You just bought a fabulous new mascara and you’re feeling good about it. I mean, why wouldn’t you be? It’s perfect! It’s exactly what you wanted until you realize that makeup expires and no matter how much money you spend on it, it will never last forever. In fact, the older your makeup gets, the more bacteria from your face is introduced into it – which causes it to go bad quicker. So, even though it pains you to do it, sometimes you just have to let it go and get rid of your expired makeup instead of continuing to use it and introducing new bacteria into it.
Table of Contents
How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Beauty Tools?
-
Sponges And Brushes
Every time you use your beauty blender, it absorbs oil and bacteria from your skin. These bacteria thrive in the warm and moist environment of the sponge, so you should replace your beauty blender at least every three months.
-
Foundation And Concealer
Whenever you buy a foundation or concealer, it is a good rule of thumb to replace it if starts to get oily and changes its texture. Liquid foundations may start to smell bad, and that is your cue to throw it out. Generally, these products should last for at least a year before signs of decay begin to set in.
-
Lipstick And Lip Liner
As something that is constantly coming in contact with your mouth, you can imagine the bacteria that must grow on your lipsticks and lip liners if you keep them for too long. In a perfect world, you should say goodbye to these goodies at least once every year, but if you avoid sharing them with others, you can use them for up to 18 months.
-
Eyeshadow & Blush Palettes
Your eyeshadow palettes should be good for at least one year, and with proper upkeep, this can be extended up to 3 years. Avoid sharing the palettes, and make sure you are cleaning the applicators before every use to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. It is also smart to avoid using the palette if you have an active infection to dodge any transfer of bugs.
-
Mascaras And Eyeliners
Mascaras and eyeliners are two makeup products that regularly come in contact with the eyes, and this causes bacteria to accumulate in the tubes. Our eyes are precious and very vulnerable to bacteria, therefore it is not uncommon to see conjunctivitis or sties after sharing your mascara with anyone. To prevent this problem, you should never share your eye makeup with anyone. Mascaras and liquid eyeliners will be good for only 3 months, and you should replace them quite often to avoid any contamination.
-
Moisturizers And Sunscreens
Keeping your skin hydrated and protected is key to maintaining a healthy complexion, so it’s important to be mindful of how long you’ve had your current products. Most moisturizers and sunscreens have a shelf life of 12 months, but certain conditions can help them last longer – like storing them in a cool, dark place.
However, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace these items every year to avoid using products that might have gone bad. As with foundations, you can tell a moisturizer has expired if the texture or color changes.
We know it can be tough letting go of products you’ve grown attached to, but your health should always be a priority. Thanks for reading!
It’s important to know when to replace your moisturizers and sunscreens so that you’re not pumping your skin full of bad products. Here’s a quick guide:
- Moisturizers and sunscreens should be replaced every 12 months.
- If the product changes texture or color, it’s time to replace it.
- Store products in a cool, dark place to prolong their life.