Almost all the cosmetics on your dressing table come along with an expiry date. However, is it safe to use these products until they reach their expiry date? Once you break the seal or open the cosmetics, they become very sensitive to light and air. The germs present in the environment and your fingers can contaminate the cosmetics and lead to bacterial growth. A contaminated cosmetic is very harmful to the skin and may lead to rashes, irritations, and even infections. Here is a description of the shelf life of some of the most commonly used beauty products.
1. Mascara
You should be extra cautious while applying the mascara as you apply it to the most sensitive area of your body. The brush, with which you apply mascara, may accumulate bacteria. This bacterial infection results in redness of the eye and in some cases this might lead to itchiness and even conjunctivitis. You should change your set every 2-3 months. A distinct gasoline like odor indicates that the mascara has expired.
2. Foundation
Although foundations are powdery in appearance, yet they are actually water-based and bacteria thrive quite well in water. An unopened case may last up to 2 years, but once you open the case, it is advisable to replace it in 6-12 months. Make sure to keep it away from moist environment and from high heat areas. A color change or a bad odor is an indication of an expired product. If you apply the spoilt product, it may lead to skin irritation and rashes.
3. Blush
Cream blushes have chances of being attacked by bacteria growth, as they too are water based. Make sure to clean your blush brush properly after every use. Sometimes oil or dirt from your face may accommodate itself on the brush and slowly trigger the bacterial growth. Gradually it forms a thin grayish film on the blush cream. Avoid wet places; instead keep them in a cool dry and dark place. The texture of the cream is always an indicator of its expiry. So if the blush does not budge from the case, do understand that it is high time for you to replace it. Usually you should change your blush after every three months.
4. Eye shadow
If you want to avoid eye infections and redness, it is advisable that you replace powder-based eye shadow products after every three months. Cream based products have quicker rates of bacterial growth as compared to its powdery counterpart. Always clean your hands before applying the eye shadow, as your fingers may contaminate the product. Look out for any color switches or funny smells from the product. You should be very cautious, as your eyes are highly prone of being infected than any other part of the body.
5. Lipstick and lip gloss
The wrong shade of your lipstick may spoil your look. However, the risk of the product being spoiled is low. This is because of the fact that these are not water-based products. Since they are exposed constantly to the lips (mouth area), it is advisable that you replace the product after a year or so. Lipsticks and lip-glosses have oil content; hence, they smell like stale oil on contamination. The lipstick hardens and it becomes difficult for you to spread the color on your lips. Glosses on the other hand feel streaky when they go bad.
6. Nail polish
This product will never go bad because of bacterial contamination. However, the downside of this product is that it will dry up. The lacquer in it dries up and then it becomes thick and clumpy. The pigment settles down at the bottom of the bottle. In that case, shake it well. If thickness persists, then it is time for you to buy a new one.
7. Eyeliner
Liquid and pencil eyeliners should be replaced within 3 months after their first usage. Similar to the eye shadow, the eyeliners are also used on a body part that is highly prone to infection. The pencil tip may carry bacteria and this may cause an invisible infection, i.e. there will be no signs of contamination. Keep them away from moist places. Dingy eyeliner may cause unusual redness and irritation. Pencil liners last longer than liquid liners. However once a white film starts developing on the tip of the pencil and if it cannot be sharpened, then there is a need for you to replace your product.
These were some of the guidelines you can follow in order to check your beauty products. Do keep in mind two things to check if they have gone bad. Notice funny smell and texture changes of your product. Another thing to remember is store your cosmetics in a cool, dark, and dry place. Clean the brushes, wash your hands and face before applying any cosmetics. Replace the products with new ones from time to time.