Ever wonder when your makeup expires? Here are some general guidelines that discuss the life span of your makeup. There are different opinions out there that vary by 3-6 months, but this is my general rule of thumb.
Mascara – Do not pump the wand into the tube when reapplying. This forces air into the tube and can cause it to dry out faster. Simply insert the wand and twirl it a couple of times instead. Also, if the wand is a little clumpy, rinse it well under hot water. Dry to remove excess water, then it should be good as new. Replace ever 4-6 months. If you have any type of eye infection, discard immediately so you do not reinfect yourself.
Eye Shadow/Pencils – Powdered eye shadow can last up to 4 years if you frequently clean your bushes and do not experience any infections. Cream shadows can last up to 1 year. Eye pencils, whether liner or shadow, can last up to 2 years, especially if you sharpen frequently. As with mascara, if you do have an infection, discard any eye makeup used immediately.
Lip Stick/Lip Gloss – You can use a lip color up to 2 years, as long as it doesn’t develop an unpleasant odor. It it begins to smell or look discolored, toss it.
*Here is a fun idea – If you have a couple of lipsticks that are nearly used up, you can scrape out the remainder and mix them in a small, clean container to create your own shade!
Foundation – Liquid foundation lasts about 1 year. A pump style container will stay fresher longer than a bottle that your fingers are dipping into. Powder foundation or bronzer can also last up to 4 years if you keep your brushes clean regularly.
Makeup Brushes – Clean your brushes weekly in some warm water and mild baby shampoo. (If you have very oily skin, at least twice a week.) Rinse well and pat dry. It is very important, especially with good quality brushes, to let them dry flat. If you stand them up while drying, the water may seep into the handle and loosen the glue, which could cause the bristles to come loose while applying your makeup.
* Photo is from Sephora.com, where I purchase Benefit’s BAD Gal Lash. I love this mascara. It gives me long, full lashes and really make my eyes pop. This is my own unsolicited opinion and I have not been compensated for it.
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