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Well, it may be time to do a makeup purge.
We all have that favorite lip color or eye
pencil that we will use until there is barely any left. But believe it or not,
makeup does have an expiration date and knowing when to toss your products will
help guard your skin from breakouts and your health from certain bacterial
infections.
Here is a purge schedule on when products must go:
Mascara – the
biggest breeder of germs and bacteria, mascara should be thrown out every two to three months, sooner if it begins to smell bad or has dried out. I always follow this one to a tee.
Liquid Foundation
– Liquid foundations should be tossed every 6 to 12 months. If you notice a change in color, smell or
consistency, get rid of it or risk skin breakouts and rashes. Powder foundations can last a little longer,
up to two years after opening.
Concealer –
liquid concealer should be tossed after one
year, powder or stick concealers up to two
years.
Face Powder, Powder
Blushes, Powder Highlighters and Bronzers – These items can last up to two years.
Eye Shadow – This
is one that I admit I do not follow. I
love eye shadows and I like the more expensive brands, so tossing them every two
years is just not happening, 5 to 6, maybe. Some
experts even say every three months
because of the risk of eye infections caused by bacteria. Cream eye shadows tend to grow bacteria
quicker than powder formulas.
Eyeliner – Again,
because of the closeness to the mucous membrane of the eye and the risk of eye
infection, these should be tossed every three
months. Pencils will last a bit
longer than liquid with regular sharpening, but if white film starts to develop
on the tip they’re done for.…I buy Wet N Wild or Avon Glimmersticks eye liner
so I don’t feel bad tossing these, seeing as how I never spend over $3 for my
eye liners.
Lipstick and Lip
Gloss – Lippie lovers can rejoice!
The risk of these products spoiling (or growing bacteria) is low since
they are not water based. But, repeated exposure to the mouth area means that
they should be replaced after one year
or sooner if you’ve been sick. Look out
for change in smell, texture and consistency as well.
Nail Polish –
nail lacquers will not go bad from bacteria, but with age they will dry out and
become thick and clumpy. If after you
shake up the formula and it remains separated, it’s time to toss it!
Makeup Tools – Brushes can be quite expensive, especially
high quality ones, so wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible is
understandable. With proper cleaning and
storage, quality brushes can last for several years. But if you notice a lot of fraying or shedding it
may be time to shop for a new set.
More Tips:
Bacteria are the top reason to toss makeup
immediately. If you get an eye infection
or a cold sore or any other bacterial infection near your eyes or mouth, throw
out all makeup that came in contact with the area and start fresh once the
infection has cleared up.
Keep makeup in a cool, dry place away from heat and
humidity, which is breeding grounds for bacteria and can cause changes in the
formula more rapidly.
To help me remember when to get rid of a makeup product, I
write the date I bought the item on a label and stick it to the product. This makes it easier to determine if something
has gotten old and needs to be tossed.
I do not advise sharing makeup with anyone.
As a personal rule, anything that I put
directly from the container onto my face, I do not share or I clean all
applicators and the top surface of the product with skin-friendly antibacterial
wipes before and after using on someone else.
