, toss it!
If it has been over a year since you bought it, toss it!
Try to keep these at room temperature.
 
Mascara
Over two months, toss it!
If its dry or clumpy, toss it!
DON'T use the trick of mixing it with some water to make it last longer. This only adds more bacteria and could hurt your eyes.
DON'T SHARE. Yes, sharing is caring, but mascara is applied so close to your eyes, so its best to just keep your germs to yourself.
Try to keep at room temperature in a dry environment.

Eyeliner (Liquid)
Over three months, toss it!
If the texture has changed, or its clumpy and dry, toss it!
Just like mascara, liquid eyeliner can hold a lot of bacteria, so don't share or try to mix it with water.
Try to keep at room temperature in a dry environment.

Eyeliner (Solid)
Over 6-12 months, toss it!
These stay fresh much longer if you sharpen them daily.
Keep this in a dry room temperature environment

Lipstick
Over 1-2 years, toss it!
If the color and/or texture has changed, toss it!
Store this either at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep fresh.

Foundation, cream blush, or any creamy face product
Over 6-12 months, toss it!
If you apply it with your fingers, it has higher risk of contamination of bacteria. To keep fresh longer, use a new disposable sponge with every use.
To keep its texture, keep it at room temperature.

Powder foundation, blush, and lip gloss
These can last a while (1-2 years). But even so, keep an eye on their color and texture to make sure it stays fresh for your face!

Hairspray
If the hold has weakened from its original state, toss it!
If it smells different than it once did, toss it!
If the spray nozzle is hardened with residue, you can either replace the pump or just toss it.
NEVER try to clear the nozzle on aerosol cans. Because aerosol cans are under high pressure, its very dangerous to tamper with the lid.
Other than that, hairspray can pretty much last forever.

False eyelashes
These are reusable for about 6-12 months, but it is important to keep them clean! Use a cotton swab and some liquid make up remover to gently clean the glue and old make up off the eyelashes. Let them dry overnight and then store them in their plastic jar or case.

CLEAN YOUR TOOLS
Get your brushes soaked in lukewarm water, swirl them on a bar of soap, and then rinse and repeat until clean. Lay them flat to dry overnight.

To stay organized, try using a fold out make up box/bag or even decorate your own tool box for a cheap alternative!

Remember, keep your products fresh to keep your skin looking its best!

Ballet Foot Stretcher

What makes an extraordinary aesthetic for dancers? Is it muscle tone? Height? Length? Flexibility? Perhaps it is all of these combined. While the aesthetic is constantly changing with time, one thing has always remained.....FEET.
Feet determine a lot for a dancer. How strong and flexible they are can make or break certain steps. But how do you further your feet? We are now in an age where we can buy anything to fix any problem. Enter the Ballet Foot Stretcher.

This curved wooden bar has interchangeable bands that hold the top of the foot down while you extend and straighten your knee. Your heel fits into a groove that follows the natural line of the leg, and the ankle is supports by an lift that provides maximum stretch. The goal is to have your leg complete straight with your foot in the holstered position.
This stretches the top of the foot, the toes, and the ankle.
Accompanied with this is a guide of different stretches, designed to help you accomplish longer, stronger lines and a pointe to die for!
It not only stretches your feet, but when used properly, it can help you gain overall flexibility in your legs by helping you feel the maximum stretch of your knees, thighs, and rotation of the hips. 

The feedback from our staff who have tried it say it actually works compared to some other brands of foot stretchers in the market. After trying out a few, we have concluded that this one is the most effective.

Have you tried this foot stretcher or one like it? Let us know what you think!