How long to keep makeup before throwing it away.
How long to keep makeup products before throwing them away not only can be confusing but harmful to your health.
Cosmetics are great tools to enhance your beauty but after time you might be holding onto colors that don’t work and products that have gone bad and should be tossed out. Keep up on you products and be sure to go through and throw out anything that doesn’t look good on you. Why hold onto colors that don’t help you look your best and risk applying that when you’re in a hurry. Look for products that smell funny or have separated. Proper storage and care can help products last twice as long which saves you money and fresh products are far more healthy to use on your skin.
How long should cosmetic products last and when to say good-by? It is not always easy to know when the end has come so here is a time line of expiration dates on your favorite cosmetic must haves.
How long can you keep Foundation– Up to 2 years. Most last only about a year. When it starts to separate, change consistency or smell funny then it’s time to toss it. Concealer/cover up- Same as foundation.
How long to keep Face Powder– Loose can last up to 3 years or more if it doesn’t begin to smell bad. Compact powder can harden and turn color from your skin oils getting onto the surface. Bacteria can build up easily as well. Refresh compact powder by using a toothbrush to scratch the bad surface layer off. This can help to increase the last up to 3 years.
How long does Blush last– Like a compact powder, bacteria can build up and powder can harden. Treat with the toothbrush technique and keep for 2 years.
How long to keep Eye Shadows– Keep top layer clean and these should last up to 3 years. Look for color changes, bad smells, and itchy eyes to point the way to the trash.
Eye and Lip Pencils– These can last a long time if you keep them well sharpened. For lip and eye pencils look for moldy build up and a change in texture to signal they’ve gone bad. Liquid liners last about 1 year because of a higher risk of bacteria build up. To keep fresh longer use a separate clean brush to apply instead of the one that goes back into the container.
Mascara– Once opened toss mascara after 3-4 months. Once opened mascara begins to have a bacteria build up that can cause infection and eye irritation.
Lipstick– After 2 years color and texture changes as well as bacteria starts to build up.
Face Masks, Wash, Toner & Moisturizers can last up to 6 months to 1 year.
Nail Polish can last up to 2 years give or take.
Fragrance- Is not really a beauty tool but an important part of beauty. So the scoop is keep your fragrance out of light in a dry cool place. Most people keep their fragrance in the bathroom, which is the worst place of all! Fragrance should last from 3-6 years if taken care of correctly.
How to care for your products and keep them fresh.
·Store products in a cool dark place like the fridge (cold is a bacteria inhibitor) or a box. Keep out of sunlight and warm humid places like the bathroom.
·Shake liquids up every once in a while. If pigments separate and don’t shake back together, toss it.
·Avoid touching products with your fingers (bacteria). Use sponges. Brushes and Q-tips whenever you can.
·Keep lids closed tightly.
·Never share products.
