Makeup is so glamorous and fun that we tend to forget that it is, in fact, perishable. There is no governing body that ensures cosmetic companies are properly labeling their products with expiration dates, so your seemingly harmless tube of mascara could be harboring dangerous bacteria. A change in odor, consistency and color can be signs of a product past its prime, making it a cesspool of bacteria that causes infection, irritation, rashes and acne. Also, don’t only rely on your memory to track of all of your goodies, use expiration date stickers as a trusty reminder.
With some light maintenance, your beauty collection can live a long and healthy life. Check out our guide to find out when to kick your beauty products to the curb.
Facial Cleansers and Moisturizers
If you are washing your face and moisturizing twice a day, you’ll find that your cleansers and moisturizers will run out around every 3- 6 months. If you find yourself with some leftover product, err on the side of caution and toss it after 6 months. Moisturizers and cleansers contain fatty acids that are sure to turn after six months.
Keep in mind which formula your foundation is made out of, as the two have separate expiration dates. Oil based foundations will last around 18 months and water based foundations have a 12 month shelf life. Prolong the life of your foundation by practicing sanitary application techniques, it’s crucial to keep bacteria at bay.
A foundation with a pump is ideal for keeping your makeup routine sanitary, if your foundation doesn’t have a pump, make sure to have hand sanitizer within reach at all times.
Remember, you may keep two shades in your collection for your winter and and summer skin colors.
Lipsticks have a nice, long shelf life of about 2-3 years. They make announcements when they are spoiled—they smell bad.
VV Tip: Get the most out of your lippy by using a lip brush to apply, instead of applying straight from the tube. Your lipstick will last much longer on your lips and in the tube.
Eye Shadow
Give your eye shadows a 2-3 year window before you should toss them out. Think of it this way, the eye shadows you love will be gone in that time, and the ones that are left most likely won’t be in fashion anymore.
Powders
Powders pack serious staying power, boasting the longest shelf life out of all of the beauty products. Plan on holding onto your mineral powders and blushes for about 18 months. Powders should be used sparingly to avoid a cakey look.
Mascara
Mascaras turn rancid faster than any other beauty product because of their wet formula and constant contact with eyes. Plan to say “so-long” to every mascara after 3 months. The good news is that most mascaras will dry up after three months and you will probably purchase a new tube before any harmful bacteria grows and causes problems.
VV Tip: Do not try to stretch the life of your mascara by adding saliva to the tube, this is highly dangerous for your delicate eyes. Also, pumping the wand into the tube creates air pockets that will over time dry the mascara. Instead, gently twist the wand into the bottle to get product on the bristles.