When do you throw away your makeup and cosmetics?
By Amy
@artemis432 (7474)
Abernathy, Texas
December 14, 2007 11:40am CST
Were you aware that makeup and moisturizer expires? Its not just a ploy to get you buy more either! :) Bacteria starts to grow in both from the moment you open it. Most people keep makeup until its gone, blissfully unaware of the hidden dangers of doing so. Skin and eye infections can occur. Even conjunctivitis, which can keep you from work and school and social events as its highly contagious.
Natural cosmetics must be especially vulnerable as they expire even more quickly then other cosmetics. Do you like to keep makeup longer from a line you can no longer get? Maybe what you think is allergies - itchy watery eyes is actually from your makeup. Your makeup bag may be a hothouse for bacteria.
Some tips - don't pour new makeup on top of old makeup in your makeup bag - then the old never gets thrown away. Find out the different expiration dates for makeup and heed them. You can also tell by smell, consistancy and taste although I don't advise tasting your makeup.
Keep cosmetics away from sunlight
Keep lids screwed on tight and away from further airborne bacteria
Resist the urge to share with your friends
Here is just one link to the dangers of expired makeup:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/05/08/earlyshow/contributors/daylehaddon/main508404.shtml
So ladies - or men who like to wear make- up or use moisturizers, bronzers or sunscreen - how long do you keep your cosmetics?
2 people like this
8 responses
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
14 Dec 07
The creams and lotions I use are all fresh products from Lush and so have "Use By" dates on the pots. They're superb by the way! ;)
With make-up I'm more guilty of hanging onto things. I know mascara is the chief one you need to get rid of after a certain amount of time, but I have so much make-up that I tend to forget when I got it.
Perhaps this discussion should inspire me to clean out my make-up case this weekend!
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
14 Dec 07
Yay - I will check out Lush on the web!
1 person likes this
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
15 Dec 07
You should! They contribute a lot to charities and environmental campaigns and all of their products and ingredients are animal cruelty free - something you don't find often enough. Hope you enjoy!
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Dec 07
I like it even more - and will cetainly check them out.
1 person likes this
@mycharm88 (2288)
• Philippines
16 Dec 07
Hello dear c",)
Thank you very much for sharing this here. I do keep some cosmetic products for more than 6 months particularly the mascara and lipgloss... But i do throw it away when the smell changes. I am not aware that it could cause me skin a and eye problems. Thanks to you my friend now i know.
And also i appreciate the link too c",)
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
16 Dec 07
Of course it all depends on the cosmetic. There is such a broad range of 'cosmetics' form bronzers and sunscreens to lipsticks. And if your things are natural - although you are saved from things like lead - they get contaminated quicker.
Thank you for your appreciation - I certainly appreciate your particiaption!
1 person likes this
@Nykkee (2522)
• Canada
19 Dec 07
Thank for the tips I will have to check that website out. I usually try to follow the expiry dates on things that actually have them marked, and do my best to keep track of how long i have had things. Honestly though, there are products that I don't use very often, like eyeshadow, and lipstick that I have had for like 2 years. That is probably gross but I jsut don't want to buy eyeshadow to use one and then throw out and I just don't use it very often, so I save it.
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
16 Dec 07
AS long as your lipstick isn't made from natural ingredients - which are affected by bacteria sooner - that's perfect. Glad that you're cautious! And welcome to my discussion!
@colourless (245)
• China
15 Dec 07
A friend of mine used to warn me not to use make-ups until they are completely gone, but never for once has she given me a reason, thus, to tell the truth, i have never followed her advice. But now since you give so clear a scientific reason , i am eager to cut some money to buy the new make-ups.
I really appreciate that you give us such helpful and informative advice, good day, friend!
1 person likes this
@cathy_mahoney (97)
• Canada
15 Dec 07
My understanding is that you should not keep makeup longer than three months. I believe that you are completely correct - you can get serious infections from old makeup that should be disposed of. Bacteria can cause serious infections that you really don't want to have. These infections can be highly contagious and very uncomfortable. I have to confess that I have not yet seen expiration dates on makeup, but I have to admit that I haven't recently used makeup on a regular basis in quite a while. I have very sensitive skin, allergies and asthma, so in my adult years I have avoided using makeup on a regular basis. I like to use perfumed body cream and lotions, so I will be checking for expiry dates forthwith. Thank you for your astute advice
1 person likes this
@standupforme (27)
• United States
22 Jan 08
I keep them as long as I can, I usually don't use them if they are really old and color seems to have changed or smells bad.
@nikki0607 (75)
• China
28 Jan 08
i think if it was overdate , i must throw it away .
but i will keep the bottle of it ,if it had some special meanings .
