Maybe like me you're just starting to come round to the idea that "spring cleaning" is a thing and it needs to be done.
If so where better to start than your cosmetics.
It's amazing how many of us have really old makeup in our possession.
We probably have brushes or sponges with deadly bacteria festering in some forgotten bag or worse, in use!
I'm not here to judge. Stones, glass houses and all that.
But I am here to offer some tips on cleaning your brushes and the expiry dates of your beloved makeup products. This blog is all about expiration dates as I do waffle on coming soon will be the cleaning of brushes.
These days pretty much all cosmetics will have a shelf life on them. Just pull any thing out of your kit and you will see a jar and a number. This indicates how many months you should keep a product once open.
These are just a general guidelines. All products will vary and it is best to go by what is written on the tin.
Mascara- 3 months
Liquids - 6-12 months
Powders- 24 months
Here's why, mascara has a short life span because of the nature in which its used. It's placed directly into the lashes where common infections occur. Such as stys and conjunctivitis. It is important never to share mascaras. If you do you must offer the other person a disposable wand. If you get an eye infections of any sort it's important to throw away the mascara as you could pass the infection to the other eye or risk the infection reoccurring.
Me- I keep mine between 3 and 6 months. Usually because I have different mascaras on the go. I always throw them away if I get a sty. This is the main reason I don't spend a fortune on mascaras. Nothing worse than having to chuck a £20 tube.
Liquids - Foundations, concealers, creams, lipsticks, etc. If they are a pump action in an air tight container they can last longer. If they are an open top like Estée Lauder double wear you may want to change more frequently. Lip gloss and lipsticks should not be shared unless you use a disposable wand or shave the bullet. Bullets can harbour bacteria. Make sure if you have a cold sore you do not use lip products. If you do I suggest throwing them away. You do not want to spread the infection.
I am guilty as sin for keeping my foundations longer than 6 months. This is due to the fact that I don't use all of them in that time. I have several shades and finishes in my kit. I can't use all at once. Which I know begs the question, why have them? But it's the same as why have more than one or two pairs of shoes when you can't wear more than one pair at a time. I want it. Simple.
I do however, keep to a 2 year rule on the air tight containers and 12-18 months on the open ones. When it comes to concealers with wand or brush applicators I never use them directly on to my face. I sanitise my hands with hand gel them swipe the product into the back of my hand. I find the applicators a bit gross. If you are using a concealer wand directly onto your face especially pimples I would change it more frequently, same as your mascara. You don't want applicators harbouring bacteria and spreading it each application.
Powders can be kept longer as they do not contain water. Bacteria like to grow in warm damp, dark places. Hence why mascara tubes are a breeding ground.
If you use your powders such as eye shadows wet then reduce its life to 6 months.
Eye liners if they are liquid have the same shelf life as mascaras for the exact same reasons. Pencils that you sharpen can be kept longer as you shave off the exposed product. Just make sure you keep the sharpener clean. You can keep these for about 1 year.
Tips for keeping your cosmetics healthy.
Keep your fingers out of the products as much as you can.
Keep hands clean when using products
Do not apply makeup to infected areas such as eyes and lips.
Use disposable applicators when possible.
Keep products out of the bathroom. It's damp and warm an ideal atmosphere for bacteria to multiply.
Keep your brushes, sponges and applicators clean.
Do not share cosmetics without using disposable applicators.
Check the label when you purchase a product for expiration.
Every season go through your kit and have a little clean out.
That's the basics Slap Addicts. Let me know what was the oldest thing you found.
Confession - mine was a very orange foundation from 2010 - EEK!
Check the label when you purchase a product for expiration.
Every season go through your kit and have a little clean out.
That's the basics Slap Addicts. Let me know what was the oldest thing you found.
Confession - mine was a very orange foundation from 2010 - EEK!
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