Coming across old products that I used to love is always bittersweet. I've usually replaced them with the latest and greatest, shoved them to the back of drawers, and months later find myself asking; should I rediscover my love or toss this guy in the trash?!
I'm finally here with a tip to help myself, and all my other beauty damsels in distress!
Ever really looked at the back of your beauty products and noticed, what seemed to be an open can with numbers on it? If you're anything like me, you typically overlook this small- but very important detail. This open can actually holds the answers to our questions...the lifespan of the product!
I thought I would share a few different products from different beauty categories, to showcase how this time limit varies.
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Face Products- Primers, Liquid Illuminators, & Concealers:
To me, this is one category where the expiration date doesn't matter as much, since we typically go through these products quicker than most. For instance, most foundations do not even display this information, for the likeliness of your everyday foundation lasting longer than six months is slim to none.
However, primers, illuminators, and concealers rotate in and out of our makeup routine depending on skins behavior, so displaying their longevity is helpful.
However, primers, illuminators, and concealers rotate in and out of our makeup routine depending on skins behavior, so displaying their longevity is helpful.
Face Products- Powders:
Face powders last slightly longer than liquids or creams based on ingredients used. While foundation powders may live out highlighters and blushes, a great way to determine whether or not the product's gone bad is by texture and lack of pigmentation.
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Eye Products- Liners, Mascaras, & Brows:
Any type of creamy eye product is not going to have the same life span of something more powdery, for creams harbor bacteria. Sharing such products as these is the quickest way to catch a sty, and a trip to the beauty department.
Eye Products- Shadows:
Like all products, the life span will differ based on ingredients used. As you can see with these popular palettes, some expire within six months while others last up to a year or more.
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Body Products- Washes & Skincare:
Most skincare displays this canister of life, along with the date of packaging. 12- 24 months is the average life span, especially for natural skincare, since they contain active ingredients that can actually expire. Body washes and lotions vary, but can be determined by appearance and smell.
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Fragrances:
Some perfumes display this information, while others do not. A good rule of thumb is to store fragrances in a cool dark place. Direct or harsh light, along with steam and heat from the shower can shorten the life of your favorite fragrances. Scents in darker bottles will also last a little longer than those packaged in clear or light bottles. With proper storage, perfumes can last an average of three years- give or take a little.
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Lips:
Another product where the monthly timeline is not always shown. The best way to determine whether or not your beloved lippie has gone bad is by separation, waxy texture, and smell.
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While these numbers are great guidance, like anything use your best judgement if you're unsure just how long that product's been tucked away in your drawer. Un-used, or un-opened products are also going to last longer, for the recommended months are typically/usually from time of first use. Elements such as texture and smell are other factors to consider when deciding rather to toss or keep!
*products shown:
eyes;
NYX: Eyebrow Cake Powder
LAURA MERCIER: Caviar Eye Pencil
SMASHBOX: Full Exposure Mascara
STILA COSMETICS: The Natural Collectible Palette
URBAN DECAY: Naked 3 Palette
NARS: Egea
ANASTASIA BH: Artist Palette
face;
LAURA MERCIER: Radiance Foundation Primer
L.A GIRL: HD Concealer
SMASHBOX: PhotoFinish Foundation Primer
NYX: Born to Glow- Liquid Illuminator
skincare;
PETER THOMAS ROTH: Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion
OLE HENRIKSEN: Sheer Transformation
BOTANICS: Gentle Cleansing Cream
SHEA MOISTURE: 2n1 Bubble Bath & Body Wash- Mango Butter & Green Tea
fragrance;
MARC JACOBS: Daisy
lips;
OBSESSIVE COMPULSION BEHAVIOR: Lip Tar- Hoochie
NYX: Macaron Lippie
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