How Old is Your Makeup?
Lipstick, eye liner, mascara, foundation, blush. How old is your makeup? Products that we purchase and use on a daily basis do expire. We carry them around in our purses and keep them at home in the bathroom cabinet or on the dresser. Have you thought about how long you have been using that tube of mascara? Is it dried out? Does it have a different smell to it?
Stop and consider that cosmetics have a shelf life, just like groceries. Old makeup can cause a host of problems. The longer you keep the makeup the more bacteria build up is likely.
If your skin is prone to breakouts, it may be due to wearing old foundation or blush. If you develop styes on your eyelids, it might be due to eye liner or mascara. Eye makeup laden with bacteria can cause eye infections and/or pink eye (conjunctivitis).
How long to keep cosmetics
- Mascara-After opening, can last from 3-6 months.
- Eyeliner- After opening, 3-6 months for liquid. Pencil liners can last about a year.
- Foundation- can last anywhere from 6 months to a year for liquid. Powder can last up to two years.
- Lipstick-After opened can last 1-2 years.
- Blush-After opening, can last up to a year.
- Eyeshadow- can last up to 2 years.
Things to consider
- Change your pillowcase often. Dead skin cells are just lurking on your pillowcase. Flip it over and/or shake it out every day. This will help to reduce skin breakouts or rashes.
- Every night, wash makeup off. Do not sleep with makeup on your face. Sleeping with makeup on can cause clogged pores and make your face more prone to blemishes or skin redness.
- When purchasing makeup. Put the date down somewhere so you know when to replace makeup after opening.
- Do not share makeup.
- If your mascara dries out, do not add water. Replace it with a new tube. Adding water will only help bacteria multiply. If you notice a weird smell to the mascara, it is probably time to replace it.
- Clean and/or replace cosmetic brushes, sponges and applicators often. The more you open a powder foundation and apply to your face, the more bacteria can get into the case.
- Most makeup tells you on the packaging how long it will last after opening. There will be a small icon on the packaging with a number followed by an M. This is a good indicator how long it will hold up after it is opened. Use this information and try to remember to replace it within that time frame.
Following these guidelines will improve our skin and help to keep it healthy. I know we cannot always remember but just stop to think about it when you are applying these cosmetics. Your skin will thank you and you will notice a difference.