By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom's Corner
I tend to be a keeper or as my mother would say, “a packrat.” I like the term “keeper” better.
I’m trying very hard not to be a “keeper.” It’s a habit that creates clutter and makes it very hard to organize. I have discovered there is a fine line between what is useful and what is clutter.
Well, as I was spring cleaning this weekend I came upon some makeup I hadn’t used in a while. It was in a small makeup bag with some eyeshadow, blush and other odds and ends I had forgotten I had. In my effort to reduce clutter I’ve tried to condition myself to think, “Are these items still good? When did I use them last? Do I still need them?”
The first question stopped me. Are these items still good? How do you know if makeup is still “good?” I couldn’t find an expiration date. I decided to check out the shelf life of makeup.
According to about.com concealers, cleansers, nail polish, powder, and blush will last an average of one to two years. Oil based foundation will typically last about eighteen months, but water-based will only last about one year.
Powder eye shadow is typically safe for about two years. Cream eye shadow should only be kept for, at most, eighteen months. Mascara on the other hand only lasts for about three months and should be thrown out after four months.
Makeup brushes should be washed every couple of months in warm water and mild detergent. Makeup sponges should be washed at least once a week and replaced monthly. Bacteria love sponges!
Here’s what I found so interesting. Lipstick and lip liner have a supposed shelf life of one to three years. Years? Something that close to my mouth? That’s what the experts say. However this is “Michelle’s Note.” If you have been ill and have used a lip product, I suggest replacing it. My oldest daughter recently had strep throat. Not only did she dispose of her toothbrush and toothpaste, she also replaced her lip products.
Experts also recommend that if any makeup develops a strange odor, begins to smell rancid, or changes color or consistency it should be thrown out. Well, duh! Of course, that’s common sense. Spoiled makeup can cause skin irritations; and even though makeup is expensive, it’s not worth it to me for my skin to be itchy or infected. Looking at it in that light, I just tossed the old makeup. If you have a question or comment for Mom’s Corner, please e-mail it to me at: moms-corner@juno.com.