I hate throwing out makeup if I haven't gotten around to using it but most makeup has an expiration date and after that point? There could be so many issues that come up. The makeup we use on our faces can have a major impact on the health of our skin.
As a rule of thumb, any makeup that is in powdered form such as powder tends to last the longest while any in liquid form such as eyeliner tend to have the shortest shelf life but makeup is not required to have an expiration date printed on the container. On the other hand, there is a manufacturing date printed somewhere on the product but this doesn't always help consumers decide when to dispose of the makeup.
As a general rule, most unopened makeup lasts between one to three years when stored in a cool, dry place. Once makeup is open, it's good for between a few months and a couple of years depending on the product. It is well known that any preservatives in the makeup break down over time and often begin breaking down before the product is opened.
Let's look at individual types of makeup so you know how long you can use it safely. Let's begin with foundation. Foundation is only good for one to two years after opening depending on the formula of it. In general, foundations that are liquid are only good for about a year whereas powdered foundations are usually good for about two years. One way to tell the foundation is no longer good is when the smell of liquid foundations changes or becomes unusual. For dry foundations, the powder becomes dryer or begins to separate, it is best to toss it. In addition, if your foundation begins to separate, it won't apply correctly and won't look right so get rid of it.
Mascara is only good for three months once its opened. The biggest problem with opened mascara is the possibility of bacterial contamination which means bacterial will begin to grow. If you use mascara past the three month mark, the chances of ending up with bacterial growth increases the possibility of an eye infection. When it gets older, mascara also tends to dry out, change texture, or clump.
As for eye liner, it depends. If the eye liner is liquid, it is good for three months while a pencil liner is usually good for up to 2 years. The reason liquid liner has such a short use by date, is that every time you open the product, you expose the product to air so it dries and even expose it to bacteria. In addition, there is no way to clean the liquid liner container. Pencil liner on the other hand, can be sharpened or refreshed so it lasts much longer. One can also sanitize it with a bit of alcohol so it stays cleaner.
Let's look at eye shadow. Powdered eye shadow is good for up to two years once its open but a cream shadow only lasts up to one year. Unfortunately, cream shadow tends to exhibit a change in texture. Powdered eye shadow tends to look good for a while but it is best to throw it out after two years. Since this goes on your eyes, it is best to air on the side of safety and avoid any chance of an eye infection.
Lipstick is usually good for about one to two years while lip gloss is only good for one year. Once it is no longer good, the smell will change, and the texture will change. On the other hand, gloss tends to become thicker and stickier as it ages. To help keep the lipstick in better shape, spray it with alcohol to kill any germs that land on the lipstick.
Finally, blush is good for one to two years. Cream blush is good for about one year while powdered blush lasts about two years. Again, when the items are getting old, you might notice a change in odor, color, or separates. Don't use it get rid of it.
It pays to note when you buy each piece of makeup and when it reaches the general rule of use, throw it out. It is not worth trying to eek a bit more use out of any product. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.
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