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 and face powder I need them they are the best products
Mine is lipstick too. I have several that should be tossed, but I just can't do it!
Lipsticks! I keep them forever, lol!
I seem to keep mascara too long. I wait until it either gets dried out or clumpy. I also keep lip gloss and lipstick past its prime!!
I honestly keep a little of everything for too long because I like to have so many choices for each one. Of course I have my go-to mascara and eyeliner, but everything else just depends on how I feel that day.
I usually keep lipsticks and lip gloss around longer than I should.
Mascara and face powder
Lip balm
Bought mascara and paid $30.00 for it. Hate to throw it out
Tinted moisturizer and concealer
I almost don't use face powder and I recently found 2 from 3 years ago...🤦🏻♀️
I don't go through a lot of mascara so I probably hang on to it way longer than I should!
Face powder and lip gloss
I have an Agnes B. Eye shadow thats probably 10 years old. I can't get it anymore but it's my favorite and I use it ever so sparingly. I'm going to cry when it's gone :(
I tend to keep lipsticks too long!