When to Replace Your Cosmetics: How Long’s Too Long?
I was cleaning out my bathroom closet when I came along an emergency makeup kit that I put together when I was a 9-to-5-er. I kept it in my desk in case a meeting popped up or if I 
had to interview a potential employee.
Since I haven’t worked outside the home in over a year, it had been sitting, unused for quite awhile. I ended up having to chuck most of it, because it was past its prime. So long forgotten beauty goodies, it was nice while it lasted.
As for my regular beauty supplies, I usually use them up before they wear out there welcome. While I’m a mega-fan of not letting things go to waste, sometimes things just aren’t good anymore, and a girl has to let go. Here’s a cheat-sheet to let you know when it’s time to give your cosmetics the boot:
Foundation: Say bye-bye to your foundation every 6 months. Even though it may not look, smell or perform differently, it’s a liquid that has been open for a considerable amount of time and exposed to bacteria. You don’t want to be exposing your skin to breeding bacteria to save some cash. Grab some new stuff and keep your skin healthy.
Lipstick: If you’re an occasional lipstick user, it can last up to 2 years, especially if it’s oil-based. If you notice a change in color, taste, or texture, get rid of it.
Eye Pencils: These mamas can last you a couple years. Wax-based pencils won’t promote bacterial growth, so they won’t be likely to give you an eye-infection. If it gets crumbly or mushy, send it on its way.
Mascara: You might want to sit down. Mascara should be pitched and replaced every three months, regardless of how often you use it. It is a liquid-based cosmetic that is used around your eye. Liquids = Bacterial Breeding-Grounds. Eyes = Sensitive. Don’t mess with it; get some new stuff.
Powder: Powder can last you a couple years. If you use it to cover blemishes or have naturally oily skin, consider replacing it more frequently. Also, exposure to moisture and sunlight can damage powder, so you should grab some new stuff if it’s had contact with either.
Blush and Shadow: You’ve got a solid 2 years. If it starts to crack or crumble, there may be an issue with it that warrants an early switch.
Nail Polish: It will probably be good for about a year. If it becomes hard to spread or doesn’t mix well when you shake it, toss it.
Perfume: Your scent will usually stay good for up to 2 years. If you notice that the fragrance or color is changing, it’s out-stayed its welcome.
Because it can be hard to remember when you bought what, you should mark your supplies. Use a permanent marker to write the date on the product itself, or post a piece of paper inside your medicine cabinet to keep tabs.
Throwing things away that seem to still have life in them can be hard, but if it means a risk to your health, it’s just not worth it. You wouldn’t drink the milk if it was sitting in your fridge a week past the expiration date, would ya? Remember, healthy is sexy. If your makeup is past its prime, pitch it and replace it.
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/joerg73/2997973595
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