It's Spring time ladies (and gents), and you know what that means, right? Spring cleaning! Most people aren't even aware, nowadays, that their makeup has an expiration date. In fact, I'm pretty sure I held on to a lot of products well past the expiration when I was a few years younger. The fact of the matter is, if we want to take care of the beautiful canvas we have for makeup, we need to make sure the products we are using aren't passed their prime.
There is a typical rule of thumb for general categories of makeup, but you can also find the expiration labeled on most of your products. It is typically a small symbol that looks similar to a jar of loose mineral setting powder, and will have a number in the center. That number is the number of months you have to use the product before it is considered expired. However, expiration dates range from product to product, company to company, so here is general rule list for basic categories:
Foundation: There are two types of foundations; water based and oil based. A water based foundation will last up to 12 months. An oil based foundation will last up to 18 months. However, keep in mind that, depending on where you live and the amount of sun exposure you get, your skin tone will change between the summer and winter seasons, so it is likely you'll only get to use your specific tone for around 6 months at a time. (Helpful Tip: If your water based foundation becomes dry before it's expiration date, add in a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake to mix.)
Concealer: Like water based foundation, concealers can last up to 12 months.
Powder: The expiration for setting powders is 24 months, however, pressed powders can last up to 36 months . Why? It's simple. A loose powder has multiple opportunities to be exposed to bacteria in the air, whereas a pressed powder is only exposed on its top layer.
Eyeshadow & Blush: Like setting powders, the typical consensus for eyeshadows and blush depends on how it's presented. If you're working with a loose pigment it's best to toss those products at 24 months. If it's a pressed eyeshadow or blush, you can make it last up to 36 months.
Pencil Liners: Whether it's eyeliner or lip liner, it's best to toss your pencils after 36 months of use.
Mascara: This product has the fastest expiration date, typically around 6 months, depending on the care that is taken with the product. To make your mascara last those full 6 months, try to avoid pumping it into the barrel. This action causes air to go into the tube and dry out the product, as well as pushing in more bacteria than is necessary. Instead, stick the wand in the barrel once and swirl it around to capture the product.
Lipstick: Lipstick is best used for up to 24 months, however, some brands can expire before their prime depending on the amount of use and exposure to the air. Remember that your nose is one of the best tools in determining if your lipstick is still good. If it smells funky, toss it! (Helpful Tip: Store your lipsticks in the fridge to push the expiration to 36 months.)
Creme Products: This includes creme shadows, blushes, gel liners, paint pots, and things of that sort. Like foundations and concealers, this product is very moisture based and should only be used up to 12 months.
Nail Polish: The general rule for nail polish is 12 months, however, should your polish start to dry up beforehand, you can purchase nail polish thinners from your local beauty supply store. A little bit goes a long way in renewing the life of your pretty polish.
I hope this list proves helpful as you dive into your treasure trove of products. Happy Spring Cleaning!
