Sunday, 16 September 2012

Makeup Health Check - Time To Throw Away?

After reading a few posts recently on makeup expiration dates, including one by the brilliant Meg at Lips so Facto, it got me thinking and I decided that my makeup stash needed a bit of a sort out! Plus it's something I've never thought about particularly until recently, so I thought it would be a great topic to share!

There doesn't seem to be any official guidelines about when you should throw away makeup, but there a lot of recommended time periods online, all of which vary slightly. A lot of products these days state on the packaging how long the product will last for once it's been opened but do you always take notice of this? I know I don't!

After a quick Google, here's roughly how long you can expect makeup to last:

Liquid foundations / concealers - up to 1 year
Powders - foundation / blush / bronzer / eyeshadow - up to 2 years
Creams - blush / eyeshadow - up to 1 year
Liquid eyeliner - up to 3 months
Pencil eyeliner / lipliner - up to 2 years
Lipstick / lipgloss - up to 2 years
Mascara - up to 6 months
Nail varnish - up to 2 years

So here's what I decided to throw away:


Some of these are YEARS and YEARS old, so old that I can't really remember buying them. Many of these I haven't used for ages anyway, but I've just kept them because, you know, what IF I need it... (Anyone else do this?!)

Of course you can use makeup past the recommended time period, I know I have, but it may not work as effectively and at worst, could be carrying bacteria that will give you some sort of infection.  I think you just have to be sensible - if it smells funny, looks different or unusual or has changed in texture then definitely throw it away! 

Have you health checked your makeup recently? 

Beauty Bird xx

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17 comments

  1. As a makeup artist it's important I take note of the dates so I either write down when I've opened a product or stick a little label on it with the date! Obsessive but important! Got me into a good habit when it comes to my own makeup too. x

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    1. I definitely need to be organised and do this! Fab tip, thank you xx

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  2. I never thought about make up having expiry dates. I saw the little symbols on the packaging but didn't take it seriously. Some of my make-up must be well past its best :-S

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    1. Me neither, it's not something you automatically think about when you buy something! I think it's nice to be aware though xx

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  3. I have nail varnishes that are well older than 2 years which I still use. They still go on smooth and aren't tacky.

    I don't have to worry about eyeliners or mascaras they never last longer than 6 months as I use them every day.

    I never really think about the rest to be honest, I know I need to wash my brushes more often though!

    Good post! :)

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    1. Yeah I'm pretty sure I have some nail varnishes that are older and are still fine! I'm a bit more wary about eye products because of the possibility of infection. Foundations and powders I tend to use up before the guideline dates anyway. xx

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  4. I so need to do this with my make-up collection, I'm sure there are quite a few products that would beed binning! Great post :) x

    http://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/

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  5. I definitely need to go through my stash and chuck some stuff!

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    1. I think it's one of those jobs you just take ages to get round to! Xx

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  6. Great post! I really need to go and throw away some stuff now! :))

    XO,
    http://www.rosychicc.blogspot.com/

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  7. I have things I have no idea when I bought them too - I really need to go through mine - chances are if I don't remember buying it, it needs chucking - thanks for the reminder!

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    1. Agreed! No problem, thanks for the comment :-) xx

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  8. I have so many products which must be out of date by now - this has reminded me to go through my stash and sort it out! Great post! xx

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  9. The only product I'm quite strict on is mascara, all my other products get used until they run out or start to look or smell funny x

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  10. I think you definitely have to be more careful with eye products! xx

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