There are as many questions about makeup as there are people using it! I know that I've had questions asked of me on such a number a subjects from "How long does makeup last?" to "How do I apply makeup?" to "Where can I find the best products for the lowest prices?" Below, you'll find the one I'm asked most, "What's the shelf life of makeup?"
What is the safe shelf life for most cosmetics?
Many ladies have asked me "When is it time to throw out the old stuff and break open the new?". In general, if it's a powder based product, it's going to have a longer life than, say, mascara. Here's a basic list of when to get rid of something, although, keep in mind, if at any time your product develops a funny smell, changes color dramatically or dries out, it's time to pitch it and get a new one. Here's a list of basic time tables for the expiration of cosmetic products.
Makeup Brushes:
The main problem with brushes is bacteria being transferred from face to product. Using clean brushes to apply makeup will help make it last longer. Clean any brushes that you use at least once a week with a good brush cleaner and warm water. Blot as much moisture from the brush when done cleaning and reshape it to it's proper form. It's best if you can give them a day to dry, standing up for half the time and inverted the rest of the time so that any water that may have collected in the collar that holds the bristles to the handle can dry as well.
Loose Mineral makeup: Brands like Bare Escentuals, where the brush does not come into contact with the actual product container will last for years. You are using a small amount of product tapped into the lid and applied from there so you never actually touch brush to container. Some of the newer brands from other companies use a sponge topped applicator to apply from the product bottle. These will last a long time, as long as you remove the sponge top and wash it every other week. Philosophy sells replacement covers for their mineral makeup so you can change them regularly. If it's a type of mineral makeup that comes with a brush attached to the lid and is dipped in the product and them tapped off, you will have the contamination problem with the brush coming into direct contact with product so keep the it clean and figure it'll last a couple years. This applies to all types of mineral makeup from foundation and blush to shadows to liners.
Liquid Foundations:
Water-based foundations last for about a year, while cream-based foundations may last longer, about 18 months. Compact powder or foundation lasts for two years but may become drier before that time. Cream foundations that are applied with a sponge have the problem stated above, contamination due to contact so always make sure that you use a clean sponge. You can buy packs of disposable sponges at any store that sells cosmetics. If your fingers are coming in contact with a bottle, like with liquid foundation, and then applied to face you need to wash your hands before and after.
Blushes & Bronzers:
Compact powder blushers or bronzers can last for two years, cream blushers and bronzers are good for about 18 months. If you notice that the color of the blush or bronzer has changed or developed an odor, it is time to change it.
Eye Shadows: Powder compact eye shadows are good for about two years unless you notice a color change or odd smell. Cream shadows in tubes are good for about 18 months. If the cream shadow is in a pot, the life is less, about a year, as long as you use clean fingers or brushes when applying. Remember to keep lids tightly closed on cream products, it will help keep the air from coming into contact and drying them out faster.
Eyeliners and Lip Liners: These have a shelf life of two years or longer. If they start to get so dry that they pull the skin during application, get rid of them! Sharpen them before each use to make sure that any bacteria that might have grown on the tip is removed and clean the sharpener as well. If you have a pencil that you have not used in a while and a white coating has developed on the tip, sharpen before you use it, and smell it as well, to make sure that it is still good.If they have a waxy smell or an odd crayon type smell, throw it away.
Mascara: Three to six months is usually the limit on a tube of mascara. It's the pumping action that most women use to try and get more mascara on a brush that hurts it by letting air and bacteria into the tube. A better way to coat the brush it to give it a swirl before you pull it out of the tube. By doing this, you get more product on the brush with out getting air into the tube. If it starts to get dry, clumpy, sticky or develops a bad waxy or moldy smell before it's time to get a new one, replace it anyway! Never use spit to try and wet your mascara!! Bacteria, ladies!! If using cake mascara, always use tap or bottled water to wet the brush. Your eyes are one of the most important body parts you have! Don't risk going blind just to get another mile out of your mascara!
Lipsticks & Glosses: Lipstick should last about two years, but lip gloss lasts for only around 12 to 18 months. Make sure to keep the tops of gloss tubes clean if build up starts on the threads. Clean it off with a clean tissue and wipe down any residue on the wand but not the tip. Lip plumpers last for about 2 years before the plumping ingredients go bad. For more information on all things makeup, go to MakeupDiva411.com
No comments:
Post a Comment