Gallery: 6 Ways to Clean Up Your Beaut...

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PURGE YOUR MAKEUP BAG

The new year offers the perfect opportunity to clear old, expired makeup from your cosmetics bag and dressing table. Used makeup collects tons of bacteria, which can result not only in breakouts but also potentially harmful skin conditions. Check the expiration date of your products or follow this rule of thumb: replace mascara every three months, foundation every six months, and lipsticks and eye shadows every year.

Tip: Wash your brushes and sponges every three weeks to keep them—and your skin—in tip-top shape.

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USE A DRY BRUSH

A great way to rid of toxins, banish cellulite, and improve skin tone is to dry brush your skin a few minutes before you shower. Use a natural bristle brush and be sure to brush it towards your heart—it’s a wonderful way to improve your blood circulation.

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KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS

Don’t just fall for the party line—check the labels of your beauty products to ferret out their ingredients. Avoid anything with sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol, phthalates, fragrance, or talc. Conventional cosmetic and personal-care products are chock-full of toxic chemicals, but once you identify what they are, shopping for healthier options become much easier.

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