As consumers, we’ve become vigilant about peaking at the expiration date before purchasing food and beverages. But, what about that stuff we put all over our bodies and faces everyday? The truth is, cosmetics go bad too and when using products that are past their prime, we are putting ourselves at risk of contracting skin and eye infections...eek!
Read on to find out more, and then enter the #SheSpeaksMakeup Giveaway to win a $25 gift card to Sephora - so you can start replacing all your expired goods.
Tricks & Trucco reports about some of the worst items to hold onto for too long and what effects using old makeup can have on your delicate skin. For one, using expired mascara is known to cause eye infections. And since Racked reports that mascara only has a shelf life of about 2 - 4 months, we’re probably all guilty of putting ourselves at risk.
We know you love your foundation, but for the love of your skin, make sure you’re not keeping it for longer than 6 - 24 months. More specifically, Racked says you can hold onto cream foundations and concealers for 12 - 24 months and liquid foundations for 6 - 12 months. Older foundations tend to have their ingredients separate and the preservatives stop working as well, which can lead to germ growth and skin issues.
Unless you want to put yourself at a higher risk of rashes, tossing your lipstick or glosses anywhere from 6 to 24 months after purchase is also recommended. And old powder blushes kept longer than 18 - 24 months have been known to transfer nasty skin infections like impetigo.
Luckily, there's help for those of us who are elbow deep in questionable cosmetics. Websites like CheckCosmetic allow users to type in the batch code of their specific product and get answers like when the makeup was made and how long of a shelf life it has. Or try the app Beauty Keeper, which stores your makeup expiration dates and will remind you when it’s time to replace certain products that are about to go bad.
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive a $25 gift card to Sephora. Giveaway is open through October 14th, 2018 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member jennyoliver1.
Old foundation powder
Old foundation powder.
My foundation and powder blush
My oldest is the Avon Cuticle cream.
eyeliner and foundation
The oldest makeup I had was mascara that I threw away just yesterday(10-10-18). I also have lip gloss that is outdated. I will throw it away asap.
I am a "cosmetics junkie," and I love Sephora. They have so many great brands and items I never get the chance to keep makeup longer than the "suggested use by" date. I always want to try new things, and every time I buy a new product I get rid of an old one.
Blush and eyeshadows!
my bronzer
I have a lot of old makeup, never new i had to replace it that much!
I tend to keep lipsticks too long, even when it's not my favorite color and I probably won't use it.
lipstick and mascara as long as it looks good I'll still use it
Can't let go of lip gloss and concealer.
I have a few benefit products they stopped making, but I love them, so I use them sparingly.
Mascara is a must have favorite for me! I love the way it brightens up my eye's and makes my lashes look so long!