As consumers, we’ve become vigilant about peaking at the expiration date before purchasing food and beverages. But, what about that stuff we put all over our bodies and faces everyday? The truth is, cosmetics go bad too and when using products that are past their prime, we are putting ourselves at risk of contracting skin and eye infections...eek!
Read on to find out more, and then enter the #SheSpeaksMakeup Giveaway to win a $25 gift card to Sephora - so you can start replacing all your expired goods.
Tricks & Trucco reports about some of the worst items to hold onto for too long and what effects using old makeup can have on your delicate skin. For one, using expired mascara is known to cause eye infections. And since Racked reports that mascara only has a shelf life of about 2 - 4 months, we’re probably all guilty of putting ourselves at risk.
We know you love your foundation, but for the love of your skin, make sure you’re not keeping it for longer than 6 - 24 months. More specifically, Racked says you can hold onto cream foundations and concealers for 12 - 24 months and liquid foundations for 6 - 12 months. Older foundations tend to have their ingredients separate and the preservatives stop working as well, which can lead to germ growth and skin issues.
Unless you want to put yourself at a higher risk of rashes, tossing your lipstick or glosses anywhere from 6 to 24 months after purchase is also recommended. And old powder blushes kept longer than 18 - 24 months have been known to transfer nasty skin infections like impetigo.
Luckily, there's help for those of us who are elbow deep in questionable cosmetics. Websites like CheckCosmetic allow users to type in the batch code of their specific product and get answers like when the makeup was made and how long of a shelf life it has. Or try the app Beauty Keeper, which stores your makeup expiration dates and will remind you when it’s time to replace certain products that are about to go bad.
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive a $25 gift card to Sephora. Giveaway is open through October 14th, 2018 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member jennyoliver1.
Mascara. I always hoard it longer than I should especially if I really like it. I also have several ones open and used that are no longer any good instead of using just one at a time. Mascara is ny weakness. Winning this would be a blessing. Thank you for sharing.
I have a liquid foundation I paid a lot for. Knowing the cost is making it difficult to throw it away.
I hate to throw out my blush when it is the best one I have found and is no longer being produced.
I had to think, since I have some makeup that's been in storage longer than I meant to leave them there (oops...). I think I have two almost empty bottles of Benefit High Beam liquid that are around 6-8 years old, so I really should toss them!
I used to buy just whatever was on sale, until I walked into an Ulta Beauty and I have been sold. Now I don't know how I ever made myself beautiful before their products!!
I always am forgetting to get rid of old shadows
This article was helpful! I try to replace my cosmetics but I have kept some eyeshadow pallets for over a year.
I have soooo many lipsticks and lip glosses that I've collected over the years and some that are probably 10 years old.
Eye shadow pallets!
I have some mineral eyeshadow from I love.
I just can't let go of mascaras and lipsticks.
My face powder and concealer
I love mascara because it makes me look better and lip gloss for dry lips are a must
Lip balm, you can just throw it on and it makes your lips look so supple. You can also use it over a matte lipstick!
I have to say the oldest makeup I own is 3 bottles of liquid make up because they are all great matches for my seasons and they are about 6 years old I feel bad for even realizing they are that old :(not to mention how many other products I have that are about the same time frame :)