Many collegiettes, like myself, are guilty of keeping makeup long after the expiration date has passed, unaware of the harm of continued use of the products. However these products have expiration dates because eventually they begin to grow bacteria that can cause harm to your health, as well as your beauty—which would make the process of wearing makeup counterproductive.
So, put down your mascara that you’ve been using for the past year and do a little spring cleaning on your makeup bag.
Mascara
This product most likely gets the most use, so you should switch it every two to three months. If you don’t, the bacteria can cause redness or itching of your eye. More seriously, you can also get conjunctivitis, which is pink eye. Should you notice any serious eye irritation you should throw away your mascara, to ensure that the problem does not spread further.
Liquid Makeup
Liquid concealer can usually only stay good for one month and cream blush can last for six months, however foundation can last from six months to a year.
Powder Makeup
Since powder formulas are slower to grow bacteria, these makeup options generally last longer. Blush and foundation will not expire for up to two years.
3-in-1 Makeup
Products that a 3-in-1 are often convenient to carry with you in your purse, but you have to be careful with switching between areas because you can easily spread bacteria. In order to decrease that, wipe the makeup as you switch between areas. After six months throw it away.
Eyeshadow
Eye shadow will usually stay good for three months, because it’s being used close to your eye, which helps spread bacteria.
Eyeliner
Liquid liner will last three months, however pencils will last much longer because you are able to sharpen away the tip of pencil, therefore eliminating the bacteria.
Lipstick and Lipgloss
These beauty products will generally last a year. The exception is if you have been sick and used the product through that time, since it will hold the germs. Also, if you have a cold sore you should stop using the product, because it’s more likely that you will spread it.
Brushes
Once the bristles start falling out the brushes are no longer good. One way to help preserve brushes though is to wipe them with washcloth after each use. Also, they should be cleaned every two weeks to avoid bacteria growth. For that you can with a gentle shampoo.
Another way to stored upright to dry and makeup sponges replaced after 2 uses. high quality ones last longer.
Overall, it is best to keep makeup out of the bathroom and other moist environments because higher temperatures help the growth of bacteria. One way to avoid this problem is to keep your makeup bag on your dresser. So buy a cute bag that you want to show off, and start storing you makeup in a safer place.
Here’s a few bags you may want to consider:
Sources:
http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/2010/how_to_know_when_your_beauty_products_expire?slide=10
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/makeup/lips/when-should-i-throw-my-old-cosmetics-out/