Beauty
The expert on the shelf life of makeup
When it can stay and when it should be thrown in the trash
We have it. Shelves, racks, and cabinets full. With the lipsticks that finally have that perfect color, nail polishes for every occasion, and hair products with which you can create any hairstyle. So now I always keep everything neat, resulting in having a lot – way too much – products and not using half of them. But when, for heaven's sake, do you throw all those products away? Quite a bit of a shame. Pro-Make-up Artist from Bobbi Brown tells you how to keep your makeup kit clean and when you really need to say goodbye to your favorites.
How long does makeup stay good?
“Most products have a guideline for shelf life on the packaging as a general rule. But you also need to look at the type of product. Most creams and liquid products should be used within a year. Powdery items can be used for up to two years. Mascara is really an exception. You can be quite active with that product, because in two months it is dried out and after three months it is really no longer good to use. Eye infections and trouble are lurking around the corner.”
Can't we keep our makeup a little longer?
“Well, it actually doesn't work at all to put products in the fridge. Nice for vegetables and other food, but not for beauty products. Except for an eye cream, because that does its job well when it's cool. To handle them carefully and well, I recommend not placing the products in the sun by the window. Just keep them neatly in a cabinet. With foundation I often keep them in the packaging to prevent the color from changing. These are small things, but they do work to get the best out of a product.”
How often should we really buy new products?
“Foundations should be repurchased every 12 months. Lipsticks can be replaced when they start to melt. Then the end is simply near. The same can actually be said for a cream blush. Longwear eyeshadow and eyeliners are at their best in the first six months, after that they can become a bit drier. A liquid product lasts a bit longer. Mascara doesn't have such a long lifespan. So be really careful with that. Moreover, it works much better if you apply a layer of fresh mascara.”
Which makeup product can we get away with if we use it a little longer?
“Anything that is a powder product, such as translucent powders, bronzers, and eyeshadows, will last longer than liquid products. They will also discolor and expire less quickly. So you can really get away with using these a bit longer. Often enough, turning your toiletry bag upside down and giving it a good clean will also not be an unnecessary luxury.”
