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How to Know When to Throw Out Beauty Products

By Nicole Saunders

How to Know When to Throw Out Beauty Products
Follow our simple guide to know when to throw out beauty product

Using expired make-up comes with a whole host of problems – which you can read about right here. That’s why spring cleaning your make-up bag and your skincare supply is essential if you want healthy, luminous skin. Not sure when to throw out beauty product or how long can safely keep using your favourite red lippy for?

Follow our simple guide below to know when to throw out beauty products: 

Eye Products

As cosmetics that are applied to the eye area are exposed to bacteria repeatedly, they tend to have a shorter lifespan. Experts recommend replacing mascara three to six months after purchasing. Sharpening eye pencils can help minimise bacteria build up and should be replaced every year or two; liquid eyeliners, on the other hand, collect bacteria quicker and should be replaced every six to 12 months. Eye creams have a shelf life of around six months. Never use saliva to dilute products that have dried up and always stop using eye products if you have an eye infection.

Natural Beauty 

Preservatives are added to traditional beauty products to eliminate bacteria. Cosmetics and skincare that are plant-based, preservative-free or contain natural-based preservatives have a shorter shelf life, which is usually around six months.

Face Masks

Face masks usually expire quicker than other skincare products due to high levels of active ingredients that become unstable when exposed to air and light. To avoid skin irritation, replace every two to three months.

Long-life Beauty

Perfume, nail polish, shampoo and body washes are more likely to stand the test of time often lasting up to three years without going off or posing any significant risk to your health.

Make-up Must Knows

Liquid formulations including foundations, concealers, eyeshadows are generally safe to use for six to 12 months but if consistency or colour changes before this period is up, bin them.

When stored correctly, high-quality make-up brushes will last for several years: store brushes in a brush roll or upright in a pencil cup.

Skincare Safety 

The shelf life of skincare varies depending on active ingredients. Always check serums, moisturises and night creams for expiry dates and the Period-After Opening symbol – the small open-jar symbol that some cosmetics and skincare bear. If in doubt, replace anything that’s older that one year.

A sunscreen that’s passed it’s expiry date won’t only irritate your skin, it won’t provide protection from harmful rays. Sunscreen is required to have an expiry date on it by law in Australia/New Zealand which is generally two to three years. Never use sunscreen that has stored in direct du

 

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