When to throw out your skincare and makeup
When to Throw Out Skin & Makeup
To keep your skin and makeup fresh and safe to use, make sure you aren’t using old expired products. Use your personal care products within the shelf life and toss them when they have passed their prime.
Follow this general rule of thumb:
Powders - 2 years
Oil based products - 1 year
Water based products - 6 months
In this Moody Method we’re talking about
Signs it’s time to toss them
What can happen if you use bad product
Tips to make them last longer
The Complete Product Shelf Life Guide
Signs it’s time to throw away your skin and makeup products
I know it’s hard to toss products if you haven’t use the entire bottle or jar, but be smart and watch for these signs that it may be time to let it go:
Discolored product
Strange smell
Texture has changed
Dried out formula
Powder products aren’t loose anymore
If your products are in a jar or applied with an applicator, each time you use it there is an opportunity for bacteria to get in your product. If this happens you may notice that your product changes color or has a funky smell.
Air and heat also encourage bacteria growth and you may notice that the product dries out or the texture becomes chunky or loose. When you notice these things, it may be time for a new jar.
Why it can be bad to use expired products
We all know how easy it is to lose track of time--that coupled with the fact that we want to make sure we aren’t wasting products or money, we find ourselves with drawers full of old, unloved products.
We are here to tell you that you’re not alone.. but we’re also here to tell you it’s time to simplify and toss that unwanted junk in your drawer – especially if it’s so old it has become unsafe to use!
Old, bacteria ridden skin and beauty products can cause infections and blemishes.
We know that you care about what you’re putting in and on your body, because otherwise you wouldn’t be using natural products. So it’s important to watch the shelf life of your products and make sure you’re only using fresh skin and beauty products.
Some of the most common products to cause issues are:
Mascara
Eye Creams
Eyeliner
Jars you scoop out of
Must Know Tips to make your makeup last longer
Here are some great ways to help keep your products fresher longer.
Store products in dark places (drawer, cabinet or solid makeup bag or box)
Close all products tightly
Wash hands and skin before touching and using products
Wash your makeup brushes every week. Not only can your brushes harbor bacteria, but then they can contaminate other makeup products.
Keeping products away from heat. Make sure they are far away from heaters or hot lights.
Water based products are more likely to spoil first while oil based products generally have a longer life span and shelf life.
Leave water based products in cold dry areas and avoid leaving products in moist environments. Bathrooms are the worst place to leave your goodies, but it’s often not convenient to leave them elsewhere.
We recommend the fridge if possible, but you can try storing them in a drawer or cabinet that is farthest away from the shower or if possible a vanity in your bedroom.
When you apply products to your skin or dip them into a jar make sure that your hands are clean. Dirt and bacteria can cause issues for your skin and your jars of products.
The same goes for brushes, keep them clean! When you use brushes in your product you can introduce bacteria into the product or right on to your skin. This is especially important for any eye brushes.
The Complete Guide
Skincare Products
Facial Cleansers – 12 months
Toners – 12 months
Scrubs – 12 months
Wet Masks – 6 months
Powder Masks – 24 months
Serums – 6 months
Moisturizers – 6 months
Lip Balm – 12 months
Body Lotion – 12 months
Body Cream – 12 months
Shampoo & Body Wash – 18 months
Body Powders – 24 months
Beauty Products
Mascara – 3-6 months
Gel Liner – 12 months (with regularly cleaned brush)
Pencil Liner -- 12 months (with regularly sharpened and wiped with alcohol)
Brow Liner -- 12 months (with regularly sharpened and wiped with alcohol)
Liquid Foundation – 12 months
Cream / Concealer Foundation – 18 months (with regularly cleaned brush)
Powder Foundation – 24 months (with regularly cleaned brush)
Cheek Color – 24 months (with regularly cleaned brush)
Lip Gloss – 12 months
It’s important to remember that all of these life spans are general guidelines and if you don’t properly take care of your skin and beauty using the preventative steps above, than you may find your items spoiling faster.