Toss That Makeup That’s Older Than Your Firstborn

We’re all guilty of hoarding makeup that we really, truly, think we are going to wear again. Think you aren’t included? I bet you can’t go to your makeup bag/drawer/basket and NOT find a shade of blue eyeshadow that you just “know” will be back in style soon.

Not only are most of the colors not coming back,  (sorry, there’s just no way you can rock that blue shadow outside of the clubbing scene) or, even if they do, they can become an excellent breeding ground for all sorts of nasty bacteria. All of our makeup items are in close contact with our eyes, mouths and lips, and you can just imagine the germs that can accumulate on them. Who needs makeup when you have a great case of pink eye to lend color to your face? Not only that, but you can get infections, (which is the same as saying zits/blemishes thanks to germy makeup.)

Here’s a list of expiry dates for some common makeup items.

Foundation – 1 year. Use clean sponges or hands to limit contamination.

Powder- 1 year or more. Clean brushes to avoid contamination,

Eyeshadow- powders, a year or more. Creams, 6-12 months.

Eyeliner- a mere 6 months

Mascara – 3 months

Blush – Powder, 1 year, Cream 6 -12 months

Lipstick – 1-2 years and keep out of direct sunlight.

Cleanser/Moisturizer- 6-12 months

Toner- 6-12 months, or as soon as you notice cloudiness

Sunscreen – should be used within a year, but check your expiration date.

Since I have now found that I myself need to have a major makeup toss, I suspect that there are others who are in desperate need of one too. I am very guilty of having mascaras that are around more than three months! So do a spring clean of your makeup kits ladies, and then go and look at all the lovely summer palettes that are out! Happy shopping!

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