Although here in London it is snowing (yes, it is as I type this) my clocks remind me that British Summer time began on Sunday when the clocks went forward. With this comes the bright early mornings, albeit chilly it is a great time to clean up our make-up!
I had a discussion with a friend a couple weeks ago about a lipstick/ gloss that I am sure she has had since we were into glossy lips- believe me that was about 10 years ago! She seemed a little disappointed when I broke the news to her that make-up and beauty products have a shelf life! I can only imagine the ‘sighs’ and ‘gasps’ as you read this. They will no doubt be followed up with ‘do you know how much this cost me’ comments and the like. Believe you me, I shed tears (real ones) when I have to clean out my make-up especially when it is something I have used once or twice. Seems impractical but your skin will thank you in the long run.
That build up of bacteria and dirt that you don’t see only gains more momentum when we keep products past their date. I mean you wouldn’t drink milk past it’s use by date right? Exactly my point. Although most make-up and beauty products do not have expiration dates on them, they do have a lifespan. Below is a rough guide for some of your fave products! Cue the tears…
- Mascara: 3- 4 months
- Foundation: 6-12 months (Oil based foundations you may be able to stretch to 18 months)
- Cleanser: 12 months
- Concealer: 12 months
- Lipstick: 12- 18 months (there goes my whole collection- just kidding)
- Eyeliner/ Lipliner: 18-36 months (sharpen and clean regularly or after each use)
- Powders (including blush and eyeshadow): 2 years *Now some say this can be stretched to 3 years. I would advise that powders are sanitised after use for maximum protection, if you want to keep them*
- Nail Varnish: 2 years
There are some great products on the market for sanitising/ cleaning your make-up. One of my favourites is Beauty So Clean. Find out more about them here!
Beauty Holder, Beauty Tips!
- Once you open a product the countdown begins! Make a note on it when you started using it so you know when time is up!
- Don’t share products if you can help it. Especially mascara’s and lipliners. Use disposable wands if you can to avoid cross contamination and infection. Even with disposable wands or brushes, wipe them off before double dipping back into the product.
- If you’re gonna invest in pricey make-up…USE IT! Don’t waste your money by leaving it in a drawer to gather dust only to have to throw it out after using it once as it is past it’s date.
- Check the ingredients. Some organic and natural products may have a shorter shelf life.
- Look for expiration dates on products. Some have them.
- Wipe/ sanitise/ sharpen/ clean products after use.
- Keep your tools clean. Brushes especially! You can give them a quick wipe after use and then do a deep clean at least once a week or every fortnight. If using on other people this will be more frequent. I deep clean brushes all the time because of frequent use on clients. If done correctly brushes can last a couple of years or longer. My brush post tells you more.
- Be vigilant. Smells and colour-changes are a sign, things may not be right!
- Always shake liquid products before use.
- Don’t become too attached. When it is time to say goodbye, that favourite lipstick you wore to your high school graduation years ago will talk you into keeping it for nostalgia. Give it a kiss and chuck up the deuces! Bye lipstick! Mwah!
I’m off to throw out the lipstick from point 10…only joking, I didn’t wear lipstick to my graduation! It was all about the hair then! 🙂
Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know how you get on!
Besos!
TBH! xoxo
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