Life Span of Makeup

Ever wonder if your makeup has an expiration date? Well, incase you may have not know, yes it does. It is very important to throw away your makeup when your supposed to that way you can receive the maximum benefits from the products while avoiding infections. 

According to a March 9, 2000, FDA report (revised October 15, 2002), “Consumers should be aware that make up expiration dates are simply ‘rules of thumb,’ and that a product’s safety may expire long before the expiration date if the product has not been properly stored. Cosmetics that have been improperly stored – for example, exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale – may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.”

By law, cosmetics are not required to provide an expiration date for you on each product. From the very moment you open it, the life and effectiveness of the product decreases as bacteria grows. Aging cosmetics lose their effectiveness to fight bacteria no matter how careful you are when using it. No matter how expensive the product may be you must treat it with care care. Make sure you store your makeup in a dry, cool area. Needless to say, any cosmetic that changes texture, consistency or smell, should be thrown away immediately.

If your makeup does not have this symbol with a number and a "M" for how many months 

before you should throw it away, follow these general guidelines I have provided below.

• Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers 
• 6 months 
• Foundation 
• 3-6 months 
•  You'll know when it's time to toss your foundation, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture/consistency thickens or thins, or the smell changes. 
• Concealer 
• 12 months if your using a blush and properly cleaning the brush after each use
• Wand applicator concealers should be discarded within 6 months since they’re more likely to grow unwanted bacteria.
• Powders
• 12-18 months if your using clean brushes 
• Mascara
• 3 months 
• never pump your mascara because air pushes bacteria into the tube
• never ever share mascara
• Lip gloss & Lipstick
•  1 year 
• Eye/Lip Pencils
• 1 year 

**Remember, never share makeup and always use properly cleaned brushes!