Makeup Lifespan: How Long It Really LastsMakeup: How Long It Lasts. Some things last forever; make up isn't one of them. Unlike diamonds, it expires.
Yes, sadly, it's true. Those expiration dates on cosmetics are not a marketing ploy to get you to buy more mascara when you can still scrape some definition out of your old tube. It's a safety issue, especially with eye definers. Every time you wand on that mascara and dip the brush back in the tube, you transfer bacteria from your eye to the tube, where it will make baby bacteria that you will then reapply to your eyes the next day. It's not a beautiful cycle of life. You wouldn't eat food past its expiration date, would you? (Well, guys would, would you?) Don't wear cosmetics past their prime, either. Most cosmetics are formulated to have a shelf life of one- to three years when stored according to directions. Products that have been exposed to high temperatures or sunlight may not last that long. Here's how long specific cosmetics can be stored. Start counting when you open the container. Since you'll never remember or be able to keep up with everything, write the expiration date on a file label or on the product label itself with a permanent marker. Mascara: 3 months Cleanser 6 months Eye shadow 6 months Foundation 6 months Moisturizer 6 months Concealer 6- to 8 months Blush 6- to 12 months Lipstick/gloss 1 year Powder 1 year Toner 1 year Nail polish 2 years Sponge/brush toss disposables and wash others regularly. Keep makeup containers tightly closed and store them at room temperature. Toss anything that looks or smells bad. Yuck. Remember that natural cosmetics, and those that have no preservatives, may expire sooner than others. Don't add water to thin out a foundation or other cosmetic. Don't share cosmetics - similarly, avoid shared testers in stores. You're just asking for trouble.  Custom Search Spiffing Up Bathroom Storage Areas
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How Long
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