WHEN DO MAKE UP EXPIRES?
Nearly everything expires, except honey… It’s literally too sweet to spoil! We all know foods eventually perish, but did you know makeup products also go bad? Cosmetics may not grow mold or show visible signs of expiration, but most (if not all) products deteriorate and become unusable after a certain amount of time. Depending on how your beauty-bits are stored and maintained—a product may either thrive beyond its post-use date or expire before you even get a chance to use it!
Although I am not an “expiration expert,” I did some research on the subject and learned some really surprising facts to share with you lovelies!
First things first: Expiration dates begin from the second you open the product for the first time.
I recommend always noting the date of your beauty-buys to avoid confusion down the road. A great way to stay organized with all of these dates is to label your products with date stickers. All you have to do is buy small stickers from an office supply store, write the date you opened the product on the sticker, and then apply the date sticker onto your product so you’re never second guessing how old it is. Or, if you want to go the extra mile, calculate when the product will go bad and then write it on the sticker!
Here is a basic breakdown to help you determine when to trash your old makeup stash:
- Concealer: Concealer applicators should be tossed within 6 months since these instruments are known to grow and harvest bacteria (yuck!). If you use a brush to apply your concealer, hang onto your twist-up sticks and compacts for up to 1 year.
- Foundation: Between 6 months and 1 year
- Pressed Powder Cosmetics (face powder, eye shadow, blush etc.): 1 year to 18 months
- Lipstick and gloss: 1 year
- Lip and eye pencils: If you sharpen your pencils regularly and they are not crumbly or dry, you will get 1 year to 1.5 years out of them!
- Mascara and liquid eyeliners: Always (I cannot stress this enough), always replace every 3 months. If you get an eye infection, throw your mascara and liner away ASAP and replace with a fresh mascara once the infection has completely cleared up.
- Natural cosmetics: Any organic, all-natural, products must be disposed of after 6 months because these cosmetics are preservative free.
Here are some Do’s & Don’ts to help make the most of your makeup:
- Don’t put your fingers in your products. Always use a brush or applicator to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Don’t share your cosmetics. Ever.
- Do keep containers tightly shut and store them in cool, dry places—out of direct sunlight.
- Do toss products if they change color, texture or consistency. This also goes for products that start to smell funny, too!
- Don’t use saliva or water to moisten your brushes for a smoother application. Never add liquid to a product unless directed by the manufacturer. Adding liquids can breed bacteria and can cause unwanted infections, which is never fun!
- Do clean your makeup brushes weekly using a mild detergent or gentle face cleanser.
- Do replace your makeup sponges as soon as they become saturated and soiled. A sponge typically lasts about one week.
- Don’t ever use eye products if you have an eye infection.
- Don’t sample makeup at the beauty counter. If you must test, be sure to use a clean applicator (cotton swab or fresh sponge) to apply the sample.
- Do wash your hands before applying makeup and beauty-products.
So, am I the only one who is surprised to learn how fast cosmetics go bad? Any suggestions on how to keep track of expiration dates? Share your ideas with me and I will put together a list of your best tips!
