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Hi ladies,

I tried to use some of my makeup stash that was boxed up for about six years, and most of it had turned to crap. I figured it probably would after such a long time, but I am still disappointed that it was almost a total loss.

Foundation was like concrete. Mascara was more like black glue. Nail polish looks like it had practically corroded away the bottles. Only things that seemed OK were a couple of lipsticks and some eyeshadow, and these probably weren't too good either.

Since I can't be a regular makeup user, what is the expected shelf life of most items? A year or two? Would periodic use extend the life at all?

I really don't want to have to replace everything after only a few uses, but it seems that is the only option I have right now.

Jessica

Opened to the air cosmitics should be replaced every 6 months at a minimum. The air is the problem, as that promotes deterioration and bacterial growth. Fingernail polish is quite subject to air and bacterial degredation, even the topcoat after being opened should be replaced, though that you can see by the thickening of the stuff. Temporary fingernail adhesive should be OK for a year, but even that can lead to fungus infections. Liquid foundation in unopened bottles/containers should still be ok for a few months, but I wouldn't trust it much beyond that. It has probably experienced beyond a year shelf life before you even get the chance to buy it. The exception would be makeup remover, powders, mineral makeups, etc., but even that has a shelf life. Mascara does get really yucky within a year, but if in an opened container should probably be replaced within a month or so, espcially if not used very much. Eyeliner that is the wet kind should be replaced at least as often. If you use a solid pencil for eyeliner and brows, then use your sharpener to provide a new surface before every use. If you want a rule of thumb, replace such things as often as you replace your toothbrush, and that should be replaced no less than every month (my dentist says every two weeks, but since I use an electric I push it a bit). Granted it makes the cosmetic industry happy and gets expensive, but you don't want anything near your eyes that may carry a bacterial infection nor anything that can break your skin out or infect through your pores, eh?

Make up sponges should be discarded after every use!! That is one place the bacteria gather fast, especially if you apply cosmetics at the restroom vanity.

Carolynn

Jessica

Mascara has a half life of six months - probably other makeup is similar.

Play it safe - GGs do concrete eyelashes do not impress.

Best wishes

So basically six months then. I guess six years was a little too long! I will just have to refresh the supplies. I suppose that is the price of beauty (or as close as I can get to it).

Thanks ladies!
Jessica