Are your beauty products expired?
I’m not exactly a packrat, but am prone to not want to part with things, especially beauty products. I’m always thinking, “But I might need that later” or “I know I never wear it but it’s such a pretty color.” However, we all know that everything has an expiration date. That’s right! Your makeup, skincare products, and makeup application tools are all capable of going bad. Unfortunately, it is not required for cosmetics to have an actual date printed on them. So when do you know when your cosmetics have passed their freshness date? Take a look at our list, courtesy of CBS News, to see when you should be pitching your products.
*A great tip is to mark the purchase date on the bottle with a Sharpie pen. That way, you know how long you’ve had it. You can also figure out an approximate expiration date and write that date on your beauty products.
Liquid Foundation: 3-6 months (Cream foundation can last 4-6 months)
Foundation in a bottle should last 3-6 months, but wide mouthed jars can expose the product to more air and should be tossed sooner. You’ll know it’s time to purchase a new bottle, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture thickens or thins, or the smell changes.
Concealer: 6-8 months
Powders: 1 year
That includes pressed powder, eye-shadows, and blush
Mascara: 3 months
You should never keep mascara for any longer than 3 months (air pushes bacteria back into the tube). Never “pump” your mascara.
Lip gloss & Lipstick: 1 year
Eye/Lip Pencils: 1 year
Eye and lip pencils should last 1 year or more, but you should sharpen pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area. You’ll know the product has gone bad if it dries or crumbles.
Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers: 6 months
Facial Toners: 1 year
Natural Cosmetics: 6 months (“all-natural body washes”, etc.)
Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are “all natural” products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.
Brushes and Tools: varies
Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of the brushes. Wash natural-bristled brushes once a month, and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so that the bristles don’t break, and to maintain the shape of the brushes. There are brush cleansers out there, but you can also use mild soap. You may also use baby shampoo to wash your brushes.
Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.
