- Foundation: 3-6 months
- Concealer: Wand applicator concealers should be tossed within 6 months since they’re likely to grow bacteria.
- Stick, twist-up tubes, or compact concealers can last up to 12 months, especially if you use a makeup brush to apply the product.
- Powders: Facial powder, blush and eyeshadow should be thrown out after one year.
- Eye shadow should be thrown out after any eye infection to, to avoid re-infecting yourself.
- Lip gloss and lipstick: 1 year
- Mascara: The shelf life for mascara is 3 months. If your mascara becomes dry, or you develop an eye infection, you should dump it immediately. Never share mascara!
- Pencils: If you sharpen them every few days, makeup pencils can last up to two years, but you want to them when they become dry, crumbly, and hard to apply.
- Natural cosmetics: Because these products do not contain preservatives, they should be used or discarded within 6 months.
- Moisturizers: 1 year
- Cleansers: 1 year
Here are some additional tips:
1. I know we’re going through a recession and with the cost of cosmetics, it’s much easier to share, but you should never share make-up.
2. Don’t put your fingers into your make-up, because the bacteria from your hands will be transported to your make-up. Use the applicator, brush, or makeup sponge instead.
3. Keep containers tightly closed, and store them in a cool, dry place.
4. Don’t use water or saliva to ease the application of a product. Doing so introduces bacteria into the product, which can cause a host of problems.
5. To help you remind you when it’s time to throw your cosmetics out, write the expiration date on a label and stick it on the bottom of the product.
Source: Melissa Rich (Vanity Rich)
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