When you are a beauty lover, it’s easy to get carried away with collecting a ton of beauty products. Over time, these products are stored away or used for a very long time.
However, abandoning beauty products can lead to bad skin and health issues. Many of us accumulate cosmetics within a year because there are all kinds of beauty events throughout the year, such as sales. Also, often there are free samples and beauty product bonuses.
There are some easy ways you can keep your beauty products safe from causing harm to you.
Take An Inventory Of Your Beauty Products
The first step in keeping your beauty products safe is to look at everything in your beauty stash. Take some time for yourself, and look through everything you have in drawers, closets, on your bathroom counter, everywhere.
Some essential beauty products to look at are eyeshadow palettes, mascara, eyeliners, blushes, bronzers, lipsticks, foundation, and concealer. These products are necessary to inspect because they have the potential to cause some problems.
If you have any beauty products over 3 years old, it’s a good idea to throw them away. As painful as it may be because you spent money on these products, your overall health is more important at the end of the day.
What Is The Difference Between the Period After Opening And an Expiration Date?
The two terms sound similar. However, they have different meanings. The period after opening (PAO) means the length of time the product is good enough to be used after it’s been opened. Also, it depends on if it’s been stored by the label’s recommendation. An expiration date refers to a product’s shelf life.
When does a beauty product expire?
It isn’t easy when parting with a favorite beauty products. However, it’s key to keep in mind that expired beauty products can cause havoc to your skin and eyes. Every beauty product has a limited shelf life; unfortunately, not every brand posts on the product when it expires.
According to cosmeticsinfo.org, at this time, there aren’t any regulations in the U.S. that require cosmetic companies to post expiration dates on beauty products. The shelf life of a beauty product depends on how long it will be safe to use after opening. Not every product has the same shelf life. Some products can go longer than others.
When you put your fingers into a product, the FDA says it can add microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, primarily mold and yeast. Disgusting things you don’t want on your skin or eyes at all. Where you store your beauty products also can determine the longevity of the product.
Keeping your products in the bathroom, whether on the counter or under a cabinet, can expose the products to moisture, making them more susceptible to bacteria and fungi growth. Ew. Also, sunlight and room temperature can change the color, texture, and smell of the product.
When is it time to toss a beauty product in the trash?
Generally, an eye cosmetic has the shortest shelf life. When it comes to your eyes, you want to be especially careful. An expired eye product can lead to eye infections, styes, and cysts on the eyelids. Some critical timelines of when you should toss a beauty product is:
- Mascara, eye pencils, and eyeliner – after 3 to 4 months
- Eyeshadow palettes – It depends on what you feel comfortable with. Some beauty experts say after two years, while others say after a year. This is important to consider. If your palette is in good condition and doesn’t look beat, then you could possibly hold on to it for nearly two years. However, if you often swatch the shades with your fingers or add water to the palette, then you may want to think about replacing them after a year.
- Lipstick and lipgloss – 2 to 3 years
- Powder – Up to 2 years.
- Blush – A powdered blush can last up to 2 years. The key is always to close the lid after using it and work with clean blush brushes each time you apply your blush. A cream or gel blush can last up to a year. If you apply these blushes with your fingers, you should always use clean fingers.
- Concealer – A concealer that is in a powder or stick can last up to two years. However, a liquid concealer should be tossed after a year. The sponge applicator, over time, can develop bacteria.
- Foundation – A foundation’s shelf life can depend on the formula. If it is a water-based foundation, then it can last up to a year. An oil-based foundation will last up to 18 months because the oils in the foundation serve as a preservative. A foundation that is in a pot should be replaced every 6 months.
- Skincare – Some skincare products contain a small image of an opened jar with either a 6,12,24, or 36. This is an indicator of the number of months a product can be used after it’s been opened. If you don’t see a symbol like this, one to two years is the average shelf life for a skincare product. However, after a year, a skincare product that is opened should be tossed. The exception is acne products and sunscreen. These products typically have an expiration date listed on the package it comes in.
- Body wash and body lotion – Many body washes and body lotions can last up to 3 years.
- Shampoo and conditioner – A shampoo and conditioner can last a while as long as you keep the caps closed tightly so mildew or other gross organisms can seep in.
Wash Your Brushes and Beauty Sponges Weekly
Makeup brushes and beauty sponges are the first beauty products to get dirty. Many women often neglect washing their beauty tools, which is not a good idea.
After a few days of using your brushes and sponges, bacteria can start to accumulate. Therefore, your skin and eyes can develop breakouts and cysts.
Taking some time to wash your beauty tools weekly can protect your skin from problems. In addition, your cosmetics will be saved as well from harmful bacteria.
In Conclusion
It may be painful to toss away a beauty product you love or spend a lot of money on. However, in the long run, you are saving yourself from a costly dermatologist visit or treatment.
Also, it’s essential to be cautious with cosmetic eye products because you’re dealing with your eyes. You’re only born with one set of eyes; you want to keep them looking beautiful.
Digest of Beauty 