Perhaps not something we often think about, but when was the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag?
According to brow brand, HD Brows, which took a look into 2022’s most common beauty blunders, using expired makeup came in the top 10!
While – unlike food – makeup isn’t required to have an expiration date, that doesn’t mean makeup doesn’t expire.
So, as beauty experts will tell you, it’s a good idea to keep track of when you opened your products to ensure what you’re using stays fresh.
And it goes beyond just staying fresh.
Not only will those dirty old brushes, beauty blenders and dried-out mascaras be less effective, but they can also expose you to harmful toxins, causing irritation, infection and even serious health problems as a result.
“As a general rule of thumb, you should probably let go of anything that’s been taking up your beauty bag for longer than a year,” says Lead Stylist at HD Brows, Jamie Long.
“However, there are certain products such as mascara and liner that should be thrown out much quicker.”
Here’s how long Mr Long recommends you should keep each product:
- Mascara: 3-4 months.
- Foundation: 12 months.
- Concealer: 12 months.
- Powder: 12 months.
- Blusher/Bronzer: 12 months.
- Eyeshadow: 12 months.
- Eyeliner: 6 months.
- Lip Gloss: 12 months.
Skincare
“Skincare can last up to a year, however products with pump bottles rather than lotions you use with your hands can last even. This is due to bacteria more likely to grow in products you use with your fingers, so it’s good practice to replace those types of products every 9 months,” says Mr Long.
Makeup Applicators
“Makeup tools such as beauty blenders and brushes can also cause similar issues and become full of bacteria. You should wash these application tools weekly, and replace them every 3-4 months,” says Mr Long.
Eye products
According to Mr Long “eye products can potentially have the biggest risks if used past their expiry”.
“If you’re using something like a mascara or eyeliner wand, make sure to use circular motions to gather up the product rather than pumping in and out of the container,” says Mr Long.
“This pushes air into the tube, causing the mascara to dry out more quickly and become flaky.
“The best liquid liners will also have the same bacteria-prone formula and packaging as mascara, whereas a pencil eyeliner will have greater lasting power.
“How you use mascara and liner can be a big indicator of how long the product will actually last. So if it smells funky before the six months, it’s likely gone off,” he says.
Perfume
Mr Long says “perfume can last as long as 3-4 years”.
“Perfume may have a shelf life of up to 4 years, but make sure to keep an eye on the colour and smell. If it turns darker or starts to smell unpleasant, it’s time to throw it out.
“For a longer-lasting perfume, opt for oriental or woody scents over citrus, as lighter-based scents will evaporate quicker,” he says.
