Ever wondered how long to keep your mascara, blush, or your favorite foundation for? Most expert have agreed that since cosmetics aren’t required to list an expiration date, the truth should be told about your makeup brushes, bacteria, and that pretty pink blush.
Most cosmetics contain some bacteria before you even purchase them. When you open up your makeup, airborne bacteria rush in. The person who handles the makeup normally adds bacteria directly to the makeup either through touching, wiping, or dipping into the products with unclean hands or brush. Most of your cosmetics shelf life can be extended if you use basic hygiene before use.
Remember to keep your hands, face, brushes, or any applications you may use clean as these can contain bacteria that will spread to your makeup. Instead of touching your makeup directly, try using a spoon or application to scoop the makeup out, or for foundation, try to pour a little into your palm. Also, another big not to do is share your makeup with others. The bacteria that others have on their hands or faces may be different than your own and when introduced could contaminate your own makeup.
Courtesy of Fashion Style You
When is the best time to toss your cosmetics and replace them?
Experts agree that mascara is the one cosmetic that should be replaced on a regular basis. The one thing about mascara is that it is the likeliest to cause infections – like pink eye. Mascara normally runs out in about two and a half months anyway, but experts say three months is when its time to replace. The reason mascara is perfect for storing bacteria is its tube like shape. When you take the wand out and put it back in, more air flows into the tube pushing bacteria in along with it.
Experts agree that mascara is the one cosmetic that should be replaced on a regular basis. The one thing about mascara is that it is the likeliest to cause infections – like pink eye. Mascara normally runs out in about two and a half months anyway, but experts say three months is when its time to replace. The reason mascara is perfect for storing bacteria is its tube like shape. When you take the wand out and put it back in, more air flows into the tube pushing bacteria in along with it.
Liquid Foundation is one of those products that can easily contain and keep bacteria alive. The best amount of time to keep your Liquid Foundation is between three and six months. After six months the preservatives have probably broken down leaving your product with a different smell or with a different texture than it had before.Powders of any sort, pressed or loose should be tossed out and replaced after a year of use. That includes eye shadows, blushes or just a regular finishing powder.
Lip Gloss, Lipsticks, Eye/Lip Pencils all need to be replaced after one year. Since you can sharpen your eye and lip pencils you can keep bacteria down – make sure to do this weekly. You can figure that you will need to replace once the products starts to dry and crumble.
Most products will let you know when to replace them by breaking, chipping, drying out, crumbling, or getting a strange odor. But if you are like the majority of women out there who buy their favorite lipstick and now it has been discontinued but still use the tube from three years ago, ladies its time to toss and replace.
Have you heard any other makeup expirations? Tell us in the comments below!
