How Long Should You Keep Your Products?
As we emerge from quarantine (Yay!), I’m sure you, just like me, have not been wearing make up on a regular basis and you are left wondering what is still good and what should be tossed. Well I’m here to break in down for you.
Makeup
Mascara and Eyeliner (Liquid or Gel): Three to four months after opening
Every time you apply mascara or eyeliner, you introduce bacteria to the wand or brush from your lashes and lids, which then gets put back into the bottle when you close it. This should be the first products to be tossed and replaced! No one wants to make their debut out of quarantine with an eye infection.
Lipstick and balms: One year
I have yet to keep a lip balm or lipstick this long. I mean these products disappear as if they grew legs and walked off (lol). If you’ve somehow made it an entire year without losing them, I’m impressed! Now, it’s time to say goodbye.
Liquid Foundation: One year
Foundation is technically good for a full year from when it’s opened but to ensure this you must take some precautions. First, store it away from direct heat and moisture. Direct heat can breakdown the formula and extra moisture such as a steamy bathroom can encourage bacteria growth. Also, always use a brush or a sponge to remove it from the container. Using your fingertips, will introduce bacteria to the formula.
Powdered products such as blush or eyeshadow: Two years
Since powder products don’t contain water, these products don’t tend to become contaminated with bacteria. Keep them for up to two years but be mindful to toss them if they develop any weird smells or get wet. Also, make sure to clean your make up brushes regularly so you aren’t introducing bacteria to the powder and then your face.
Skin care
Cleansers: One year
This one shouldn’t be too hard. Most people wash their wash twice a day so going through a bottle of cleanser in a year should be easy even if you switch between a couple of different ones.
Serums: Six months
I know serums are expensive and throwing them away feels like you are throwing money away. This is because most serums contain active ingredients which start to breakdown over time. For instance, vitamin C is an amazing skin-loving ingredient but it is super unstable and breaks down quickly.
Moisturizers: Six months to one year
The expiration date with depend on the product. If you are using a water-based moisturizer then you need to part ways after six months. If your go-to moisturizer is oil-based then you can keep it for a year. But your oil-based moisturizer starts to smell off, then that’s a sign that the essential oils in it have begun to break down and it’s time to toss it.
Body lotion: Six months to two years
Unfortunately, there are so many body lotion formulas, there is real no perfect timeline to give. Many traditional lotions are fine to keep for up to two years. Keep oil-only products with no water for up to 18 months.
Shower products
Body wash: Six months
I know this seems silly since it is a product you keep in the shower but every time you shower water is getting into the formula. Also, the constant temperature changes in a bathroom make body wash the perfect place for bacteria to thrive. If you happen to have a couple of bottles in your shower that weren’t your favorite but you keep telling yourself you are going to finish it just cut ties and throw it away.
Scrubs: Six months
I know this is a pain but store your scrubs outside of the shower. Most scrubs come in a tub or jar so water getting into them is easy. Once water is inside, it will speed up deterioration of the scrub and can start bacterial growth. No one wants to scrub away dead skin with a side of bacteria.