I thought I would write a post about the shelf life of some of the main "go to" makeup and beauty items. Some of them I guess are common sense. You can look at the product and if it has changed in appearance, texture or smell, then it's obvious that it should be thrown out. I have collated the information below from leading industry experts.
Once opened:
1. Mascara ~ 2 - 3 months. Each time it's taken out, applied and put back, bacteria can be transferred.
2. Eyeshadow / Blush / Powder ~ 1- 3 years (I did read that eyeshaows should be changed every 3 months if they are used on a daily basis).
3. Liquid Foundation ~ 6 - 12 months
4. Liquid Concealer ~ 1 year
5. Stick Concealer ~ Up to 2 years
6. Cream Blush ~ Under 1 year
7. Liquid Eyeliner ~ 3-4 months
8. Lipstick / Lip gloss ~ 1 year
9. Skin care products in a jar ~ 6 - 10 months. If in a pump container, then 1 - 3 years.
10. Nail Polish ~ 1 year
11. Eau de parfum ~ Up to 3 years
12. Pencil (Eye & Lip) ~ About 1 year
13. Bath Oil ~ 1 year
14. Shampoo / Shower Gel ~ Up to 3 years
15. Hairstyling products ~ 3 - 5 years as they contain alcohol which helps to preserve them.
As mentioned above, it is easy to determine whether a product has expired if there are visible changes. However if there aren't any, I hope the guidelines above may help. If your product hasn't been opened, you can generally keep it for up to 3 years.
Is there anything that surprises you?
Thanks for reading!!
This is really helpful! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteNo big surprises there, but do think I should have a general clear out! I have just bought some bare minerals stuff, so the old should be chucked i guess! Ecck.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this handy post! Will be keeping it under my favourites.
ReplyDeleteMary
http://wwww.popgoesfashion.com
As a makeup artist I always have to make sure my makeup hasn't gone off, I do a big kit sort through every few months to make sure everything is in order. I think a lot of people don't realise it's an issue.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rafflesbizarre.blogspot.com
Very helpful info! I did not know something items only last a few months, I usually only throw stuff out after a year.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a similar post to this last summer after finding an old facemask and it deciding it was going to burn my face! Not good.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, thanks for sending your link, I am now a-following :D
Louise x
Confessions of a Secret Shopper
@Anonymous ~ Glad it helped ;)
ReplyDelete@Claire ~ I agree! It's best to have a clear out now and again. ;)
ReplyDelete@Mary ~ Thank you! Glad it helped! :)
ReplyDelete@Raffles Bizarre ~ I agree, I've had people messaging me saying they didn't know makeup actually expired. Thanks for your comment! :)
ReplyDelete@Lesley ~ Glad you found it helpful :)
ReplyDelete@Louise ~ Oh no! Hope you took it off before it did any damage! Thanks for your comment :)
ReplyDeleteI did a post on this myself a few years back cos it's so helpful and you need to know cos beauty infections are not pretty!! I'm forever having clearouts and I really hate to open things and leave them but with this gig that mostly happens, best to give away what you can once cleaned with alcohol to avoid infection if your not planning on using it again xo
ReplyDeleteVery helpful post I had no idea we can keep shampoos and hair styling products for such a long time
ReplyDeleteThere is also a guide on all products. The little tiny pot with an open lid and a number indicates how long they recommend the product will last once open. Obviously if you use it more then it won't last as long, but it's a good indication if you find makeup lying around!
ReplyDeletewww.laviesophie.com