Expired Makeup

Do you have piles of makeup like me? Maybe piles of expired makeup.

I don’t remember when I bought some things! Makeup does have a shelf life and can expire. Has your makeup expired? I know I have lots of little cosmetic bags stashed under my sink with free samples and half used bottles of everything. Using expired makeup that’s passed it’s prime can cause breakouts and irritate your skin.

I am trying to clean out my little stashes and wondered what to keep and what to get rid of. After looking at lots of other research there are definite time limits. Bacteria from your fingers, from the air, and from your skin can contaminate the rest of the product. Here’s a list of some of the most popular makeup items:

Foundation in liquid form can be kept for up to a year. You must keep it out of extreme light and heat. It’s best to not use your bare fingers over the top of the bottle. Use a clean brush or sponge. I think if you wash your hands really well before you apply your makeup that would be fine too. If your hands are not clean the bacteria can be transferred into the bottle.

Lip gloss and lipstick are less likely to grow bacteria. Most are safe 6 months to a year.

Mascara and liquid eyeliner have the shortest life. Replacements are suggested every 3-4 months. Every time you take the wand out and back it back into the container you add more bacteria. Products that you use around your eyes are the most important to keep bacteria free.

Powder eye shadows and blushes will last about 2 years. It’s always best to clean your brushes regularly so you stop the growth of bacteria. You can buy special makeup brush cleaner, but I always use a little of my shampoo.

If you have an eye infection or cold sore you should get rid of those products right away. You don’t want to reintroduce the bacteria to your skin or eye. You certainly don’t want to use makeup from someone else ever.