Guest Post: When Is It Time to Replace Your Makeup?

Hi everyone! I have a guest post here which was sent to me and written by Sarah Rexman who is the main researcher and writer for bedbugs.org. For this post she has written about how often we should replace our makeup. I actually lack a bit of knowledge when it comes to this (bad beauty blogger right here haha) so it was good to finally be able to know the signs that tell us when to chuck out our cosmetics. I've learnt the hard way many times, especially with some face creams I have used in the past. They would work perfectly well for my skin but after a year later I would develop an allergic reaction to them... and then I'd be too put off to purchase that product ever again... when the only problem was that it past its use by date.

Here is a quick post to let you know the recommended times for keeping your makeup items!

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When Is It Time to Replace Your Makeup?

If you like to keep up with the latest fashions and beauty trends, you may never keep makeup in your bag long enough to ask this question. If you’re like me and you like to keep every eyeshadow and mascara wand until the last application is used, you may need to brush up on expiration guidelines.

Old makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs that can cause infection, breakouts, and other problems. Not sure if that mascara you’ve been using everyday for the last several months is still good? Here are some common guidelines for the best “use by” date on common cosmetic items:

(source: Flickr)

Liquid Foundation and Concealer

Replace every six months. If it looks grainy or clumpy, it’s time to replace it – even if it’s only been a couple of months.

Compact Powder and Blush

Replace every six to nine months. Throw out applicators and brushes whenever they start to get dirty. If you are using expensive brushes that are designed to be reused, make sure you wash them well.

Eye Shadow

Replace every three to six months. Eye makeup should be watched carefully, as bacteria spread through this makeup can cause potentially serious infections in the eye. Remember to replace applicators, as well as the shadow.

Eye Liner and Mascara

Replace every three months. If you have an eye infection, replace all makeup, no matter how long you have had it.

Lipstick and Lip Gloss

Replace every 12 months. Keep them in a cool spots to prevent melting.

Nail Polish

Replace every 12 months. If pigments don’t blend after vigorous shaking, it is time to replace the polish. Polish that has become thick should be replaced.

Sunscreen

Replace every six months. If the product starts to separate, appears oily, or has a foul smell, it’s time to replace it.

The above are all guidelines. Some recommendations allow for keeping products longer, and others recommend replacing them sooner. Evaluating the quality of the product can let you know if it’s time to replace an item. You may need to replace an item if it:

Has a foul odor
Develops a different texture
Separates
Hardens
Becomes discolored

Of course, if you become ill or develop an infection, you should also replace your makeup.

(source: Flickr)

Follow these basic guidelines, and you can prevent infection and nasty breakouts on your skin!

Sarah Rexman is the main researcher and writer for bedbugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes graduating from Florida State, with a degree in environmental science. Her current focus for the site involves research for her bed bugs website about baby bed bugs.

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Thank you, Sarah! The item that I constantly find myself having to chuck out and replace are nail polishes - it's such a shame when they start getting gluggy and the formula inside starts separating. Sometimes I can't find the same shade again so I no longer have it in my collection :( The worst thing is when you purchase makeup that you want to keep as your HG (holy grail) but it was only limited edition, thus it's rare to repurchase once the product is finished or needs to be chucked out. This is why it's awesome to have back-ups but then again, you need to take into account its shelf-life before you start using it.

Us ladies tend to spend so much on makeup each year to replace finished and use by items - men will never understand this need for us to update our stash!

Questjen of the week number 2 (check previous post for qjen number 1):

 Do you always follow the rules when it comes to replacing your makeup?

My answer: No... *runs away and hides*

 I do try to and now that I am fully aware of the "rules", I will do my best to abide by them! I need to set a better example as a beauty blogger!

♥ Jen