When Should You Throw Away Your Make-Up?
Make-up usually don’t have expiration dates printed on them because they have pretty long shelf lives. They can actually last for years. But even the most long-lasting kind of make-up won’t stand a chance if you don’t use or store them properly. How do you know when to throw away make-up? And how do you make them last longer?
If it starts to irritate your skin, or if it smells bad, or if it looks weird, or if it starts to get gooey or gloppy, it’s time to throw your make-up out.
When your mascara gets all dried up or clumpy, usually after 3 or 4 months of use, you can throw it away. Remember that mascara must be wet. Otherwise, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Chuck it immediately to avoid any kind of eye infection.
Foundations, concealers, eye shadows, and powders can last for years, especially if you use a sponge instead of your fingers every application. Cleansers, face creams, and moisturizers, because they are liquid, can turn bad after 6 months of use, so throw them out.
Remember to store your make-up in a cool and dry place. Moist environments, like the bathroom, are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Before storing your make-up brushes away, wipe them off with a clean cloth. Sharpen lip liners and eyebrow pencils before use, and avoid wetting them with your saliva. Don’t buy tons of make-up in really huge tubs or jars if you’re not going to use them on a regular basis. Most of the time, you just end up throwing them away, and most of them haven’t been touched or used at all!