KissMeGoodnight
Article Series:
The Simplest & Most Practical Beauty Secrets
When
To Throw Out Beauty Products
Ever
wonder how long is too long to keep makeup products? All makeup has a shelf life and it is important to
be aware of what it is because not all are the same. For example
mascara should be discarded the most often as it is the most
easily contaminated of all cosmetics and anything that comes
in contact with your eyes should always be clean and as safe
as can be.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has something to say
about how long it is safe to keep makeup. According to them: “Cosmetic products are generally formulated and tested for
a shelf life of 1-3 years under normal storage conditions,
depending on a product’s composition, packaging, preservation,
and other factors. Consumers should be aware that expiration
dates are simply, “rules of thumb,” and that a product’s safety
may expire long before the expiration date if the product has
not been properly stored. Cosmetics that have been improperly
stored, for example exposed to high temperatures or sunlight
or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale may
deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the
other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable
long after the expiration date has been reached.”
As a guideline to how long you should keep your makeup products,
a water-based foundation will last for up to one year and an
oil-based one for a year and a half. If you find that your
water-based foundation dries out before it is all gone (or
has expired) all you need to do to revive it is to add a few
drops of alcohol-free toner and then shake it a little to rid
it of any lumps. Oil-based foundation on the other hand is
likely to separate as opposed to dry out, so you will need
to give it a shake sometimes to refresh the consistency.
Concealer (or cover stick) can be kept up to a year and face
powder (pressed and translucent although translucent usually
stays fresh longer) up to two years. Blush can be kept up to
six months and cream and gel cleansers, a year.
Eye
liners can last up to a period of three years time and
should be sharpened on a regular basis for a smooth application
and finish and to guarantee that no bacteria has had time to
settle and take up residence on it. Eyeshadow can last up to
three years as well, whereas mascara is the product that must
be disposed of most readily. Get rid of your mascara after
three or four months (regardless of whether the tube is finished
or not). Mascara is the most likely to harbor bacteria which
can make it bad news! And contrary to popular belief, there
is no need to pump the mascara wand in and out before applying
it, instead simply twist it slowly in a circle in the tube
before opening it up to use.
Lip
liner can last up to three years but there is a mixed
opinion about lipstick. Some cosmetic experts say lipsticks
are good for a year or two while others say they are good for
a period of up to three to four years. You will know that a
lipstick has gone bad when it smells funny. If it does then
don’t use it on your lips whatever you do, toss it out. In
order to preserve the longevity of your lipstick, keep it in
the refrigerator.
Nail
polish can be a tricky one. If stored properly it can
last up to two years (if you store it in the refrigerator it
will last even longer). In some cases nail polish will only
last one year. If you notice that the bottle of nail polish
has separated, then shake it up a bit. If the colors and oils
don’t meld back together and it smells odd then it is old and
it is time to get rid of it.
There are other things to bear in mind about the ditching
of makeup products. Learn to use your own discretion when it
comes to deciding if a product is safe to use or if it should
be thrown out. Some products might be safe to use past the
expiration date but this is not recommended. It is very easy
for contaminants and bacteria to innocently find their way
into makeup products (in particular eye makeup) no matter how
hygienic you attempt to be. Always wash your makeup brushes
every two to three months in warm soapy water, mild detergent
or baby shampoo. Sponges should be washed every ten to fourteen
days and then rinsed with cool water. Sponges should not be
kept anymore than a month or two.
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KissMegoodnight.com
: 2006
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