When to Toss Your Makeup
A lot of us I am sure can admit to holding onto expired makeup products once or twice in our lives, but when is it time to throw the makeup out ? Is there an exact science in knowing when to throw away each product? Some people, given today’s financial crises want to hold onto their makeup products longer, trying to stretch their dollars further .
I can respect ones intentions when trying to be strategically frugal. even so, I would advise against the idea of trying to hold onto your favorite makeup products too long. In fact, your strategic mind-set could lead to serious infections and a more costly outcome.
Before we evaluate each product, we first have to understand the products in which we are purchasing. For example, not all makeup packaging legally requires an expiration date to be illustrated on each product. However , “The Cosmetics Procedure Safety Regulation” department requires that cosmetic products that cannot last longer than 30 months must then have a use-by date.
As a quick point of reference when buying any cosmetic product, look for the use-by date before buying . You may find that you are purchasing makeup products that could be dated and or have already expired.
The following is to be used as a reference only! All results may vary depending on your surroundings, lack of hygiene and packaging in which the product comes in.
Mascara:
After 3 months, let it go !
After that time various types of bacteria can grow .
If the product has a stench odor to it, throw it away !
If the composition of cosmetic products seems to have varied , let it go !
Eyeliner:
After 2 years, let it go ! – But between every use, always remember to resharpen.
Liquid eyeliner – after 3-6 months, let it go !
After that time various types of bacteria can grow .
If the product has a stench odor to it, throw it away!
If the texture of the makeup products seems to have changed , throw it away!
Foundation:
Water based foundations are alright to use up to 12 months.
Oil based foundations are alright to use up to 18 months.
Nonetheless , if you’re using your fingers to apply or if reusing a dirty cosmetic sponge then in 6 months, let it go
Foundation Sponge:
My professional advice would be to toss after every use. Nonetheless, I understand that for some this may be an expensive option.
The other option would be to cut each sponge in half to stretch your dollars .
If that still does not seem financially feasible you can also wash your sponge weekly, however , throw away monthly.
Please do not use the same sponge for multiple clients. Also, when working on various clients in one setting, make sure that you write the clients name on their sponge. This will help avoid spreading bacteria from one client to the next.
Textured Cosmetic Products: (eye shadows or pressed powders)
They can last up to 3 years but after that, let it go !
If your eye shadow becomes broken throw it away as soon as possible !
Unless the broken pieces are on the floor or loosely in your dirty makeup bag, you may actually want to reconsider recycling.
In fact , here is your chance to create your own color pallet just by combining the broken shades together.
Lipsticks:
After 1-2 years if the product is in stick form, throw it away !
If the product is tube based and it comes with a brush applicator. Then you will need to discard the tube in the same time frame as your mascara so after 2-3 months, let it go !
If you would like to stretch the shelf life of your tube based lip products then Do Not use your fingers to apply.
Also, use a different lip brush outside of the one that comes with the applicator tube.
This will help to eliminate the growth of bacteria, but after 12 months, throw it away !
As you now can see, there are ways that you can be creative. Nonetheless , what’s most important is to understand how one can cut corners without comprising ones health for beauty? So now ask yourself, are your makeup products too old? If so, then throw it away !