Recently, I was thinking about how long products are safe to use after they have been opened. We all have those products that are shoved back in our drawers and have been lurking around in our makeup baskets for a LONG time, but what is stopping us from throwing them out? Maybe it's because we feel like we are wasting money, or maybe it's because we think we might need that product one day in the future. However, products across the board DO have shelf lives even though most packaging doesn't list an expiration date. Long story short, a products clock is ticking once it's opened due to exposure to air, bacteria, etc. So it's up to us to know when to muster up the courage and say goodbye!
If a product seems to be discolored, runny or lumpy, separated, has a strange odor, or feels different on the skin than when previously used, then it should be thrown out. Because, lets be real, you shouldn't want to use something funky on your skin...
Here are some general guidelines (varies based on usage, storage, climate condition, etc.):- Mascara: 4-6 months, toss when dry (don't add water)
- Foundation: 1 year
- Moisturizer: 6 months - 1 year
- Powder/ Pressed items: 2-3 years
- Lip stick/ liner: 2-3 years
- Lip gloss: 2 years
- Store products in a cabinet or in drawers
- Don't store in direct sunlight
- Tighten caps or lids after use
- Don't add water (or saliva) to thin out or remoisten products
- Abide to expirations dates available (sunscreen, retinol products, etc.)
- Don't "pump" your mascara- excess oxygen will shorten its life
- Check seals when purchasing
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