How Long Should You Keep Your Cosmetics? The UGLY Truth Behind Beauty Products by Krista Frazier

So we all know throwing away cosmetics is painful, especially if they are expensive. But, let’s get real, Cosmetics trap BACTERIA! The FDA does NOT REQUIRE cosmetic manufacturers to include expiration dates on beauty product labels. Once a cosmetic package is opened the potential for contamination begins.

Most of us store our beauty essentials in the bathroom, which is the worst place possible since moist damp places are a breeding ground favorite for bacteria to grow. Always keep the tops of your products covered and secure to keep excess bacteria from entering. I also recommend that you refrain from sharing your beauty products with anyone, especially those used around your eyes and mouth. When shopping for new makeup, test the colors on your hand and remove with an alcohol based cleaner. The amount of bacteria found in testers that are left out on store counters is astronomical! And, be sure to clean your brushes regularly. The build up of bacteria in your brushes can cause breakouts and lead to other infections.

The potential culprits of cosmetic related infections are:

STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIS: a staph bacteria that can be found on lipsticks, eye shadows and eyeliners. This can cause an infection that can severely affect the intestines if left untreated!

PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA: a bacteria that can be found in soil, water and on the skin. It can be associated with inflammation, rash and in severe cases, SEPTIS! Septic can lead to organ failure. This can be found on mascara wands and can penetrate into the soft membranes of the eye.

METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA): MRSA can cause infections such as dermatitis or pinkeye. MRSA present in makeup can enter a pimple, open cut, or the mucous membrane of the eye or nose. If you are experiencing redness, inflammation or heat over the infected area seek IMMEDIATE TREATMENT!

How long to keep your cosmetics before they NEED to be TOSSED:

FOUNDATION: 6 months to 1 year. If your foundation smells funny or starts to separate, TOSS IT!!!! And, always keep your fingers away from the neck of the bottle.

CONCEALER: 6 to 12 months

POWDER: 2 years

CREAM BLUSH and MULTIPLE STICKS: 12 to 18 months

BLUSH/BRONZER: 2 years (powders)

EYELINER: 1 year (pencil) 3 to 6 months (liquid)

EYESHADOW: 2 to 3 years (powder) 12 to 18 months (cream)

MASCARA: 3 to 6 months Maximum!