Unlike clothes with vintage fabrics that can stand the test of time, beauty products especially makeup tools has expiring date. And because we know it can be difficult to pay attention to the expiration of your favorite makeup tools since you’re faced with a tad-stressful lifestyle, we’re sounding to your ear the products to toss out now that we’ve entered the second phase of the year.
According to a study, “89 percent of women hoard old makeup ‘just in case.’ Plus, fewer than one in five of us trash mascara within the recommended three months.” Unless you’re Alicia Keys who has refrained from the use of cosmetics for beauty enhancement, we engage our makeup tools on a daily basis, which means there are likely to fray, shed or lose their shape, hence the need for a replacement. And even if you try to maintain a good hygiene by drying and cleaning them regularly, the expired ones can cause bacterial infections, as noted by an expert. So, when exactly do you replace your brushes or makeup sponges? Is it when they grow grey hair?
As beauty expert, Joanne Dodds at Hairtrade.com suggested, makeup sponges should be trashed out every month while mascara is suitable for use between four and six months. She also noted that lipgloss, foundation, and nail polish shouldn’t exceed more than 12 months in your custody. Her reason? The products have a short staying power due to the opening and closing which can result to thickening and separating. Read on as you scroll down and ensure you get rid of any products that have exceeded its time in your beauty closet:
Makeup sponges:
“Blending Sponges should ideally be replaced every month and washed with a cleanser after every use,” says Joanne. ‘It is important to replace these, and the signs you need to throw it away can include any deformities on the sponge, breaking out for no reason and discoloring.”
Mascara
“Because it can come in contact with your eyes, it is important to discard mascara after it has been opened for three months,’ Joanne warns. ‘This is to prevent bacteria from causing eye irritations or infections. Most mascara tubes are labeled with a shelf life of four to six months, so it is important to know this.”
Lipsticks
“Look after your lipsticks well and they can last up to two years. It’s important to remember to never leave them without a lid on and clean with a wipe occasionally to remove the top layer of bacteria growth.”
Nail polish
“Nail polish is one product that does go out of date. Once you open a polish, the product can evaporate which causes it to thicken and separate. Always remember to keep the lid securely fastened as this can make the product expire quicker.”
Concealer
“If your concealer is dried out, has a change in texture, becomes cakey/lumpy or smells different, throw it out immediately,’ Joanne advises. ‘Not only will the concealer be making your spots worse but it will also prevent you from getting a perfectly blended makeup look.”
Lipgloss
“In a similar way to mascara, pumping the wand in the tube is also bad for lip-gloss. If your gloss is discoloured, or different in texture and thickness, it’s probably best to throw it away.”
Foundation
‘Liquids and cream foundations only last between six to 12 months, as they contain water, oils and other hydrating agents, which decrease the shelf life and increase bacteria,’ Joanne says. ‘Powders can last up to two years, as it’s harder for bacteria to grow in products that are solid.
“It is important to note that the ingredients in the foundation determine the germ growth. Always read the back of the label and make a note of when your foundation is due to expire. Wash your makeup tools regularly and also wash your hands before you apply.”
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