When & Why You Should Toss Your Makeup

By Alisa Hrustic on February 17, 2014

Wait a minute… makeup comes with an expiration date? Unfortunately, our favorite daily products don’t last forever and should be replaced more often than most of us are aware of. Cereal doesn’t taste great with old milk and stale bread does nothing for our favorite sandwiches, so you wouldn’t expect old mascara to enhance the eyes or stale lipstick to give you that pop of color.

Some makeup comes with a labeled expiration date, while other products like to maintain a little bit of mystery. Either way, be aware of the ingredients that makeup companies are using and what effects they may come with.

Here are a few tips on making sure your makeup keeps you looking fresh and healthy!

Mascara/Eyeliners: 3 months

Mascara is a makeup product you should be especially careful about, and has a short shelf life compared to other makeup products. Since the brush is taken out of the tube and applied to the eye area daily (usually) and then returned into the product, it transfers any collected bacteria back into the tube with it. The same goes for eyeliner. Since it is constantly being exposed to the sensitive areas around the eye, and the product is usually darker in color, it’s difficult to notice any contaminations.

If you experience any redness, itchiness, or swelling, it’s time for new mascara or eyeliner. The bacteria that can breed within the tubes or pencils can actually lead to pink eye and sties so be cautious. Try to be aware of any eye irritations and strange smells emitting from the product.

I recommend Clinique’s Lash Doubling Mascara. I’ll seriously never find one this perfect!

If you’re looking for an affordable and long lasting liner, try E.l.f.’s black liquid liner! It’s a dollar, you have nothing to lose!

Foundation and Concealers: 12-18 months

Foundation sets the bar for the rest of your makeup routine. Keeping a fresh foundation decreases skin irritation and breakouts so make sure you’re taking care of your skin by being aware of how it reacts to your daily dose of coverage. Bacteria love those water-based products, so keeping your foundation away from places like your bathroom and away from heat and sun exposure help preserve its shelf life. If you notice a change in the color or smell, it’s time to invest in a new formula.

Concealers have the same rules as foundation. Funny smells, change of color and breakouts? Get rid of it. I highly recommend Covergirl’s Fresh Complexion Concealer.

Face Power: 2 years

Powders are the best product to keep your face looking fresh all day. For those always on the go, face powder absorbs any oils and makes the rest of your makeup last much longer. While this product lasts longer because it is composed of mostly dry ingredients, some powders are made with small amounts of water, so don’t leave it lying around in your bathroom. The moist environment could encourage bacteria growth, especially if you don’t clean your powder brushes regularly. Old powders can lead to skin irritations and breakouts, so pay attention to what your skin is telling you.

I enjoy pairing any liquid concealers or foundations with its powder counterpart. Covergirl’s Clean Pressed Powder is super affordable and my favorite daily makeup product.

Eye Shadows: 3 months

Eye shadows can completely transform a look and it’s hard to part with those reliable shades! Even though eye shadows are similar to face powders it is best to replace them after three months because like mascaras and eye liners, they come into contact with sensitive parts of the eye, so there is a likely risk of transferring different bacteria from the brush to the shadow and back to the eye. If you don’t use a brush and can apply shadow with the fingers (because you’re super talented like that, jealous) make sure to wash your hands before handling the product.

Maybelline’s Natural Smokes Palette is my go to shadow, which I actually love using as a smokey eyeliner.

Lipstick: 1-2 years

The perfect shade of lipstick can boost your confidence in a second. This miracle worker can be pretty sneaky because it can last for up to two years. However, once you see a change in texture (especially if it starts drying out) and it starts to smell odd and feel streaky, it may be time to start hunting for a new lip product. Bacteria doesn’t grow as quickly with lipsticks because they are not very water based products, but if you’ve recently been sick, be careful since it is being exposed to the areas around your mouth.

My personal favorite shade? Rimmel London’s Airy Fairy Lipstick (perfect in between of nude and pink!)

Maintaining makeup products is important, especially because using these old products can lead to infections, irritations, and unflattering skin reactions. Start labeling your products with the date you first used them as a way of keeping yourself aware of its shelf life. Replacing makeup sponges weekly and cleaning brushes regularly will help decrease the transference of bacteria. If you must toss a favorite product, use it as an excuse to get excited and treat yourself to something new! Makeup should be fun, not irritating (literally).

 

 

(Want more from Alisa? Find her stories here!)

 

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