BY SAMINU MACHUNGA
Makeup products don’t usually come with an expiry date but that doesn’t mean they can serve you forever. Using old products may result in skin irritations or they may just not ‘pop’ anymore because they’ve lost their freshness.
Here is a makeup tossing timeline that you can modify to suit your budget.
Mascara
Mascara usually has shelf life of around three months.
A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment and can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
To extend the lifespan of your mascara, never pump the wand in and out of the bottle. Doing that traps air into the tube. Instead, slowly twist the wand in and out of the bottle.
Eyeliners
Like mascara, eyeliners are usually good for three months.
Liquid eyeliners are similar to mascaras. The brush constantly carries bacteria from the eye back to the warm, wet bottle.
Pencil eyeliners last longer because they create a fresh, clean surface every time you sharpen them.
Eye shadow
After six months from purchase, start considering a replacement.
Although most eye shadows are powdery and have a lesser risk of contamination, ageing eye shadows do not pop as well as the fresh ones.
Again, because you apply a lot of products to your face (especially to the eyes area), there is increased risk of contamination.
Lipstick and Lip liner
Shelf life: One year.
The water content of lipsticks make them potential mini reservoirs of bacteria.
Long-wearing formulas may have an even shorter lifespan; this is because they contain ingredients that evaporate more quickly than creamier formulas.
Pencil lip liners, like eyeliners, may last a little longer since putting them through a sharpener removes the old surface.
Foundation
Your foundation will be good for up to one year as well.
The disposal period depends on the formula of the foundation; oil-based formulas break down faster than their more solid counterparts.
Nail Polish
Probably the longest lasting product in your kit, lasting up to two years depending on the brand.
Formulas are especially sensitive to temperature extremes and humidity, so avoid storing in the bathroom.
You can extend its lifespan by adding nail polish thinner.
