Make-up and hair shelf life

I think we are all quite addicted to make-up, but we also secretly have quite a bit in the cupboard that can actually go straight into the trash. A waste? Yes. Necessary? Unfortunately yes.

Most beauty products have an expiration date. Not in the form of a date on the lid, but more in the form of a small jar, a number, and the letter M. The M stands for months and the number before it indicates the quantity. So 12M means it is good for up to 12 months after opening. That's why it's not so handy to just pull out all the jars of cream, mascaras, and lipsticks as soon as you get or buy them; it's better to keep them until you really need them. They will also last a bit longer.

Why is that expiration date important? Bacteria throw a party in your make-up or care products, and that party only gets more fun over time. That's less fun for your skin, as you might react badly to it. Additionally, ingredients and active substances will also lose potency, and that doesn't seem to be the intention either.

To get the best out of your make-up and enjoy it the longest, you need to store it in the right place. Preferably in a cool and dark place. This doesn't mean you have to fill the entire fridge, but do think about it. The bathroom, for example, is also not a smart place, as it is very humid, which is not good for your beauty stash.

And here are a few more tips to really get everything out of your make-up until the last moment. You can apply lipstick best with a brush. Sounds like a hassle? It can be, but you get the best result when applying, and your lipstick lasts longer because bacteria can attach less quickly. Mascaras dry out very quickly, often because you move the wand up and down in the tube. This lets in oxygen quickly and dries everything out. Twist the wand instead, and that won't happen. And if it's really almost gone, and you don't have a new one yet? Put it in a glass of hot water, then the mascara can melt a bit, and you have just enough to give your lashes a new coat of paint. With nail polish, you notice it becomes a thick substance as it approaches its expiration date. Add a drop of remover, and you can paint neatly again. Not too much, because then it won't adhere.