Cosmetics are an essential part of many women’s morning routine, but how can a make-up user tell when it is time to ditch their current product and trade it in for something fresher? While some make-up needs to be replaced on a regular basis, most cosmetics actually have a rather long shelf life, up to two years or more. It is important however, to be able to tell when it is time to be out with the old, and in with the new. Use this guide as a quick reference to spot when good make-up has gone bad.
Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation, the beginning step in a daily make-up routine, has a surprisingly long shelf-life. Liquid foundation is made with an oil base for easier spreading and coverage. The shelf life of this type of cosmetic can run up to two full years. This can be beneficial for women who need to alter their shade for summer months, when more color is present, and winter months, when the pigmentation has lessened. A good indication of it being time to replace liquid foundation is when oil separation occurs.
Lipstick
A great way to brighten a face is by adding a complementary lipstick shade into the morning routine. Also an oil-based product, lipstick has a long shelf life as well, ranging from two to three years. When beads of oil begin to appear on the sides of the lipstick, it is time to be replaced.
Eye Shadow and Pressed Face Powder
With many hues of eye shadow, usually more than one shade is used at a time per application. Because people enjoy experimenting with various shades, many women own multiple colors of eye shadow. The shelf life of eye shadow can run between two and three years, and begins to flake when it is time for a replacement.
Pressed face powder, used in addition to foundation or alone, has the same shelf life and replacement signals of eye shadow.
Liquid Mascara and Eyeliner
Liquid mascara and eyeliner may not show visible signs of needing to be replaced. Users of these products must be careful, however, because it is easy for mascara and eyeliner to be contaminated by bacteria and fungi rather quickly. Both of these products should be replaced regularly, around every three months, and should not be shared due to the risk of cross-contamination.
Beauty may be only skin-deep, but cosmetics are a great way to perk up a tired or aging complexion. Using make-up for longer than it was intended can lead to eye infections or break-outs, two problems that no beauty queen wants to have to combat. Always practice safe usage when it comes to cosmetics. Do not share make-up, apply make-up in a moving car, or expose cosmetics to sunlight, dirt or heat. If an odor develops, or there is simple uncertainty, throw the product away. Shelling out a couple of dollars on a new favorite always beats a doctor visit and follow-up treatment for an avoidable infection.
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