OK, so you know you shouldn’t keep your makeup for endless amounts of time, but you’re just not sure when it’s actually time to toss. So, how do you know? Which makeup will make it for a year and which lasts merely months? This can be a tough process – parting with your favorite products is hard, especially when you’re attached to that favorite color lip gloss or that special liquid eyeliner they just don’t make anymore. Here’s the thing: makeup that’s past its prime can be bad for your health, full of yucky germs and bacteria – so why risk it? Follow these tips and you’ll know when it’s time to toss and exactly what to keep.
WHEN TO TOSS YOUR MAKEUP
Concealers, foundations and tinted moisturizers. Liquid makeup products are just waiting to become a breeding ground for bacteria, so keeping your eyes on these is essential. For the most part, these products will last you a good one to two years, but keep your eye on them. If you happen to notice any significant change in the color, consistency or smell, toss a.s.a.p. – the last thing you need is a breakout!
Lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm. This stuff is good to go for up to one year, but you absolutely should be sanitizing these products on a regular schedule. Think about it: you lipstick touches your mouth repeatedly throughout the day and often times, lip balms come in pot form, meaning you’re using your finger to apply. Your mouth and fingers are exposed to all sorts of germs and bacteria, which is totally transferable to these products. Use a bit of alcohol to sanitize occasionally and toss it all after one year.
Mascara. Above anything else, the products that touch and are applied to your eyes are certainly the ones to be extra cautious about. The absolute last thing you want from makeup that’s just too old is an eye infection, right? Your eyes are precious – and treating them that way is absolutely essential. Without a doubt, mascara should be on a three month rotation – six months is the absolute max. Since pinkeye, conjunctivitis and itchiness is the absolute last way to look like a million bucks, you can’t be too careful with mascara.
Eyeliner. This depends 100% on what type you use. If eye pencils are your jam (this goes for lip and brow pencils too), you can make those last a good year, maybe even two. If you’re diligent about cleaning products in pencil form (sharpening and cleaning with alcohol), you can definitely make them last a bit longer, but if they start getting super dry and breaking, toss ‘em. If you’re more of a liquid liner fan, those have a much shorter shelf life – think more along the lines of mascara with a three to six month lifespan. The last place you want an infection is your eye, so keep liquid liners on a constant rotation and replacement and you’ll be good to go.
How do you keep track of your makeup? Do you toss when it’s time or are you guilty of storing too long?
