Start Adding Makeup Hygiene to Your Routine

Makeup is a great way to express yourself or make you feel like your best self on a bad day. But it could be your worst enemy if you are using makeup that is expired. Yes, that’s right - even your makeup has an expiration date. So, keep your glamorous eyes peeled for labels and signs that your makeup has gone kaput to avoid any kind of makeup mishap. 

Each kind of product has a different shelf life and different methods of sanitizing. Usually, your makeup products will provide a number of months on the packaging (usually by the ingredients) that your products should last. Try to avoid using your fingers to apply your makeup. Even if your hands are clean, this is a sure-fire way to transfer bacteria to your face and products. This, in turn, will shorten the life of your makeup products. 

Mascara and eyeliner are the beauty products you should replace most often. These products often hold a lot of bacteria with frequent use, which can then cause eye infections. Mascara should be replaced every three months, which is the amount of time it takes for them to dry up and become flaky. As for eyeliner, gel and liquid liners should be replaced every six months, while pencils of any kind (wooden, retractable, etc.) should be replaced after a year if you don't manage to use it up. 

Eyeshadow should be replaced after a year or two. Powder eyeshadows are good for up to two years as long as your keep your eyeshadow brushes and shadows sanitized. Cream eyeshadows are good for up to a year. 

Foundations and concealers can last up to a year. After this time frame, the shade and consistency of the products will start to change from the perfect shade to something spotty and off-putting. Depending on how you apply the product, bacteria can build up quickly, so always make sure you are using sanitized brushes or sponges. Concealer often comes in pots or tubes (often with a doe foot applicator). For pots, using a clean brush for every application can ensure an additional six months to the life of your concealer. Tubes are harder to keep clean and sanitized without wasting a lot of product so only keep those for a year before replacement.

Powder foundation, blush, bronzers, and highlighters should be replaced every two years. Pretty much any powder makeup product lasts a long while because their base does not contain water or oil. However, the pigment can start to fade or darken, so if you notice this happening, it's time to retire it!

Lipsticks have a shelf life of one year. After the year passes, you will start to notice that your once creamy or velvety lipstick has begun to harden, or that it's become difficult to apply evenly. Another sign of a lipstick past its time is when it starts to form sweat beads. Lip gloss, however, should be replaced every six months to a year. If your lip gloss uses a built-in applicator, it should be replaced every six months. Those pesky applicators just love to collect bacteria. But with squeeze-tube glosses, you will not need to replace them until they hit their one year mark. 

Nail polish should be replaced every year. The chemicals in the polish start to break down after being used for a year. This causes the polish to change colors, dry out or become goopy. If you do find that your polishes are becoming dry or thick before then, try using a couple drops of nail polish thinner (like OPI’s Nail Lacquer Thinner).

Makeup sponges and pads should be replaced about once a month to every two months. If you are using cosmetic wedges or rounds, those should usually last you a month if you are keeping them clean after uses. But since they usually come in bulk, it is best to just toss these wedges and rounds after one use. If you use a stronger sponge (like a Beauty Blender), it will need to be replaced after two months, or until you start noticing little rips or tears, or acne breakouts. 

Lastly, makeup brushes can last up to five years. The lives of your makeup brushes all depend on the brand you get. Higher end brushes will last longer than brushes you get in the dollar section at Target. If you start noticing shedding of the bristles, staining, or even broken or cracked handles, it is time to toss your brushes. The best way to ensure a long life for your brushes is to clean them at least once a week. Not only will this extend their lives, but your skin will thank you. 

The best way to keep your makeup sanitized is to spritz a little isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) onto the products. For powders, allow the alcohol to dry before use, and you are good to go! For cream products or lipsticks, make sure to wipe the excess liquid off with a clean paper towel. Most importantly, don't use your makeup when you have a cold to avoid contaminating a perfectly good lip product! This goes for eye products too. If you happen to develop pink eye or a stye, avoid using your eyeliners and mascaras (and it might be best to replace them).

Sanitizing your brushes and sponges is a different process. You will not want to use alcohol to clean them because that's too harsh. Always remember that your brushes and sponges are super delicate, so cleaning them with baby shampoo and warm water is best if you want them to last long. sanitation 

Not following the practice of cleaning and replacing your makeup (and your applicators) can cause infections and skin issues, so be sure to practice makeup sanitation!