New Year means new makeup!! At least for some anyways.
Often a new cycle of something gives us the sense that it’s the perfect time for a fresh start, to tidy things up, get organized, and declutter.
I find that the start of the year is also a great time to check for expired products and see if it’s time to toss and replace our makeup for hygiene reasons. My workload tends to be a little lighter, my older one is off school, so there really shouldn’t be any excuses that should allow me to procrastinate further.
Here’s a little guide to help you decide what to keep and what to toss
Mascara: 3-6 months
Most recommend replacing mascara every 3 months or so. I personally use them a bit longer but as soon as the smell or texture seems off, I toss them. It’s a good habit to get to know the original scent of your mascara when you open the product. Once you familiarize yourself with it, when it changes, you will know immediately. Another thing to notice that once it dries out or becomes clumpier than usual, it is also time to replace. The exception to this rule is if you have any sort of eye infection, if that happens, toss that tube & stop using eye makeup until your infection has cleared.
Liquid Foundation/Concealer: 1 year
Powders face, eyes, cheek: 2 years
Most powders will last about two years if kept clean and dry. Things to keep look out for include white specks that shouldn’t be there, the product crumbling or isn’t applying properly anymore, then it’s most likely the time to toss it. To prolong the life of your powders, make sure you store them in a dry place and keep your applicators clean.
Lipstick, LipGloss: 1-2 years
Pay attention to how your lip product originally smells. When it starts to smell “off” or for glosses, if the pigments start to separate, it’s time to say adieu! Another indicator is if your lipstick isn’t applying properly or becomes rubbery. Finally if the lipstick comes in contact with an infection such as a cold sore, time to replace.
Eyeliner: 6 – 12 months
Pencil liners tend to last longer than liquid liners as germs can be shaved away through sharpening. Best to sharpen every few days to keep bacteria at bay, this way it can last approximately a year. If the tip starts to develop a white film or oozing an oily substance, it’s better to be safe than sorry and send it on its way.
Liquid Liners last should be changed about ever 6 months or so as its moist environment can easily be a breeding ground for bacteria. Again, if the texture or scent seems off, time to toss.
Makeup Brushes: A year to potentially lifetime
Depending on the type of bristles and the care you provide your makeup brushes, they can last a long time. I’ve had brushes for years…I mean YEARS. A wash once a week with a gentle soap & warm water (never hot) and then set them to dry with the bristles hanging off the edge will prolong the longevity of your brushes. I’ve been told you can use a special makeup brush cleanser or I’ve also been told baby soap works well as it’s incredibly gentle.
When to toss? When the brush starts shedding, becomes stiff or stops working the way they should.
Nail Polish: Up to 4 years (or more)
Depending on the formula, I’ve read that nail polishes can last for quite some time! Since they won’t go bad from bacteria, nail polishes are still good as long as when you shake it, the pigments mix smoothly back together, and applies well. If the texture remains clumpy or becomes stringy, it’s a good indication that it’s time to toss. If your nail polish is simply too thick, you can always try to thin it out with a nail polish thinner.
Please note that I’m not a beauty expert, but this is what I’ve learned and read over the years. In general, if it looks, feels or smells off, it’s better to be safe than sorry and it’s time to toss as expired makeup can lead to infection, skin issues and irritation.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment! I always love hearing from you!
Until next time, Stay well, Stay Safe & Stay Fantastically Kind
~ xo’s ~
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Love this post! Everyone should always keep in mind how long they have actually had that makeup just “sitting there”!
absolutely!! One of my favourite challenges has been the panning challenge because it really does encourage one to use up their products.
Thanks for stopping by! xo
Excellent info! Very honest and true! Love how much you share!!
Thank you so much!! So happy you enjoy my content! xo