Friday 10 May 2013

198) WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF COSMETICS?


unfortunately you can't see the vibrant green ...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Have you wondered how long you should keep the cosmetic items piling up in your drawers and dressing table?  

Read on what you should know about the shelf life of your makeup.......


Women  who are like me have collected a pile of makeup that we occasionally use.  Alright, I admit it, I never use most of them but keep it around just because I think I will use it someday. Yes, what can I say.  It is a contradiction!




Cosmetics as well as beauty products all have shelf life.  Take out all your eyeshadow and see if there is a blue eyeshadow with sparkling bits that you bought years go.

Here is a quick guide in alphabetical order for easy reference.  Just bear in mind that these are estimates and it is very unlikely you'll be blinded from using a mascara that is 2 years old!
  • Concealer Up to 1 year from the time it is unsealed.  
  • Cream & gel cleansers 1 year.  Check if it smells funny or have changed color, then you don't need to wait for that long. Discard immediately!
  • Pencil eye liner Keep it sharpened regularly. Lasts up to 3 years.  
  • Powder 24 months. 

  • Eyeshadow Last up to 3 years. Extra tip: If you have any dark eyeshadow, it can also be applied as an eyeliner.  Get a super-flat eyeliner brush for this.  Damp the brush a little  and dab in dark eyeshadow (black, brown or deep jewel-tones work great). Wriggle the brush into your lash line. Aim to cover the space between your lashes, then sweep and blend in the color just above your lash line.
  • Brushes Keep them clean by washing every 2-3 months and use a mild detergent.
  • Sponges Wash weekly, dry in an airy place, not in direct sunlight and discard monthly.
  • Foundation  Water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, Oil-based will last up to 18 months. Switch to a darker shade in summer and a lighter one in winter as your skin will naturally become darker or lighter with the change in the season.  Extra tip: Sometimes, water-based foundation may dry out before it's expiration date, try adding a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake to mix it in. Not necessary for oil-based foundations. Because they contain oil, they will tend to separate. Just shake the bottle to mix it again.  
  • Lip liner Up to 3 years. 
  • Lipstick  Experts say 1-2 years. Other experts say up to 4 years. One thing that everyone agrees on is that if it smells rancid, throw it out. Extra tip: Store lipstick in the refrigerator, for it to last longer. Bonus tip:  For lipsticks to last longer during the day? Simply cover lips with lip liner before applying lipstick.  
  • Mascara expires the fastest: Discard after 4 months. Extra tip:  To keep mascara from expiring faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in and out. This will only expose the product to drying air.  
  • Nail Polish Up to 1 year. It does depend on the quality of the product.
Photo of makeup brushes.
Photo of makeup brushes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


MY ART CORNER

CHAMELEON


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