Keeping your cosmetics clean and up-to-date avoids bacteria growth, ingredients that expire and products that no longer work. In fact, using expired makeup can affect your skin with rashes, clogged pores or the risk of absorbing rancid oils.
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The following are average shelf lives of each product:
- Foundation: in a jar, 6 months; in a pump, 12 months
- Powder Blush & Eye Shadows: 12-18 months
- Natural Eye Creams: 3-6 months
- Eyeliner: 9 months
- Mascara: 3-6 months
- Lipstick: 18-24 months
- Natural Lip Gloss: 12-18 months
Natural cosmetics do not use synthetic preservatives so these products have a shorter life span, especially if the first ingredient is water. Be aware that liquids and creams have a higher percent of water which bacteria thrives in.To keep your products fresh put liquids, creams and glosses in the fridge. Other products like powders and mascaras can be stored at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or places where they can get warm, as this speeds up the expiration date.
Using your fingers to retrieve products increases the risk of germs entering the container. Try to find makeup in pumps to lower the amount of debris that enters. If you do use your fingers, always wash your hands before. When your makeup does come in jars, use a clean craft stick or scoop so you lower the chance of contamination.
You can take it to the next level by being eco-friendly! Buy products in biodegradable packaging or containers made from recycled items. When you use your hands to apply makeup you also cut-down on waste such as cotton balls, sponges and brushes. These items are also a breeding ground for bacteria. Keeping everything clean is the name of the beauty game.