I form deep and lasting attachments to my favorite makeup products (this probably has something to do with how much I spend on them). Yes, I am the type of lady who will hold on to a Chanel eye-shadow palette long after we should have parted ways because it cost upwards of $50. But, like a bad boyfriend, we need to toss the “just isn’t cutting it anymore” products from our makeup bags when they have nothing left to offer – besides bacteria. Ew.

Unsure of when to toss your mascara or that remaining nub of eyeliner? Here’s the shelf-life breakdown of your everyday basics.

Mascara: Every time you swipe your lashes, your wand collects itty bitty particles of bacteria that end up going right back into the mascara tube. Knowing this is enough to make me want to buy new mascara after each application, but experts recommend switching every two to three months.

Foundations: With the exception of powder mineral foundations (I live and die by Bare Minerals), most of which can last up to two years, all foundations are water-based, meaning they attract bacteria easily. It’s best to replace your foundation after six to twelve months.

Concealer: Powder and stick forms of concealer can last up to two years (take that, blemishes!), while liquid concealers should be discarded after one year.

Blush: The same rules for foundation apply to blush as well. If it’s powder-based, you’re good until you hit the two-year mark. Cream blushes, however, should be thrown away after a year.

Eye shadow and eyeliner: Follow the same rule of thumb as mascara: if a product is going anywhere near your eyes, replace after three months.

Lipstick and lip gloss: Both contain oil-based ingredients, which make these low-risk products in terms of spoiling. Aim to replace glosses and lipsticks after one year, unless you’ve been sick – then toss and start fresh.

The upside of cleaning out your makeup drawer? Shopping for new products, of course. (Sorry, bank account.)

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

Do you throw away your makeup when you should? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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As predicted by Peter Som, Rodarte, and YSL (and many others) on the Fall 2012 runways, this dark chocolate-dipped cherry hue has won its way into our hearts and wardrobes. While it works well in full skirt suit form, as sported recently by a certain British Princess, I prefer to let this mystery-meets-chic shade add subtle accents to fall outfits.

Chianti, burgundy, or black cherry – oxblood by any other name still adds a little brass to jewel tones, leather jackets, and jeans.

Cherry On Top
Replace summer’s straw fedora with this cherry-brick wool one. Pair it with a vintage dress and ankle boots, and express a little 1920s flair.

Reveal Your Dark Side
Flattering on every skin tone, oxblood lipstick is a darker and richer alternative to the classic red lip color. One coat with a touch of mascara and you’re out the door.

Dress It Down
There’s nothing cozier in a chilly office than a puffer vest. Pair an oxblood vest or scarf with an oversized sweater and jeans for an on-trend and casual ensemble.

The Saturated Skinny
Shelve mint skinnies until next season in exchange for these saturated blue-red jeans. Make it a biker-chic morning in a leather jacket or do post-work drinks with the simple addition of heels.

Beet Red
Give your nail technician the week off from Pinterest-inspired patterns and opt for something simple, striking, and in season.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

What other ways do you wear oxblood? Share it in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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I’d like to think that my day-to-day makeup routine is fairly low maintenance. I rarely venture from the confines of mascara, a swipe of eyeliner (top lid only), and my pot of Smith’s Rosebud Lip Balm.

This spring, I couldn’t get enough of the perfectly done hot pink and fiery coral pouts. I dabbled, but it never really worked for me.

Maybe it’s because I’m a child of the ’90s, but with fall here, and burgundy lips the next big thing, I’m all about it! Inspired by this post from Cupcakes and Cashmere, and armed with this well-timed tutorial from Styleite, I’m vowing to get my pucker in on this lipstick action.

My biggest takeaway? This one simple tip: illuminate and brighten up the skin with a touch of light-reflecting primer or bronzer. While a pale, matte complexion can be lovely, just the right amount of radiance softens the contrast of the merlot lip so it reads rich rather than ghastly.

BY MAKEUP ARTIST AND KEEP ME BLUSHING BLOGGER SAMANTHA MICHELLE

We’re in denial about any shreds of winter left. Full speed to spring, please. Bright colors! Lighter fabrics! We even spotted a pair of bright pink wedges in our midst today.

With Smashbox Cosmetics on our horizon, we turned to Keep Me Blushing blogger, Samantha Michelle, to enlighten us on the color of 2011: sweet, pretty honeysuckle – a mouth-watering, reddish-pink hue. Check out her tips, then let us know if you’ll be up for a little (or a lot) for spring.

I love the color of 2011. It’s happy, warm, and beautiful, and looks great on just about anyone. It’s easy to add this color into your wardrobe and accessories, but don’t forget your makeup bag! Some of you may think this honeysuckle is too bright to wear on your face, but when done correctly it looks so great – especially for spring/summer.

The easiest way to add this color is with nail polish. It looks fresh on fingers and toes – especially on the beach.

Lipstick and lip stain in honeysuckle is so chic. Although this color is bright, it’s absolutely do-able. For long-lasting lip color, fill your lips with the same-color lip liner, then apply lipstick. If this feels a little too bold, a lip stain is a safe alternative.

When wearing honeysuckle on your lips, keep the rest of your face simple. Use foundation and concealer on any problem areas like your eyes, nose, and any blemishes. Bronze all over (Hint: to contour your face, use bronzer on the sides of your nose and under your cheek bones). Use highlighter on your cheek bones, bridge of your nose, arch of your brow, and the corner of your eyes – skip the blush. For your eyes, try a shimmer shadow from your lash line to your eyebrow, and for a nighttime look add black liner to your lash line and the rim of your eyes, then finish with black mascara.

For honeysuckle cheeks, I suggest a cream blush right on the apples of your cheeks and pulled upwards towards your hairline. Set with the same color powder blush. Use lightly and blend. To avoid looking too harsh, skip colored lipstick and opt for nude or a clear gloss. You can do a smokey eye or a natural eye with honeysuckle cheeks. If you want a smokey eye I would do a slate grey instead of purples, greens, or navy.

Have fun with honeysuckle and don’t be intimidated by it. It’s a perfect shock of color for spring days and nights.

We sat down with makeup artist Samantha Michelle for three looks that will take your through the season in flawless style. Whether bundled up in a chunky knit sweater or strutting through parties in your holiday finest, these makeup must-tries are the perfect finishing touches to this season’s festive fashion.