Cleaning Up Your Make-up

You may be in love your favorite lipstick and treasure that imported foundation pack, but as much you try to make it last so may be the time for it to go!

Beauty products usually come with a manufacturing date and ‘best before’ date. However, if you don’t store the skin care product well enough or handle it carefully, it may expire before the due date.

Unopened beauty products and cosmetics generally last longer and can be preserved for years in a cool dark place. However, once opened the oxidation process begins and the product becomes susceptible to bacterial infection. Always close the lids tightly after using skin care products and avoid touching them directly with hands.

Here is a list of symptoms that will tell you when its time to dump your cosmetics and replace them with new ones.

Powders
Even though face powders are dry and don’t show and visible signs of damage, bacteria can still survive on them especially so it contains hydrating ingredients. Always store the powder in a cool place and wash the powder brushes with an antibacterial brush cleaner on regular basis

You know its time to dispose the powder when it becomes grainy and difficult to blend. Ideally, discard it after two years of use.

Foundation
Foundations come in many varieties, so different types have different shelf lives. Liquid foundations should be stored in the refrigerator for it to last longer.

• Oil based foundations are specially formulated for dry skin types and so contain emulsifying oils. And with time, these foundations degrade in consistency. Avoid putting your fingers directly into the foundation bottle. Instead, use a cotton ball to swipe and keep it away from heat and sunlight. Discard it when the texture changes, ideally after 18 months.

• Water based foundation are created for people with oily skin. Because of the presence of water, it becomes a favorite breeding spot of bacteria which have easy access through hands and fingertips. Always use cotton swaps to apply foundations and avoid touch the contents of the bottle directly with fingers. The expiry time comes when it changes color and texture and begins to smell badly.

Concealer
Concealers usually contain oil and other hydrating agents that give them a smooth creamy texture. The best way to prolong its shelf life is to avoid touching its tip with hands and washing the brush daily. But when its texture hardens it’s about time to replace it.

Mascara
Mascara is perhaps the most used component of women’s make up regime and should be replaced every three months. Avoid sharing it with anyone to prevent bacterial infection. Make sure you close it tightly after each use and don’t ever add water to it. The ideal way of using mascara is to rotate the wand inside the tube instead of pumping it up and down.

Liquid eye liner
If you don’t store it properly, liquid eye liners tend to dry up very quickly. In addition the water base makes it a perfect ground for bacterial residence. Always close the lid tightly after use and store in a cool dry place.

Pencil eye liner
They last longer than the liquid ones but not forever. While the liquid liner lasts for only three months, pencil ones can stay good for about two years. However, sharpen it before use and cap the lid tightly after it. Also make sure that the pencil sharpener is clean and dry.

Eye shades
Eye shadows last the longest than any other beauty product. However, they don’t lave lifetime validity and should be discarded at the slightest sign of pigments and oily texture. Buy fewer colors in smaller sizes so as to maximize their life cycle and always use a make up brush for application.

Lipstick
Lipsticks generally have a long shelf life but provided they are stored properly. When the lipstick becomes dry and smells different, its time to throw it away. Ideally you should change biscuits every two years.

Dr. Syrett graduated from the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific in 1998 and has a special interest in anti aging skin treatments. She has affiliations with The Collaborative on Health and the Environment and the Teleosis Institute – Health Professionals in Service of the Global Environment and that helps her further her knowledge of the skin care industry.