We’re all guilty of keeping makeup and all kinds of lotions and potions far longer than we ought to! Yes! Contrary to popular belief, there IS an expiry date for makeup and products that we slather on to our bodies daily. You only enjoy the benefits of these products when you use them within their shelf-life, and using them after they have expired, is simply asking for trouble. When you buy products to use in your skin – and hair care regimes, always look out for this sign: M. It is often found on the product, should you fail to find it labelled on the packaging. It is often accompanied numbers such as 6, 12, 18 or even 24.
These numbers refer to the number of months that the product is actually good for. Avoid buying products with no details of their shelf-life, because these
numbers give us a guide on how long to keep the product in use. Bearing in mind manufacturing and shipping timelines, always work with 2 moths off, of
the timeline on the product you have bought.
Using expired products is detrimental to your health resulting in skin infections from bacteria that finds a healthy environment in makeup and over time,
multiplies. This can lead to skin irritations and bumps, not to mention the dreaded pink-eye infection from rancid eye makeup.
The following are Rembesha’s top worst products to use after they have expired
1. Lipstick / Lipgloss
Because they’re in direct contact with the lips, they provide an easy and perfect breeding ground for bacteria. They should ideally last for a year or two before you replace them. Lipstick which is too dry or too difficult to smear, or dries and cracks up your lips upon application, has no moisture which is a tell-tale sign of lipstick that has expired. If it also has a rank
smell, it’s better to do away with it immediately, as they will only continue to get worse with time
2. Eyeshadow and Mascara
The easiest way to pick up an eye infection is through using expired eyeshadow. You will notice that the colour of the pigment on eyeshadow that has stayed way beyond it’s lifetime, is the dullness and lack of vibrancy in its hues. It is more likely to streak upon application and also causes itching and redness of the eyes when applied.
Mascara too is equally vile when it has expired. Mascara tends to clump when it it has expired. Considering that it is one of the items we carry around in makeup bags, it is exposed to the elements and constant opening and closing, thus creating a perfect breeding spot for bacteria. As a rule, use eye shadow and mascara for no longer than 6 months to a year at most, depending on the brand you settle on. Also be sure to never share your eye makeup with anyone else because pink-eye looked great on absolutely no one ever!
3. Lotions / Foundations and Powders
Depending on the seasons, skin’s needs are constantly changing, however this doesn’t mean that lotions- both face and body- should last a lifetime. Keep these products no longer than a year or a year and a half at the most, to keep
your skin healthy and glowing. Steer clear of any lotion that resembles curdled milk. Once the ingredients have separated and you have to shake it up to mix them up, know better than to apply it onto your skin, and toss it in the bin.
Just as you’d never use expired medication, don’t use expired beauty products. And while it may seem like a waste of money, don’t pass them on to someone else either! Gather all expired products and consign them to the rubbish, because after all, that is exactly what expired makeup is- rubbish!
#BeautyBuzz
