I was recently watching Jenna Marbles’ video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1usT9C04Foc) about “goo hoarding” and I laughed at myself for doing the same thing. Jenna applies the term “goo hoarding” to the event of women buying every beauty product that looks cool or that they want to try out and ending up with insane amounts of products that there is no way to use. Last time I let you know How Long You can Keep Your Makeup, now here’s a rundown of how long it is really acceptable to keep all that “goo.” I’m challenging myself and all you ladies to go through your products and purge. Cure yourselves from goo hoarding
Nail polish: 1 year
Frangrances: 1-3 years
You can keep your perfumes closer to three years if you keep them in cool dark places or, preferably, the refridgerator. I know that might sound crazy, and we all want to display the pretty bottles in our room. But if you let it sit out, you should be prepared to get rid of it sooner!
Moisturizers and cleansers: 6-12 months
Any kind of lotions, moisturizers, and cleansers should only be bought in pumps or tubes. Bacteria collects like crazy in jars where you are constantly sticking your hand in the product. If your favorite product only comes in a jar, be sure to wash your hands before you use it and never leave the lid off!
Sunscreen: 1 year or the expiration date (whichever is first)
Some companies print expiration dates on the bottles. If so, it’s safe to follow that. Otherwise, never keep your sunscreen for over a year. If you don’t finish a bottle of sunscreen in one summer season, you aren’t using enough anyway. Always keep your sunscreen in your bag and out of direct sunlight. If the consistency changes or it doesn’t rub on as well as it did when you bought it, throw it away!
Body lotion: 2-3 years
Again, always try to buy a product with a pump for longer use and cleaner products.
Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel: 2-3 years
But who really takes that long to go through a bottle?
Hairstyling products: 3-5 years
Most products are alcohol-based, which last longer. However, hairspray should only be used up to three years.
Bar soap: 18 months to 3 years
Technically, you can keep your bar soap that long. But if you have used it and let it sit out, it could collect bacteria before then.
Shaving cream: 2 years
Deoderant: 1-2 years
If you’ve opened it, you should not keep it over a year. Unopened deoderant can be kept for up to two years. Anti-perspirants differ and the containers usually give an expiration date.
Mouthwash: 3 years from the manufature date
Tooth-whitening strips: 13 months
Peels and masks: 3 months
Scrubs and grainy exfoliants: 2 years
Acne Treatments: 3 months to a year
Now go do some spring cleaning!