Clean beauty you should know about
Before you transition to those fall looks, remember to check the expiration date of your makeup and wash your brushes! I know it’s sad to see so much product go, especially if you rarely wear makeup. But expired makeup harbors harmful bacteria that can cause skin and eye infections. Have you every had puffy or red eyes or experienced a burning sensation after using makeup? Expired products and dirty application tools could be the culprit.
Keep your skin healthy by only using makeup within its expiration date. There is usually a jar with a number and letter inside it somewhere on the packaging, indicating the product’s shelf life (example: 12M for twelve months).
Jar with number & letter indicates shelf life
How long does makeup last?
Here are some general guidelines on how long makeup lasts:
Foundation, concealer, and liquid products - 6 to 12 months
Blush and powder - about 2 years
Cream blush and multi-use sticks - 12 to 18 months
Lipstick, pencils, liner, and lip gloss - 12 months
Mascara - 3 months
Eye shadow - 6 months
Gel eye liner - 2 months
This may be a sigh of relief to some of us who have a horde of makeup that we simply can’t let go of because of how much money we’ve spent. Take this as an opportunity to curate and stock only the products you love and that work for your current lifestyle.
How to reduce waste and save money
There are several ways to reduce waste in your makeup routine and also save money. Ask for samples if you’re trying a new product you’re not sure about. Many beauty stores will gladly offer you free samples. Before purchasing a product, ask yourself if you really need it. Makeup has not changed that much over the years. Try not to fall prey to seductive marketing. Store brands can work just as well as brand name makeup, especially for things like mascara that have a shorter shelf life. If you wish, you can splurge on the products that have a longer shelf life like foundation. Try using products that work in multiple areas of the face. Look for smaller travel sizes. You may find that you can barely finish them before the recommended expiration date. Write the date you purchased your makeup on the bottom of the container with a fine tip permanent marker.
Remember to recycle!
When you’re ready to toss your old makeup, be sure to clean and recycle the containers. If you have any expired product left, try using them for art projects. Lip liner is basically a crayon. You can apply a spray fixative available at most art supply stores to prevent color transfer.
Do you have any tips to reduce makeup waste or curate a makeup routine? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Tag or share this with someone who needs a gentle reminder!
