If you hate spring cleaning as much as we do maybe the beauty edition will be a little more fun! There are so many pretty spring collections that are out now so it’s a great excuse to get rid of your old, and possibly expired makeup and try something new!
Generally anything that is not liquid based can be kept longer than products formulated with liquid. That being said, if you notice a change in colour, a strange smell or anything growing in/on the product, play it safe and throw it out!
Here’s a guideline for how long you should be keeping your products and some great spring replacement suggestions.
Liquid Foundations: One Year
Liquid foundations are water based; anything water based can grow bacteria. If you’re using your liquid based foundation (this includes tinted moisturizers or BB creams) every day you’ll likely run out before the year is up anyway!
Check out: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, SST Tinted Primer + Moisture Kick, Flower Beauty About Face Foundation with Primer
Powders (foundations, blushes, eye shadows): Two Years
Since powders generally do not contain liquids or water, they can be used for a longer period of time. Take precaution though, as oils from your skin can transfer into your blush or powder, so it’s a good idea to wipe your brush off on a tissue in between each application. Eye shadows can last a longer time than other eye makeup if you’re only using them on your lids. If you use your eye shadow as a liner it’s best to toss it out earlier.
Check out: Tarte Park Ave Princess Contour Palette, Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation, Clinique Wear Everywhere palette
Mascaras: Three to Four Months
Even if you don’t wear your mascara every day it’s a good idea to toss it after 3 or 4 months. Eyes are prone to infection and you don’t want to keep transferring bacteria that may have accumulated on old product.
Check out: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash, Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara, Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real
Eye Liners: Three to Six months
Just like mascaras, eye liners can transfer bacteria to your eyes! You can use eye pencils up to about 6 months but make sure to toss out anything liquid much sooner!
Check out: Annabelle Eye Ink, Evelyn Iona Natural and Organic Gel Liner, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Lipsticks and Lip glosses: Six months – One year
Most lipsticks are wax based and don’t contain much water while lip glosses can be made of water or oils. As with any makeup, if your lip product smells “off” toss it right away! Be wary of lip gloss applicators too as mold can grow on them.
Check out: Stila Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Gloss, Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick, Vasanti Love Brights Gel Matte Lipstick, Lise Watier Baiser Velour
Hopefully spring cleaning your makeup bag will be way more fun than cleaning your house!
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