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.
Huge fan of the Victoria Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. I keep one in my car so it's with me on the go.
I'll never be able to let go of my concealer!
I keep almost everything, but not use them.
My Chanel foundation!
Mascara, I think it really accentuates my eyes and makes it larger and also lip gloss it adds that pop of color to my outfit!
Lipgloss and tinted moisturizer
I love mascara, bb cream, and lip gloss.
I tend to keep everything longer than I should because it's so expensive and I hate to throw away stuff that is not empty
I am going through my make up bag and I tossing everything that is expired😢. Don't need any rashes or skin infections just because I was too stubborn to listen. Thanks for this info. I will pass it to my 17 year old also 💕
I must have is mascara and lipstick.
Powder from the 1900s! It was my grandmother's from France and I can not bear to part with it!
Tweeted about the giveaway as @traciemcooper05 on 10/05/2018 My email is traciemcooper0515@gmail.com
My bronzer and lip gloss!
My mascara and my toner
My bronzer seems to last forever and I've definitely had it way longer than I would like to admit.