How Long Does Makeup Last

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Inside: Find out how long does makeup last, plus tips for keeping your cosmetics fresh longer and saving money when it’s time to replace them. Sponsored by Kroger.

Makeup doesn’t always come with an expiration date, but it should! Most cosmetics need to be replaced regularly to ensure that they perform their best and that they’re safe for use.

What happens when you use expired makeup?

As makeup ages, the molecules break down and sometimes form other compounds that weren’t tested on skin. These “new” substances can cause skin irritation and or they might not look they way they’re intended.

Also, each time a makeup brush or applicator comes in contact with your skin, it picks up bacteria, dirt, and grime. Bacteria breed fairly quickly, especially in liquid cosmetics. These bacteria and germs may cause infection when they are returned to your skin.

These are two of the main reasons it is so important to pay attention to your makeup and replace regularly. Below are guidelines for how long common types of makeup last and when you should consider swapping them for new products.

How Long Does Makeup Last?

Mascara — (3 months); or toss it if you notice excessive clumps or any strange odor. As a liquid, mascara is one of the types of makeup that is most prone to bacteria, and you definitely don’t want that in your eyes!

Liquid eyeliner — (3 months) Same as mascara, liquid eyeliner has a short shelf life, as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

Liquid foundation — (6-12 months) Separation (layers that don’t remix after a few shakes) or strange odors are also indication that liquid foundation is no longer at its best.

Powdered foundation — (2 years) Powdered foundation lasts longer, but can still pick up dirt and bacteria and should be replaced every year or two.

Lip gloss — (6 months – 1 year) A change in product consistency or texture is a clue that a lip gloss is past it’s prime.

Lipstick — (1-2 years) Lipstick dries out over time, so if your lipstick doesn’t glide smoothly it’s probably time to toss it.

Nail polish — (1-2 years) It’s pretty easy to tell when nail polish is done — it either dries solid, or separates into layers that don’t remix when you shake the bottle.

Powder eye shadow — (1-2 years) It might not be as obvious when your eye shadow is “bad.” However, eye shadow and powders pick up dirt and bacteria over time, so it’s a good idea to change them out every year or two.

Pencil eyeliner — (2 years) Pencil eyeliners last longer because you can sharpen them, effectively shaving off older areas that were exposed to dirt and bacteria.

Perfume — (8-10 years) Most fragrances will last for years in good storage conditions.

Lotion — (1-2 years) Changes in smell or texture are indicators that it’s time to toss that lotion.

Skincare or sunscreen — These often have an expiration date printed on the package, and it’s important to follow it. Sunscreen breaks down and loses its effectiveness and certain skincare products may become irritants when they expire.

Note: These are general guidelines based on research from multiple sources (listed at the end of the post). Foul odors and changes in product consistency may indicate it’s time to replace an item before these recommendations. When it comes to the skin on your face and around your eyes, it’s definitely better to be on the safe side!

Tips for keeping makeup fresh longer

• Store makeup at room temperature, away from sunlight
• Keep hands clean when applying makeup
• Avoid using makeup on irritated skin or infected areas
• Use a cotton swab to apply makeup to acne
• Do not share makeup with others; or use disposable applicators if you do

Saving money when it’s time to replace makeup

My number one tip: take advantage of sales to purchase multiple makeup items that are near the end of their expiration date.

Kroger periodically has sales in their beauty department — like the BUY GET ONE 50% OFF beauty event from March 22 – April 4th 2017. There are literally hundreds of items from top brands included in the offer!

I don’t wear a ton of makeup, but I do use mascara and lip gloss pretty much every day, so I took the opportunity to stock up! I’m sort of a mascara collector, so this time around I grabbed Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom because I haven’t tried it yet (and it promises amazing volume!)

To make sure I get every trace of makeup off at night, I always use cleansing cloths before I wash with my regular soap. Kroger Calming Makeup Removing & Cleansing Cloths cost half as much as name brands and work just as well!

Do you have any tips for saving money on makeup when its time to replace? Share them in the comments below!

Sources:

Seventeen Magazine – Good Housekeeping – Women’s Health Magazine

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.

Last updated on March 22nd, 2017 at 09:12 am

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