A guide to MAKEUP shelf life

Here is how to know when your favourite beauty product is past its prime

If you’re a makeup junkie, there must be piles and piles of cosmetics lying in your dresser. We all tend to go a little overboard every time we step into a beauty store, thanks to the shiny, colourful packaging the little magic-mongers come in. Who can help themselves when there is so many different items to play with, right?

Sadly, more often than not, we buy way more makeup than we need. We hoard collections of nail colour, lipsticks, primers and creams, etc, waiting for the right time to use it all. But when the right time doesn’t show up, the products we so lovingly indulged in start to deteriorate. And what’s worse is that we can’t always tell when they have gone bad, unassumingly giving ourselves blemishes, rashes and other skin irritiations. But don’t worry! MsT is here to help you understand the expiration date on your favourite beauty products and keep your collection safe and clean.

Foundation 1-2 years

Keeping check of your foundation is crucial as it is the only form of makeup that goes all over the skin on your face. Consequently, anything that might be wrong with the foundation can give rise to pimples, dark spots and allergic reactions. Most liquid foundations are water-based which makes them the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Hence, it is best if you change your foundation bottle within the year. If you use foundation frequently, perhaps a powder-based or stick foundation would suit you better as they are not water-based and less vulnerable to germs. Not only do they last longer than liquid foundation, they are also easier to store. Bear in mind that regardless of the type, all foundation must be kept in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight or open air.

Concealer 1-2 years

Much like foundations, liquid concealer decomposes faster than a powder-based one owing to the higher water content. Powder concealer can last up to two years, provided that its colour remains the same throughout. Be mindful of any changes in its colour as this indicates that the product has started to go bad. Concealer should also be stored in a dry, humidity-free environment.

Blushes 1.5-2 years

Once again, cream, mousse or liquid blushes are more susceptible to bacteria and must be replaced within two years time. What is more important in the case of blush is to keep the brushes washed and residue-free at all times. Avoid using the same brushes for foundation and blush as this can ruin the effect of both products. Not to mention, sharing brushes can transfer germs from one product to another and cause both to go bad.

Eye shadows 1-2 years

Eye shadow comes in direct contact with mucous membrane and therefore, you must be very cautious while using it. Most products come in powder form and last for a long time but cream-based formulas must be thrown out within six months, even if the expiration date is far off.

Lipstick and lip gloss 1 – 1.5 years

The formula used in lip cosmetics luckily contains little or no water and is safe to use for up to a year and half. It is advisable, however, to avoid using lipsticks, chap sticks and glosses while you are sick to decrease the chance of germs sticking on to the cosmetics. Also, make sure to place the cap on securely.

Mascara 3-4 months

Your eyes are amongst the most sensitive part of your body and anything that comes in contact with them must be 100% germ-free. This makes mascara a great threat as the constant opening and closing of the tube causes bacteria and fungi in the air to stick onto the wand. As a result, mascara generally lasts about four months until it either dries up or acquires a foul scent. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should wait for it to start smelling before you throw it away! Once the four month mark has passed, be sure to invest in a fresh new tube lest you contract an eye infection.

Eye Liner: Change as frequently as possible

Just like with mascara, eye liner attracts air-borne germs which stick to the liquid and cause it to rot. These – especially the gel liner variety – are notorious for drying out quickly, even if sealed and stored carefully but we believe that is a good thing! There are many incredulous ways people use to make their eye liner last longer, such as heating it to melting point or adding thinner to it but this can be extremely detrimental to the eyes, causing infections, redness and even sties! We cannot stress the importance of clean eye makeup enough. If you’re eye-liner has gone arid, smells different or gives you even the slightest bit of irritation, toss it immediately and buy yourself a new tube. You will not regret it!

Make your makeup last longer

You can stretch the unofficial expiry date on your makeup products by following these simple tips:

•  To clean your brushes and maintain their soft texture, create a sweet-smelling soap dip by mixing some coconut oil with anti-bacterial liquid soap and water. Gently massage the residue out of the brush. Avoid submerging it in the water completely as it washes out the glue which binds the bristles together.

•  Free your mascara from germs by dipping the wand in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water, rinsing it with cold water and patting it dry with a paper towel. Place the wand back in the tube and lock the cap tightly, making it airtight.

•  You can revive dried up nail polish by pouring a few drops of nail polish remover into the bottle and shaking it thoroughly. The remover acts as a thinner and adds shine to the colour inside.

•  To effectively use that last, hard-to-access bit of your lipstick, melt a few drops of coconut oil onto it and use it as a lip balm.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, October 12^th, 2014.