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.
I can never let go of mascaras
I'm just about pressed foundation and blush.
I don't tend to wear makeup very often. For that reason, I am probably guilty of having some stuff that is anywhere from 5 to 10 years old. I guess I need to go through my makeup and get rid of the truly old stuff.
BB cream from Clinique because it is a little more expensive keep it until the last drop
my tarte primer to help with my redness
I have to have my Origins "Never a Dull Moment" cleanser. It makes my skin so baby soft and smooth and allows my skin to shine from the inside out!
I love the Honest compressed powder...it's amazing! Their eyebrow pencils are the best too!
Really need to pick and choose? Toughest decision ever. If I must chose, concealer, eye shadows, lip colors and LASHES! Almost daily, people ask me if I do makeup for job. If you know me, then you would know why.
I cant let go of my lipsticks!!! I have so many too lol
I cannot live without Kat Von D eyeliner and Covergirl Lashblast mascara!
Since I only use makeup more involved than just eyeliner a few times a year, everything but my eyeliner is really old ... years.
My eyeliner. Necessity!
I have an eye shadow problem! LOL! I hoard them and never throw them away when should.
I can't let go my Rimmel Scandaleyez Retro Glam Mascara!
I cannot let go of my Airspun powder or my Buxom mascara. I absolutely adore them and don't feel complete without them.