Hi beauties! This blog is an important one! I get this question all the time! I did some research and I found out the perfect time frame for when to toss out your old makeup!
So first of all, I've always had a general rule that if you haven't used a makeup product within the last six (6) months, you should toss it out! However, my mentor Sonia Roselli, recently discussed in-depth how long each type of makeup product lasts and when it is time to toss it out. Outside of how long you have had them, you should make sure look at, touch, and smell your makeup products to see if they are expired.
When Should You Throw Out Old Makeup?
1. Creams & Liquids
If you think about it, most of our makeup products are these types of formulas. Sonia categorized these products as "anything wet." (Totally makes sense here!) Bacteria can grow quickly in these types of formulas, so general shelf life is between 12-18 months after opening. If you take a good look at your products and find that anything smells funky, or is separated, it's time to toss!
2. Lipstick
While lipstick is certainly a cream product, it deserves its own category. If you're like me, you use a lot of lipstick. In fact, I probably have at least 20 lipsticks! I carry whatever color I am wearing with me in my purse, so it gets a lot of use. However, eventually lipstick will expire. The general rule for lipstick is it expires 1 year after opening. If you open your lipstick and it smells like a crayon, it's time to toss!
3. Lip Gloss
I wanted to make lip gloss a separate category from lipstick. I also have a large lip gloss collection: probably at least 5 tubes of lip gloss. (Don't we all, am I right?!) Lip gloss is so fun to wear and I love the shine it provides! Unfortunately, it doesn't last forever. You will know your lip gloss is expired when the ingredients are separated inside the tube.
4. Powders
Because powders are dry, they generally have a longer shelf life. The powders I am referring to are face powders such as blush, bronzer, setting powder, etc. Because these powder generally don't touch a mucus membrane (eyes, nose, mouth), they normally have a shelf life of 24-36 months after opening. Be aware that if you do decide to use these powders on eyes, nose, or mouth, the shelf life decreases because the product is exposed to bacteria.
5. Eyeshadow Powders
Sonia specified this as a separate category, and so will I! As I mentioned before, once powder products touch your mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), the shelf decreases because the product is exposed to bacteria. Because of this, eyeshadow powders generally last 12-18 months after opening.
6. Pencils
Pencils are a separate category because they generally come with a lid. Believe it or not, the best thing you can do for your pencils are keep the lid on them at all times when not using them. This keeps a longer shelf life for your pencils because the lid is airtight, which may help prevent bacteria from growing. However, you should sharpen your pencils after every use and make sure you are keeping them clean with 70% alcohol. I like to spray my pencil sharpener with alcohol, then sharpen. This maintains a long shelf life for your pencils. Pencils expire when they start to come off in white chunks. If done right, you can keep your pencils for up to 3 or 4 years.
Beauties, I'm going to mention my general rule again for you: if you have not used a makeup product in the last six (6) months, it's probably time to toss it. Of course, from here on out, make sure you are keeping your makeup products clean and sanitary (please don't share your products with anyone). Stay tuned for my next blog post on how to keep your personal makeup clean and sanitary!
And of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to schedule your complimentary phone consultation!
<3 Carla
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