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.
Eyeliner pencils, I purchased several at once about 10 years ago so I wouldn't run out of the color I liked.
I can't let go of my physician's formula color correcting translucent talcum powder
Eyeliner and mascara..my must have items!
The Bare Minerals that are more than likely out of date - I don't use them that much but feel I should keep them since I spent the money on them - need to bite the bullet and toss.
I have some eyeshadow and lipstick that I've had over 10 years. Both are very nice, high end brands and that's why I've kept them all these years, but it's definitely time to throw both away. I certainly don't want to get a skin infection or a rash from using old makeup.
Foundation. I don't wear it often and I hate to throw it out when I've hardly used any.
I tweeted https://twitter.com/i_jns/status/1049779784748855297
I tend to keep my lipstick and lipgloss longer than it should
My oldest beauty product that I own would be some eyeshadow I got in college that I just love!! It makes my eyes pop perfectly but I cant find it anywhere anymore.
Rosebalm from Sephora in a tin lasts years! It is amazing too.
I hate to throw away lipsticks because I never use up the whole tube before it's time to toss them! Not even close!
A Hooda highlighter my mom gave me 5 years ago! I just can't give it up lol guess it's about time
I'm guilty of keeping lipsticks longer than I should. I like to have a large variety of colors available for whatever look I'm trying to achieve but that also means I don't use one as often as some people might since I switch up colors all the time
My oldest cosmetic I have a hard time letting go off is some blush that I used in my late twenties, I love the colors and cannot find any more of the same, so I use it occasionally to save it...I know, I know, its old. Im in my 50's now. Maybe Sephora can guide me into a new blush that I will love just as much or more. Been wanting to try their products but just haven't done it yet. This gift card may be the way to push me over the edge or so to say take the plunge. LOL.
Face powder