Saving Face - How Long Do Cosmetics Stay Fresh?

Most cosmetics and beauty products do not come with printed expiration dates, but they should! Of course, the shelf life of unopened makeup products may be considerably longer than the useful life they retain after opening.

Once you open that blush, bronzer, concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, lip liner, lipstick, mascara or other cosmetics product, you should only keep it for about three months.

After that time, any remaining makeup or personal grooming products should be tossed to prevent infection and irritation for you.

Label your makeup.

When you purchase cosmetics products at the store, be sure to pick up a fine-point permanent marker as well. As you open each item, write the purchase date on it.

When you bring home your new makeup goods, be sure to throw out the old stuff you are replacing. Give your cosmetics case or drawer a clean sweep! After all, who needs redundant items, such as two black/brown mascaras or three blushing rose lipsticks?

Keep your makeup in a cool, dry spot.

Most cosmetics can be quite sensitive to extreme temperature variations. Choose a storage spot where they will remain at or near room temperature. Freezing, thawing and melting can all wreak havoc on your makeup!

Although many women do keep a few favorite cosmetics (such as a lip gloss, mascara and blush) in their purses, these items should not be left outside (as in the garage) in extreme weather. Also, storing makeup in an automobile (or inside a pocketbook inside an automobile) is not advantageous!

Never share your makeup.

Probably every young lady learns in health classes at school that sharing makeup is a bad idea. A sealed lipstick case, eyeliner tube or mascara wand provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, rashes, conjunctivitis, canker sores, warts or other infections. Remember how germs are spread! Communal cosmetics, even among family members, are unwise and potentially unhealthy.

Toss your makeup after any infections.

Along similar lines, did you know that it is possible for you to reinfect yourself after recovering from an illness, simply by reusing an infected item? If you have suffered from a nasty cold, the flu or a serious illness, it is a good idea to discard any cosmetics products or tools that have come into contact with your eyes, nose, ears or mouth.

While you are at it, toss out that germy toothbrush too!

Keep your makeup brushes and applicators clean.

The most important part of keeping your cosmetics products clean and useful is this: clean your makeup tools often! Wash those eyeliner applicators (or replace them), and scrub those brushes! Wipe down that mascara wand, and clean it with alcohol before rinsing and drying it thoroughly. Clean all brushes thoroughly, and stand them (bristles up) in a cup on the counter to dry before tucking them away again.

Keep compacts and makeup cases clean. Toss that quilted cosmetics bag into the laundry, and run all of your plastic makeup storage cases (empty) through the dishwasher. (Be sure to place them only on the top rack.)

These hygienic measures will actually prolong the useful life of your makeup, facial care and grooming products.

Does makeup have an expiration date? It sure should! After three months, you ought to be ready to replace each item. After all, your face and your fine health are worth it!

Use your makeup up, or throw it out!