We all know the importance of tossing out old makeup, but how often do you wash your makeup brushes? With every brush stroke, countless bacteria are clinging to those bristles. The nasty bacteria can clog pores and lead to unsightly blemishes and breakouts.

The only way to prevent dirty skin deposits is to clean makeup brushes on a regular basis. The general rule is to wash them at every month to kill germs. I usually wash my brushes every two weeks with warm water, antibacterial soap and let them air-dry overnight. Another option for disinfecting brushes is to use an alcohol-based cleanser on your brushes.

TIP: Make sure you continue rinsing until no color leaves the brush.

How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Do you use warm soapy water or a specific cleanser?

Check out some of these:

MAC Brush Cleanser available at www.nordstrom.com for $11

Bobbi Brown Brush Cleanser available at www.nordstrom.com for $16.50

Beauty Blender Blender Cleanser available at www.drugstore.com for $17.95

Cover Fx Brush Cleanser available at www.sephora.com for $13

Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser available at www.dillards.com for $13

Origins Brush Cleanser available at www.dillards.com for $11

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Hormonal changes are something that we all go through, but lately those changes have been wreaking havoc on my skin. In addition to having acne flare-ups, I’ve been trying to steer clear of certain products that are filled with harsh chemicals so I’ve been on the prowl for organic products that can help manage my unwanted breakouts.

LUSH’s Mask of Magnamity has been the answer to my acne angst! This vanilla-mint scent mask looks like green goop, but this hand-made cleanser does an excellent job of deep cleaning & toning while gently exfoliating. Surprisingly, after removing the mask it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry like most masks, but actually soft and refreshed. After only using for three weeks, I can already see a change in my complexion.

Mask of Magnaminty Cleanser available at www.lushusa.com for $11.55-$20.45 (depending on the ounces)

**Please note: because this product is hand-made with fresh ingredients such as honey, peppermint oil, evening primrose seeds, etc, it only has a 4-month shelf-life.

Have you ever tried this mask? Would you? What’s your favorite mask? Have you ever tried Lush products?

**BTW, the winner of the Thevi lipstick is SoniaB. Please email me your mailing address within 7 days. Congrats!!

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I wrote about Thevi Cosmetics last year and have continued to be impressed with their products. Since the beauty line was created with BGs in mind, it’s easy to fall in love with their array of colors that complement the wide spectrum of hues that represent women of color. Their new Godiva High Impact Lipstick is perfect for that super pigmented pop of color (a mahogany/raisin) that is certainly going to be all the rage this upcoming fall season.

Godiva High Impact Gloss is 25% off the regular price ($13) and is now $9.75 until August 28th) visit www.thevicosmetics.com

Would you try Thevi Cosmetics since it’s an ethnic cosmetics line?

One lucky winner will win one. Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Monday. Good luck!

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You’ve probably seen the commercials for Dove’s newest body wash – NutriumMoisture. If you haven’t, let me be the first to inform you first-hand on how wonderful it is! I’m always on the hunt for body washes that will leave my skin feeling fresh and clean, while maintaining moisture and for the past few weeks Dove’s NutriumMoisture for Sensitive Skin (unscented) has been doing the trick.

Available at drugstores nationwide for $8.50

This patented moisturizing formula actually absorbs into my super dry skin unlike some of the countless other brands that I’ve tried throughout the years. I’ve always been a huge fan of Dove products, especially their deodorants, but now I’m adding this enriching moisturizing line of body washes to my favorites’ list.

Have you tried Dove’s Nutrium Moisture body washes? Do you use any Dove products?

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For those of you who aren’t into the glossy lip look, Bobbi Brown has the perfect alternative for you! Their Lip Crayon is back by popular demand and now here to stay. As a part of their Ivy League Collection, the lip pencil is a combination of a creamy lipstick with the precision and convenience of a jumbo pencil! It leaves the lips feeling moisturized all while giving just the right amount of color without all of the gooey-ness of glosses. Plus, these lip crayons will be especially great for the upcoming fall season. Who says crayons are just for kids?

Lip Crayons (comes in 6 shades) are available at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com for $22 each.

Have you ever tried this lip crayon? If you’d like to try it, just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

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Maybelline Great Lash BIG available at drugstores nationwide for $7.

As you guys know, I love anything that will make my lashes appear longer, thicker and overall more luscious and Maybelline mascaras always do just that! They somehow always manage to produce perfect mascara formulas and their newest product – Great Lash BIG doesn’t disappoint.

I already knew that I’d love it because Great Lash is my all-time favorite mascara, so an improved spin on my tried-and-true could only be good. The bristles (I don’t know why they’re pink & green in the photo because they are black) are HUGE, which allows for an easy sweep that will coat your lashes with one application. For my fellow mascara mavens, the bristles are similar to Dior’s popular “Show” mascara, but with the same formula as the fan favorite Great Lash – it’s a match made in mascara heaven!

Have you ever tried this mascara?

**One lucky reader will win a tube of Great Lash BIG (a $7 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced tomorrow.

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