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If you're like me, I dread cleaning out my make up
drawer.
I totally over buy, I could paint the faces of a small
nation with everything that is in that scary drawer of makeup.
I never really know if the makeup is still good or
not. How can you tell?
Instead of guessing, I have done some research and put
together info on how long to keep our "War Paint "around.
As a general rule, try to keep all cosmetics in their shop wrapping
if you don't need to use them straight away. You will extend the
shelf life, as there is no exposure to air.
Another tip, write with a Nikko Pen, the date you
purchased the product, right on the product.
Ladies, follow the guide below, and start throwing all that make up
out we have had for years!!
Mascara
Shelf
Life: Three-six months
Mascaras should always be used fairly quickly once they're opened
because they're easily contaminated by the pumping action of the
brush. This can force bacteria further into the container where the
moist, wet environment is ideal for bacteria to thrive.
Tips
Stick to one mascara and use it regularly so you finish it within a
few months. This is far better than alternating between a number of
different mascaras, which means you keep them longer and increase the
risk of contamination.
Never add water or other liquid to mascara to keep it from drying
out, as this can cause the preservative to become diluted and
therefore offer less protection against germs.
Never share mascara, as this is the most common way to pass on eye
infections such as conjunctivitis.
Don't use the same mascara if you've just had an eye infection, and
buy a new one to minimize your chances of the infection coming back.
Don't use saliva to moisten mascara. The bacteria from your mouth may
get into the mascara, which can encourage bacteria to grow and cause
infection.
Always wash your hands before applying mascara to cut down the risk
of passing on bacteria with your hands.
Keep mascara in a clean place. Don't let it come into contact with
dust or dirt that may harbor harmful bacteria.
Moisturiser
Shelf
Life: Three-12 months
Moisturisers should be used up quickly, especially ones that contain
essential oils and botanicals (check ingredients on the label). The
best idea is to buy one moisturiser at a time and use it everyday.
This is more important with natural ingredients such as plant
extracts that can quickly lose their efficacy after a certain time
and go off. Check the use-by date if you're not sure when yours
should be chucked.
Tips
Use one moisturiser for the day and one for the night, and use them
one at a time. It's a common mistake to buy three or four similar
products, open them all and alternate using them. Chances are you
won't use them all within the allotted time and they'll end up going
off.
Throw a product away the moment it starts to change color, smell off
or the oils and fats begin to separate, which you'll be able to see.
Keep out of direct sunlight and heat.
Try not to stick your fingers in the pot if you can help it, as this
decreases the chance of introducing unwanted bacteria into the
product. Use a clean, plastic spatula or a spoon instead.
Foundation
Shelf
Life: Oil-Free Foundation (12 months); Moisturizing, Cream or Compact
Foundation (18 months)
Again, it's a good idea to use foundation quickly. Oil-free ones have
the shortest shelf life because they tend to dry out quicker than
other types.
Tips
Throw foundation away if it starts to look or smell different or if
ingredients start to separate.
Ideally, always wash the sponges (in compact foundation, for example)
at least once a week. Use soapy water and allow to dry naturally.
Make sure the sponge is completely dry before placing back into the
container or compact, or this could encourage mould to grow.
If you want to prolong shelf life by a few months, keep your
foundation in the fridge. Otherwise store it in a cool, dark place
away from direct sunlight.
Be extremely careful when using foundation near broken or infected
skin. Scoop a small amount onto a plastic dish with a spatula, and
then put the container away so you don't accidentally contaminate the
pot. Use a medicated formulation or concealer on the affected area.
If available, choose a foundation in a tube or pump dispenser. These
are good because the product can't slip back into the container after
it has been exposed to air. The risk of contamination with bacteria
is therefore greatly reduced.
Powder
Shelf Life: Two years
Although powder will actually last longer, two years is the longest
you should really keep it. After that, it can start to get a bit dry
and, in the case of pressed powder, it may not go on as smoothly.
This is unavoidable, as powder mixes with natural skin oils left on
the sponge. As a general rule, loose powder can last up to three
years in the right conditions.
Tips
Wash sponges or brushes at least once a week. Either use soap and
warm water or invest in a brush cleaner solution, available at most
department stores.
Concealer
Shelf
Life: 12-18 months
Stick concealer lasts the longest of any type. You can tell it's had
its day when it starts to get dry and no longer goes on smoothly.
Liquid based concealers may start to separate or go lumpy when they're
going off.
Tips
Always wipe the brush after using if the concealer comes in a wand
and brush package, especially if you're trying to cover a spot that
may harbor bacteria. These concealers are more easily contaminated
than stick ones, because they 'feed' bacteria back into the
container.
Ideally, use a stick or pump dispenser concealer on spots and
pimples.
Blusher
Shelf
Life: Powder Blush (two years); Cream Blush (12-18 months)
After two years, powder blushers may start to get a bit dry or
develop a 'slippery' texture, caused by mixing with natural oils from
skin. Also, once the color changes it's no longer in its prime. Cream
blushes have a shorter shelf life because they contain more
emulsions, which are less stable and break down over time. However,
you'll find you use these more quickly anyway.
Tips
Wash blusher brush and sponge once a week or more often if they look
dirty.
Wash hands before applying cream blush.
Eye shadow
Shelf
Life: Powder Eye shadow (two years); Cream Eye shadow (12-18 months)
Powder eye shadows can last for ages because they are
mainly pigmented pressed powder. Cream eye shadows have a shorter
shelf life because, like cream blushes, they use emulsions that break
down over time.
Tips
Wash brushes and applicators at least once or twice a week or more if
you are using one applicator to apply different shades.
Wash hands if using fingers to apply.
Do not use eye shadow if you have an eye infection, as this may
aggravate the area and make the problem worse. Also, you may
unwittingly pass the bacteria on to the rest of the eye shadow with
the applicator or your finger.
Eyeliner and lip liner
Shelf Life: two years
Eyeliner and lip liners are the workhorses of cosmetics. They last
for ages because sharpening them regularly goes a long way in
preventing bacterial growth.
Tips
Throw away eyeliner if you have an eye infection.
Do not use a lip liner if you have a cold sore.
Do not share eyeliner or lip liners.
Keep out of sunlight and heat.
Lipstick
Shelf
Life: two years
Lipsticks are generally quite long lasting because of the way the
pigment and fat are formulated together. Don't be put off if tiny
bubbles appear on the surface - these are just moisture drops and can
be wiped off.
Tips
Bin it if the lipstick feels dry, scratchy or changes color.
Never use lipstick if you have a cold sore. Throw it out if you
accidentally use it on a cold sore, otherwise it may spread.
If you use a lip brush, wash it at least once a week.
Lip-gloss
Shelf
Life: 18 months-two years
Lip-gloss isn't as long lasting as lipstick because it is formulated
in a different way.
Tips
Wash hands if you are using your finger to apply.
Wash the lip brush at least once a week.
Don't use if you have a cold sore.
Fragrance
Shelf
Life: 18 months-two years
Fragrances carry little risk of becoming contaminated because they
usually contain alcohol, which is a natural preservative.
Tips
Prolong the shelf life by keeping the fragrance in the fridge.
Keep it out of direct sunlight, and preferably in its box.
Store it in moderate temperature, as fragrance will go off quicker if
kept in warm conditions.
Throw away if it changes color (especially if it goes darker) or
starts to smell differently.
Remember that fragrance is a common cause of allergies and
irritations. If you notice any odd reaction, stop using it.
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