Hey beauties! I really wanted to write a post about the shelf life of cosmetics and when you should be replacing your favorite products. Below I have a few highlights from a convo I had with a beauty consultant from Benefit Cosmetics. For the most part, I agree with what she said, but always keep in mind, that if your products isn't performing as it normally does, they it's probably time to throw it away (or recycle if it's from MAC). Hope this list is useful for you!
Most skincare products have a small image of an open jar with a number such as "6M". This number is the life of the product after the container is opened, with the M standing for months.
Here are some general cosmetic shelf life lengths:
•Powder: 18 months
•Concealer: 12 months
•Creams & gel cleansers: 12 months
•Eye liner: 18 months, sharpen regularly
•Eyeshadow: 18 months
•Brushes: Wash every month in a mild detergent
•Sponges: Wash weekly & discard monthly
•Foundation: water-based 12 months, oil-based 18 months
•Lip liner: 3 years
•Lipstick: 18 months (If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer.)
•Mascara: 4 months (If you don't want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in & out, you're only exposing the product to drying air.)
So, like I said, I don't agree with every point here, but it's a great guideline to begin with. For instance, I know (just based on my bio background) that you don't really have to throw out an eyeshadow after 18 months because it can last much, much longer than that. A rule of thumb I like to follow is that if it is moist or contains water, then it runs the risk of becoming contaminated. Also, it's smart to disinfect products that you will be sharing. Need further clarification? Just ask! =)
Damn! So, pretty much all of my eye shadows are expired. Is there any damage to using expired shadows? What does that exactly mean for our skin and/or the quality of the product?
ReplyDelete@Ginz- No, don't freak out just yet. Like I said in the posting, I don't agree with every time frame the consultant gave me. I honestly have a few eyeshadows from 2000 that I still use and will not give up! But if you ever notice that something is discolored, smells weird, or has a new texture, it's probably time say good bye to them! With products that are powder based, it's hard to say if it'll actually do anything to your skin. If you still use your products and your skin is fine, why not keep it? The only time I would advise against keeping something is if it has the little expiration symbol on the package and it's been past that amount of time. Hope that makes sense! =) P.S. I found your blog! I wasn't sure if I subscribed to it successfully or not. It looked different, but I hope it went thru!
ReplyDeleteah sweet! thanks for following & all the beauty advise. =)
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