What are you harbouring in your make-up bag?
Did you know that like skincare products, your make-up also has an expiration date?
Most of us are now familiar with the open jar symbol located on the back of cosmetics, which indicates the period after opening that the product should be used by. We may be religious in sticking to this guide for skincare, as we wonder if it’s promise to reduce wrinkles will still apply after this date has passed, but if you can see that a concealer still masks a dreaded pimple, or your deep blue eyeshadow is still the same colour on the eyelid as the day you bought it 5 years ago, would you continue to use it?
Exposure to air, light and moisture all contribute to the shelf life of your cosmetics. From the moment you open your foundation, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria and this too will contribute to the condition of your skin, not just the cleansing routine you avidly stick too. The care you take in looking after your makeup will also greatly contribute to its shelf life. The following tips will help to keep your cosmetics germ-free for longer:
- Keep in a dry area away from direct heat and sunlight
- Wash your hands before applying your makeup
- Wash brushes weekly in warm, soapy water
- Don’t pump your mascara wand
- Regularly sharpen all pencils
- Don’t share your makeup
So, now you’re probably thinking it’s time to de-clutter your make up bag! The first step is to put to one side the items that you can’t remember the last time you used – they are almost certainly no longer needed! The remaining items now need to be tested for the following:
- Has the smell changed?
- Are there any obvious colour or textural changes?
- Is there any obvious mould?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then they really should be placed in the bin
A regular ‘refreshing session’ with your makeup bag, will not only benefit your skin, it’s also an excuse to spoil yourself with some new shades. So, for 2010, perhaps this is a not so tough resolution we can all stick to!