How long can your cosmetics last?
By Josfyn Uba ubajosfyn@yahoo.com
Saturday April 8, 2006

For some women, throwing away items that are no longer needed is as difficult as a parent’s decision for their only son to join the army. They never let go. Whether empty or the product has expired. Especially, if it is cosmetics.

Sometimes, after keeping it for so long, they’d then go back to use it again while, at other times, they like to decorate their shelves with the empty bottles or if you like, show off with them.

But cosmetics experts say that you stand a great risk of contamination, by using that foundation either after the case is broken, or the sponge is weathered or long expired. And if you think that you are being thrifty or smartly saving some coins, then, you had better think twice Most products remain effective for two years from their manufacturing date,. But unless the products have all-natural ingredients, like those from Lush, it's not often that the packaged date is listed.

Products such as acne creams or some moisturizers have active ingredients. They need to be kept in a cool and dark place. Otherwise, they can decompose and cause severe irritation to the skin,
However, most cosmetics don't have active ingredients. In most cases, they just lose their effectiveness if you keep them too long. But sometimes, they're a haven for bacteria.

Mascara: 3-6 months
These should be used quickly because they're easily contaminated. Every time you push the brush back into the container you're pushing air (and bacteria) in too. The wet consistency of mascara makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. Don't open more than one bottle of the same colour at a time. Start a new tube of mascara on the first of a month, or circle the three-month date on your calendar to remind you to pick up a new one.

Moisturizer: 3 months to a year
Moisturizers with oils and botanicals should be used quickly, since over time they lose their effectiveness. Don't freeze moisturizers; the ingredients will separate. Use one day-formula and one night-formula at a time so you'll use them up promptly and won't have waste.

Oil-free foundation: 1 year
Without the oils, these dry out more quickly and become clumpy. They can also become darker; giving you a "tan" you don't want! If the foundation starts to look strange or smell bad, or if the ingredients start to separate, throw it out.

Products with SPF: 1 season
When the summer ends, toss that bottle of sunscreen. They lose their effectiveness to block out UVA and UVB rays and can stain skin and clothes.

Blush or foundation sponges: 1 week
You don't need to throw sponges out, but you do need to wash them every week. Use soapy water and allow them to dry naturally before you place it back in the compact to avoid encouraging bacteria.

Concealer: 12-18 months
Liquid-based concealers may start to separate when they're going bad. Once this happens, toss them. Like mascara, pushing the brush back into the container can cause bacteria to thrive, so wipe the brush after each use. If you're covering a blemish that may be infected or contain bacteria, use your finger to apply the concealer to keep the germs from spreading.

Powder foundation or blush: 2 years
Over time, they get cakey and dried out, making them difficult to apply. Toss them.
Eyeshadow: powder, 2 years; cream, 12-18 months

Cream eye shadows have emulsions that break down over time. Avoid touching the inner part of your eye with the brush. Wash brushes at least once a week. Don't use shadow if you have an eye infection. If you experience irritation, discard any eye shadows you were using during the few weeks prior.

Eyeliner: 2 years
Sharpening them discourages bacterial growth, so they're actually fairly safe to use. If you get an eye infection from an eyeliner, throw it out.

Lip liner: 2 years
As with eyeliner, sharpening helps extend their life. However, if you get a cold sore or other irritation from a lip liner, throw it out. Store these products out of sunlight.

Lipstick: 2 years
Their pigment and oils preserve lipstick. However, if you get a cold sore from a lipstick, throw it out. If you use a lip brush, wash it twice a week.

Lip gloss: up to 2 years
Throw it out if you get a cold sore. If you get lipstick on the applicator, wipe it clean to avoid mixing ingredients.

Fragrance: up to 2 years