Beauty: When it is time to throw your makeup away

There is nothing more heart-breaking than throwing away a beauty product when there’s still some to go. We all love to hoard our eye shadows and lipsticks that are more than a few years old, but after reading this I am sure you will start clearing out that makeup drawer now!

Hanging onto beauty products post expiry is a big no-no; it’s bad for you, and it doesn’t do much for the product either. Sadly, your favourite product harbour bacteria and this can then lead to skin infections and irritations.

Also read: Hygiene and Summers: Here’s all you need to know

AS A GENERAL RULE, HERE IS HOW LONG YOU SHOULD USE YOUR PRODUCTS FOR:

3-6 Months : Liquid eye products are a playground for bacteria, which means mascaras and liquid liner should be thrown out after 3-6 months of use. Bacteria are attracted to moist conditions and considering these are used on your eyes; you really don’t want them to get messed up.

6months – 1year : Foundations and concealers with pumps generally last longer, because you’re not coming into contact with the actual product. Anything in jars means you’re dipping your bacteria-covered fingers (sorry, but true!) into the product every time you use it. Concealers with applicators are another product that is constantly going back and forth between your face and their containers and, if you’re using them to cover any spots, those bacteria are going right back into the product.

1-2years : Powders aren’t a good environment for bacteria to thrive as they’re too dry, which means powders, including eye shadows, bronzers, blush and setting powders, have a longer life than liquid products. However, when you’re using beauty sponges or brushes, oils from your face cling to the applicator and can go back into the powder. If you see a change in color, you know it’s time to get rid of it.

SO NOW HERE ARE SOME DO’S AND DONT’S YOU SHOULD KEEP IN MIND-

• Clean your makeup brushes at least once a week.
• Try to buy products with a pump dispenser as you won’t have to use your fingers to get the product out – plus you won’t get it all under your nails!
• Do invest in a spatula if you’re buying jars!
• Don’t forget when you bought a product. Keep a note or write the date on the bottle.
• Keep your makeup out of the heat and humidity.
• Do not hang onto products if you’ve had a reaction or infection (whether it’s related to the product or not).
• Make sure you’ve got clean hands before you touch your face or start your makeup routine.
• Don’t add water to ‘drying-out’ products.
• Get rid of anything that looks or smells funny, has changed texture or has any spots on it.

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