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Schedule a tour nowHow Long Should You Keep Makeup Products?
Posted on: September 20, 2017
Buying makeup is an investment, so you might be reluctant to throw it away. At the same time, you don't want to jeopardize your health by using them for too long. If you're an esthetician, work at a day spa or are just a regular consumer who uses cosmetics, you might be wondering how long you should keep your makeup.
Most liquid foundation can be used up to a year as long as it's handled properly, but you'll want to keep bacteria from growing inside the bottle by keeping it away from heat and not putting your fingers into the bottle or around the neck of the bottle. Instead of dipping your finger in the bottle, drip it onto the back of your hand or onto a brush or sponge to apply. If the foundation begins to separate before a year, it's best to throw it out.
When it comes to mascara and eyeliner, any esthetician at a day spa will tell you those have the shortest shelf-life of any cosmetics. Because you apply them to your eyes, there's a huge risk of transferring bacteria from your eye to the bottle and vice-versa. It's a good idea to replace them after three or four months.
Lipstick and lip gloss that isn't liquid-based are less prone to the growth of bacteria, so you can usually keep lip gloss for at least six months and lipstick up to a year. Powders can be safely used for at least 18 months to 2 years, but they should be thrown away if they start to smell unpleasant or change color. The good news about fragrances is that they can last the longest. As long as you keep the bottles out of direct sunlight, they should be good for 8 to 10 years.
