According to a survey I saw recently, 80 percent of American women wear some form of makeup each and every day. It might just be a touch of lip gloss and mascara or an entire put-together face, but women from age 16 to 65 are “putting on their face” every day and taking an average of 20 minutes to do it.
When was the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag? If you can’t remember, it’s definitely time to do it because unfortunately, makeup products don’t last forever. Below I’m sharing the expiration dates of some of the most popular kinds of makeup. Keep reading to learn more about cleaning out your makeup bag.
Mascara: 3-6 months
If your mascara is older than 6 months, it’s time to toss it. Mascara collects a lot of bacteria because the applicator brush is stored within the product itself, creating a nice, dark place for germs to grow. Don’t chance it; throw away old mascara and replace it with your favorite soon.
My recommendation: Looking for a great cruelty-free mascara? Check out BWC (Beauty Without Cruelty) paraben-free mascara.
Concealer: 6-7 months
Much like mascara, because the applicator is stored inside the product, bacteria will grow and contaminate the product quickly. It’s always best to use fresh concealer that’s no older than 6 or 7 months.
Foundation: 9-12 months
As foundation ages, its consistency changes and it just won’t work as well as a fresh product. Liquid foundations are good for about a year, but stick foundations are only good for 6-9 months. Get rid of it if it’s older than that.
My Recommendation: I don’t wear foundation very often but when I do, I love photofocus from Wet n Wild. It works well, it’s inexpensive, and it’s cruelty-free. Winning!
Eyeliner: 3-6 months
Liquid eyeliners should be used or tossed at 3 months due to their absorption and containment of bad bacteria. Using a pencil eyeliner? Be sure to sharpen it before every other use and toss it out after 6 months.
Beauty Blenders: 3-6 months
If you’re cleaning your beauty blenders once a week, they should last you for 6 months. If you’re not cleaning them regularly, it’s important to switch them out often, at least every 3 months.
My Recommendation: You don’t have to spend a lot of money on beauty blenders. If you take care of them, a cheap one will last as long as a more expensive one. I like these from CAETLE.
Lipstick: 1-2 years
Traditional tube lipsticks will usually last approximately 2 years. If you’re using something that stores the applicator inside the product, be sure to dispose of it before the one year mark.
Pressed Powders: 1-2 years
Powder foundations, blush, and eyeshadows will usually last quite a while but it’s important to understand that they don’t last forever. Depending on how frequently you use them, you’ll get a year or 2 out of these babies. Then it’s time for them to go.
Want to see some interesting statistics about how women use cosmetics? Take a look at this infographic.
I was shocked to read that 35 percent of women wear makeup 24/7. Wow, even when they’re sleeping? Not me! In fact, I live for nighttime when I do my skin care routine and can go to bed with a fresh, clean face.
So, have I got you thinking about cleaning out your makeup bag? I’d love to hear about it in a comment below, or feel free to stop by myFacebook page and join in the conversation there!
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