“Spring makes everything look filthy”.
Katherine Whitehorn
I promise myself all the time to make the reviewing of my makeup products a more frequent occurrence, but I always end up doing it just once a year around spring time. I’m usually pretty good about throwing away things that are past their expiration date, but it’s easy to overlook something like an eye shadow, as it doesn’t change the texture or develop a funny smell. So as a reminder to myself and everybody who is interested, I decided to make some highlights on how long to keep and use makeup before it’s time to get rid of it.
Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer usually lasts 1,5-2 years. Oil-based foundation about 1,5 years and water-based one up to 1 year. With both products it’s easy to tell when they go bad, because they can change texture, develop a bad smell or start causing breakouts.
Sponges. It’s advisable to wash them every few days and toss after about a month of use.
Concealer. For any kind of concealer, whether it’s in a tube, stick or compact – 1 year.
Powder. Both compact and loose powder can last for up to 2 years.
Blush. Powder blush can be used for 1,5-2 years. Be more careful with a cream blush though, it can get spoiled sooner, especially if you touch it with your fingers often.
Lip Gloss. Gloss lasts 1,5-2 years. It’s usually easy to tell when to get rid of it, because with time it gets sticky and gooey.
Lipstick. In general it’s good for 1-2 years depending on the texture. As with the gloss, you can tell when it’s time to toss it, rancid smell is always a good clue.
Lip Liner. Shoot for about 2-2,5 years. Pencil liners last longer, because constant sharpening helps to avoid bacteria growth.
Eyeliner. With pencil liners the rule is the same as with pencil lip liners – keep them for about 2 years. You may want to sharpen them more often to prevent getting eye infections. Give liquid liners 6-8 months.
Eye Shadow. You can use cream shadows for 1-2 years. Powder ones last longer, up to 3 years.
Mascara. Toss after 3 months and don’t look back. If you try to prolong it’s life in your makeup bag, it can become a breeding territory for all kinds of bacteria. Also try not to pump when you use it, because the more air gets in the tube, the faster it will dry out.
Nail Polish. Nail polish lasts for up to 2 years. Look for change of color, thickened texture or if the cap is stuck and it’s hard to unscrew.
