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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.

It’s that time of year again ladies. Spring cleaning isn’t reserved for wiping down windows and dusting your top shelves. There comes a time when certain makeup products either meet their end or should be put on the back burner until further notice. Here’s a guide for what to get rid of, what to put away, and what to bring back out.

Mascara
Mascara is a product that does wonders for any look, but has a max shelf life of about three months. Keeping your mascara around any longer and it will dry out. Old mascara also harbor bacteria, which can lead to infections. Tossing old mascara will keep your lashes lush, and give you a chance to try out different brands.

Foundations/Concealers
During the spring and summer, most of us go for that bronze glow (sun safe of course!), which means our winter foundation shades won’t cut it. You will likely move up at least two shades in your skin tone during summer, so make sure your foundation and concealers match up. Nothing’s worse than when your face doesn’t match the rest of your body.

Dark Lipstick/Nail Polish
Those dreary winter months are the perfect time to rock a dark lip. However, once the weather heats up, bright lips are a better option. Bright pink, coral, and raspberry lips compliment both tan and fair skin, and scream summer unlike those vampy shades we see all over the runways in the winter. This also applies to your nail polish colors too. Opt for a tangerine or a mint green rather than deep red or plum. Experiment to see which bright shade works best for you.

Eyeliner
Eyeliner is a stable in most girls makeup looks. With as much use as they get, we tend to sharpen our pencils into oblivion until they are nothing but stubs. It’s definitely time to throw out those pencils when there isn’t even enough room to hold them. After getting rid of that outdated pencil liner, try a retractable eye liner. They solve that sharpening problem, and you won’t have to worry about the wood of the pencil scratching your sensitive eyelid.

Hair Color
For the ladies with chameleon hair, spring and summer are the perfect time to lighten up your locks. The ombre trend, where your hair gradually fades from dark to light, is a huge trend, and flatters a tanner complexion. It’s also an easy transition for us ladies too nervous to try anything too drastic! If even this trend is too permanent, try using clip in extensions several shades lighter than your hair. Just make sure you cover the clips with your real hair!

Keep in mind that these aren’t rules, more general guidelines. Stay open minded to new trends, and rock what looks best on you. Spring is the perfect time to replace the makeup you aren’t getting much use out of, and try out different looks you weren’t brave enough to rock in the winter.  

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Jordan Fontenot

George Mason University

Jordan Fontenot is a senior at George Mason University and is a Communication major with a concentration in Public Relations and a double minor in Business and Tourism and Events Management. When she's not busy with school, working at a local boutique, or writing for Her Campus, she loves to work out at the campus gyms or go shopping with her friends. Jordan is obsessed with Harry Potter, chai tea lattes, and New Girl.
Sabel is a senior at George Mason University majoring in History and Economics. Although she'd rather stay a student forever, she is excited to see what the future brings her in the fashion industry. Besides her endeavors at HerCampus, Sabel is a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista.com writing the Style Advice of the Week column for Mason. Adding to her busy schedule are her duties in her sorority, volunteering for Operation Smile, contributing to the social media world, feeding her soda addiction, shopping at J.Crew and coloring everything around her pink. And yes, the last three are major priorities in her book.