When Your Beauty Products Expire
Beauty products are available everywhere. Inside the malls, anywhere near the salon and parlors, and even in the convenience stores. We need these products, especially for those professionals in our everyday life. Whether it’s for office, for work and for school.
In the United States, cosmetic products are not required to have expiration dates. That's not such a bad thing because it's difficult to really predict the exact shelf life of any given product because it depends on how they're stored. Products can be stable for several years if they're kept away from light and heat, the two biggest enemies of cosmetics. However, that same product can start to show changes in fragrance and color in a few weeks if exposed to sunlight and/or extreme temperatures.The biggest factor in getting the most of your beauty products is proper storage. If products are stored away from light and kept out of extreme temperatures they should last a long time.
Despite the tricks you may have, it's important to get rid of cosmetics every so often to ensure that you're getting the maximum benefits, and also to avoid things like infections. For those of you who aren't sure exactly how long things last and when to toss them, here are Shopaholic's suggestions:
In the United States, cosmetic products are not required to have expiration dates. That's not such a bad thing because it's difficult to really predict the exact shelf life of any given product because it depends on how they're stored. Products can be stable for several years if they're kept away from light and heat, the two biggest enemies of cosmetics. However, that same product can start to show changes in fragrance and color in a few weeks if exposed to sunlight and/or extreme temperatures.The biggest factor in getting the most of your beauty products is proper storage. If products are stored away from light and kept out of extreme temperatures they should last a long time.
Despite the tricks you may have, it's important to get rid of cosmetics every so often to ensure that you're getting the maximum benefits, and also to avoid things like infections. For those of you who aren't sure exactly how long things last and when to toss them, here are Shopaholic's suggestions:
Cosmetics
Liquid Foundation, 3-6 months (Cream foundation can last 4-6 months)
Foundation in a bottle should last 3-6 months, but wide mouthed jars can expose the product to more air and should be tossed sooner. You'll know it's time to purchase a new bottle, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture thickens or thins, or the smell changes.
Concealer, 6-8 months
Powders, 1 year
Mascara- This product expires the fastest; throw out after 3 months. Extra tip: If you don't want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in and out -- you're only exposing the product to drying air.
Lip gloss & Lipstick, 1 year
Eye/Lip Pencils, 1 year - Eye and lip pencils should last 1 year or more, but you should sharpen pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area. You'll know the product has gone bad if it dries or crumbles.
Foundation in a bottle should last 3-6 months, but wide mouthed jars can expose the product to more air and should be tossed sooner. You'll know it's time to purchase a new bottle, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture thickens or thins, or the smell changes.
Concealer, 6-8 months
Powders, 1 year
Mascara- This product expires the fastest; throw out after 3 months. Extra tip: If you don't want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in and out -- you're only exposing the product to drying air.
Lip gloss & Lipstick, 1 year
Eye/Lip Pencils, 1 year - Eye and lip pencils should last 1 year or more, but you should sharpen pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area. You'll know the product has gone bad if it dries or crumbles.
Brushes and Tools
Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of the brushes. Wash natural-bristled brushes once a month, and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so that the bristles don't break, and to maintain the shape of the brushes. There are brush cleansers out there, but you can also use mild soap. You may also use baby shampoo to wash your brushes.
Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.
Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.
Skincare
Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers, 6 months
Facial Toners, 1 year
Natural Cosmetics, 6 months ("all-natural body washes", etc.) - Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are "all natural" products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.
Facial Toners, 1 year
Natural Cosmetics, 6 months ("all-natural body washes", etc.) - Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are "all natural" products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.