Article by Gracie Stewart
Just like food, makeup has an expiry date and if youre anything like me youre bound to still be harbouring that far-too-orange foundation from your sixth form ball. Check out the dates below and find out if its time to toss your makeup stash.
These expiration dates begin from the time you first open a product:
Powders and shadows: two years
Cream shadows: 12-18 months
Foundation: one year
Lipstick and lip-liner: one year
Mascara and eyeliners: three months
Makeup brushes: clean weekly using a brush cleaner or mild detergent
Makeup sponges: replace weekly if not more often
Some tips to keep your makeup fresh and your skin clean and healthy:
Dont put any eye products directly onto the eye if you have an eye infection use a disposable applicator.
If there is a change in colour, texture or the product has separated you need to throw it out
Smell your makeup – if it has an unusual smell it could be harbouring nasty bugs
Be sure to do products up tightly when you are finished and store them out of the sun
If you have to sample a product in-store always be sure to use a clean disposable applicator like a cotton bud.
If you see any black spots or fuzzy growth its time for the bin
Dont add water to products as this can dilute the preservative system which may allow bugs to grow.
