WHEN IS IT TIME TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR MAKEUP?

NYC makeup artist Susmta Patel gives you some useful tips on when it’s time to say adios to your cosmetics.

Spring cleaning is a perfect time to toss out some things that could have gone bad months ago! Makeup and skin care products have a shorter lifetime than you may think since a lot of bacteria builds inside of the fancy packaging, spoiling the total makeup effect and causing various skin changes. So here is a guide on cleaning of your cosmetics, and the best person to give you the advice is certainly our Susmta Patel!

She says: "Products are developed to last a year or two," Unlike food, though, cosmetics aren't required to have an expiration date on their packaging. Instead, you'll have to keep track of when you opened it.  But contamination can occur at any time! Our makeup is always in contact with germ-prone areas like eyes, mouth and fingers. In general, always toss anything that has changed color or consistency or has a bad odor.

Most powders, concealers and lip balms are anhydrous (they don't contain water), so they can last for a couple of years. Cleansers and moisturizers often contain fatty acids, which can turn rancid quickly. Toss them after six months.

Multi-use products such as 3-in-1 sticks and creams can spread germs from lips to eyes and cheeks. Wipe the surface before switching areas, and discard or replace after six months.

Pencils can last several years unless you wet the tip with saliva or water. To be safe, sharpen before each use. Mascara should be tossed after three months without fail, since the tube is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Foundations can last up to a year if you keep your fingers away from the bottle. Instead, use a sponge to apply and always store cosmetics in a cool, dry place outside the bathroom to extend their shelf life.

Here are the general guidelines:

• Concealer lasts up to 12 months
• Powder should be fine for 2 years.
• Cream & gel cleansers last for about 1 year.
• Pencil eye liner Should be sharpened regularly to last up to 3 years.
• Eyeshadows also last 3 years.
• Brushes can be forever, but only if you wash them 2-3 months in a mild detergent.
• Reusable sponges need to be washed weekly and discarded monthly.
• A water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months.
• Lip liners can last up to 3 years.
• Lipstick can last 1-2 years, but some products mamy survive up to 4 years. Use the common sense: if it smells bad it's spoiled!
• Nail Polish lasts up to 12 months.
• Mascara expires after only 4 months.

Susmta Patel is a multiple threat in the beauty industry as a licensed makeup artist, aesthetician, nail technician, hairstylist and waxing expert. Susmta was born in India and came to the US at the age of 20. This single mother wasted no time in diving head first into her passion for personal aesthetic services. As she says, “nothing makes me happier than the priceless smile of approval. This recognition motivates me to continue my pursuit of excellence.”

Marina Milojević

Marina Milojević is a senior editor at Fragrantica. She’s been a member of the team since 2010. Marina writes for BeautyAlmanac and Luxois, ...(more)