I was looking at some old foundation, thinking I don't know how old this is, when did I buy it, should I still be using it? Most consumable products have an expiration date, but make up doesn't come with one stamped on the casing - how am I to know?
I did some research and it turns out that using make up beyond a certain length of time can be dangerous whether it seems to work still or not.. bacteria growth can cause nasty reactions and infections.
It makes sense, especially when you think of things like mascara and concealer sticks - the applicator goes onto an area covered with bacteria, then carries it back into the rest of the product waiting for you to reuse it and spread the little buggers all over the place, not to mention the germs that just flooat about in the air generally getting in and applying anything with fingers.
I
It is said the general life of make up should be between 1-3 years and each has its own recommendations, but these can be affected by any number of things like the way you store it, how you apply it, even who messed around with it in the shop before you got to it.
General rules to stick by are..
I did some research and it turns out that using make up beyond a certain length of time can be dangerous whether it seems to work still or not.. bacteria growth can cause nasty reactions and infections.
It makes sense, especially when you think of things like mascara and concealer sticks - the applicator goes onto an area covered with bacteria, then carries it back into the rest of the product waiting for you to reuse it and spread the little buggers all over the place, not to mention the germs that just flooat about in the air generally getting in and applying anything with fingers.
I
It is said the general life of make up should be between 1-3 years and each has its own recommendations, but these can be affected by any number of things like the way you store it, how you apply it, even who messed around with it in the shop before you got to it.
General rules to stick by are..
- Don't store in places prone to heat or where the sun shines
- Make sure your purchase is sealed properly in the shop!!
- Either use disposable applicators or wash anything used very very regularly
- Don't share make up, especially eye products (ick)
Common sense stuff really but I never thought about how impoortant it was before, especially for anyone prone to getting spots or irritated skin.
The life spans:
The life spans:
- Concealer - 1 year
- Powder - 2 years
- Blush - 6 months
- Cream cleanser - 1 year
- Eyeliner - 3 years, but sharpen often to keep the exposed product clean
- Eyeshadow - 3 years
- Mascara - 3 months
- Lip liner - 3 years
- Lipstick - Depends, 2-4 years or until it smells off
- Nail varnish - Also depends, but its pretty obvious if its off as it smells weird and refuses to be un-separated.
Lipstick and nail polish can be kept for longer by storing in the fridge, and all these life spans depend on the storage conditions etc - poor conditions shorten the time and good ones lengthen it.
I also found out that the picture of a little open pot on products with a number on it is the number of months it can be kept - I can't believe I didn't know that already! I assumed it was something to do with mass or weight haha
This should make make-up case clear outs so much easier- instead of clinging to that ancient eye shadow 'just in case', think of the germs and bin it! :)
I also found out that the picture of a little open pot on products with a number on it is the number of months it can be kept - I can't believe I didn't know that already! I assumed it was something to do with mass or weight haha
This should make make-up case clear outs so much easier- instead of clinging to that ancient eye shadow 'just in case', think of the germs and bin it! :)
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