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
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
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to be organised and do this! Fab tip, thank you xx
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteMe neither, it's not something you automatically think about when you buy something! I think it's nice to be aware though xx
DeleteI have nail varnishes that are well older than 2 years which I still use. They still go on smooth and aren't tacky.
ReplyDeleteI 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! :)
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
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeletehttp://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you! :-) xx
DeleteI definitely need to go through my stash and chuck some stuff!
ReplyDeleteI think it's one of those jobs you just take ages to get round to! Xx
DeleteGreat post! I really need to go and throw away some stuff now! :))
ReplyDeleteXO,
http://www.rosychicc.blogspot.com/
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!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! No problem, thanks for the comment :-) xx
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny!xx
DeleteThe 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
ReplyDeleteI think you definitely have to be more careful with eye products! xx
ReplyDelete