Beauty Alerts
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| Photo courtesy of sugarrylipsglitterynails |
I ought to write this for quite some time now, as imparting my knowledge about make-up does not only constitute on application, tips & techniques; but also sharing with you that your make-up product is NOT perpetual. It has and whether you like it or not, an expiration date. It is, like food or medicine-- PERISHABLE!
Follow the jump to learn more about the shelf-life of your cosmetics and what are the dangers of using expired makeup, and what is my recommendation on how to keep track of your beauty stash's shelf-life.
I don't like meddling into other people's makeup/beauty bag but I once was asked to do so by a friend, and boy, oh boy! I immediately asked her, "since when have you acquired these makeup?"--"nung college pa". (since I was in college). I fell off my seat and almost fainted. Haha!
We all are sentimental when people (errr...special people) gives us things as gifts. I remember a special friend (ahem) gave me a set of BodyShop creams and lotions way back, and after having transferred residence for like 2 or 3 times (say 5 or 6 years span of time in total), I still found it kept intact in my beauty stash along with my current toiletries at that time. Tsk, tsk. Too much for being sentimental, that I didn't realize what danger it imposed on my health.
Here is a run-down of the shelf-life of most products we use. Please check it out and keep in mind that these are at its maximum:
- Cream foundation - 1 year
- Cream blush - 1 1/2 years
- Concealer - 1 year
- Nail Polish - 1 1/2 years
- Lip Liner - 2 years
- Lipstick/Lip Gloss - 2 years
- Eye Shadow - 2 years
- Mascara - 3-6 months
- Powder - 2 years
- Make-Up Sponges - 3-4 usage (reusable), 1 (disposable)
- Make-Up Brushes- 5 years
If you can't even remember when you've first opened the product or when was it given to you,
USE THIS CHECKLIST TO DOUBLE CHECK!
✔ Is the product creamy, waxy, liquid or powdery? Remember, creamy, waxy and liquid products are highly potent and may be breeding-grounds for bacteria so they have a SHORTER SHELF-LIFE.
✔ Take a look at the product, how does it look like? Does it look like it's beginning to fall apart? If yes, throw it immediately!
✔ Do you share your product with anyone? If yes, throw it away within the expiry date on the box.
✔ Do you dip your finger or use a spatula? If you use your finger, it can spread germ, microbes and therefore, reduces the lifespan of your cosmetics.
✔ Does the color/product still work for you? If it doesn't anymore, discard it. Why should you still keep it?
✔ Does it smell like it's OFF? Throw it away!
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF USING EXPIRED COSMETICS:
You can, of course, get allergies and/or infections, especially if you share your make-up with friends, family, the likelihood of contamination increases when it is shared and when it comes in contact with unclean fingers and brushes.
Using expired eye makeup like eye shadows, mascara, eye liner, may lead to eye infection or blindness (in severe cases).
Using expired facial makeup like foundation, blush, bronzer, powder can lead to breakouts, rashes, swelling, redness and other major skin problems.
MY RECOMMENDATION TO AVOID USING AN EXPIRED PRODUCT
❤ Write down the DATE you opened the product on a label sticker and stick it on!
❤ Every 3 months or so, make an inventory of your products and throw away the ones that have expired and those that begins to look as if it's about to.
So, there you go!
The next time I decide to check on your makeup bag--I hope I never get to see an expired makeup, it's for your own good anyway!
Stay tuned for more BEAUTY ALERTS!
Bonne Nuit, Ladies!
XOXO,
The Smoky Blue Palette
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