Clean Sweep

There’s a good chance you’ve forgotten about the stage makeup that’s been sitting in your closet since last season. But if you don’t give your beauty products a close look before show time, you could end up with a nasty eye infection and blotchy-looking skin. We asked professional makeup artist Tonya Noland just how long you can keep using your makeup before it’s time to throw it out. —Megan Kirsch

How long can I keep my…?

Foundation

Up to one year.
You’ll know it’s time for your liquid foundation to go when it appears separated and you have to shake it before use.

Powder

Up to one year.
This applies to powder eye shadow, too. Throw these out sooner if they’re not applying smoothly.

Mascara and liquid liner

About six weeks.
If you keep them longer, you could get bacteria in your eyes, resulting in a stye or infection—yikes!

*Pencil liner will last longer than liquid—just sharpen it before each use.

Put Your Best Brush Forward

•    Pick up a brush-cleaning solution at your local drug store and clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. We love using Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner, but you can also use regular shampoo—simply lather up each brush with a dime-sized drop and rinse with warm water.

•    Leave at least six to eight hours between cleaning and your next use to allow the brushes to fully dry. Air-dry your brushes instead of blow-drying to ensure they maintain their shape.

•    Brushes from professional makeup lines tend to last longer. An affordable and trustworthy option is Sonia Kashuk’s collection (available at Target).

Did You Know?

Paying your dance friend a compliment might just help her nail that tricky combination. In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, a group of Japanese researchers found that the area of the brain activated when we receive a compliment causes us to perform better. So when you’re backstage practicing, be sure to remind your classmate just how beautiful her port de bras is.

Lucky Number 7

Eat more carrots, be happier? According to a new study from the University of Warwick, people who eat seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day have the highest levels of happiness and mental health. So if you’ve been feeling bummed out lately, throw a few “happy snacks” (apple slices, baby carrots, grapes, bananas) in your dance bag to munch on before and after rehearsal.

You know the rule:
Perfect nail polish or no nail polish at all. The next time you’re in a time crunch and notice a chip, swipe the tips of your nails with some super-sparkly polish. You’ll love your glitter French mani—and no one will suspect what’s hiding underneath.