Pucker up
So the papers have pipped me to the post believe it or not. I was hoping to bring you an article on women keeping old makeup. I’m terrible for it, because I hop from blusher to blusher – pot to pot. The only thing I am wary about is my mascara – my Nan has kept her mascara since before I was born – and she uses it every day! It’s a Max Factor block mascara with a big groove from where she’s swiped her brush over and over again for the last 20+ years!
How many times have you looked into a makeup bag and thought that all of it needs to be thrown out or come across some stuff that’s been in their since you were 17?
They are calling it a make-up ‘time bomb’ and it’s made up of clumpy mascara, discoloured lipstick and stubby eye pencils which can be a magnet for germs.
Beauty essentials such as foundation, concealer, blusher and even perfume have a ‘period after opening’ (who knew!?) indicator denoted by an open pot with a number for months of safe use.
EU guidelines which say brands have to state products shelf lives, only 89% of women are unaware of this information and don’t understand what the symbol means.
According to a recently study carried out by Debenhams, 68% of women only replace makeup and skincare when they run out – and judging by my Nan and her wartime rations – it can take a while!
I bet Rihanna doesn’t have to worry about putting old makeup on!
On set
Oh, and disgustingly three quarters of women NEVER wash their makeup brushes or sponges – but, this should be done at least once a week.
Sara Stern, director of cosmetics at Debenhams said: “British women are famously loyal to makeup brands and products, however, their reluctance to throw away old product is a risky business.
“We wouldn’t hesitate to chuck out mouldy or bacteria-ridden food and the same standards should apply to the lotions and potions and that we put on our skin. Beauty is timeless but unfortunately, products are not.”
How many times do you think you share your makeup with family and friends? According to the study, 60% of women share their makeup which immediately multiplies the risk of spreading infection.
Bevis Man, of the British Skin Foundation, said: “It’s not always obvious when make-up has passed its prime so it may not occur to people to replace their products.
“It is best to err on the side of caution and if a product looks or smells strange it is worth throwing it away.”
Debenhams spokeswoman Ruth Attridge said eye shadow products can be kept for up to 15 years – more than 10 times longer than they should be.
She said: “Because you may not use it very often and it takes a long time to use up women, particularly elderly ones, have it lying around in their bags for an incredible length of time – quite disgusting really.”
The average woman’s cosmetic bag was out of date by an average of four years. The most dangerous products are those which go around the eyes.
Old stock?
Here’s a list of cosmetic products and their use by date – (in reality, kept for)
Mascara: 4-6 months – 12 months
Highlighter: 6 months – 24 months
Concealer: 6-12 months – 24 months
Liquid Foundation: 12 months - 12 months
Eye shadow / blush: 18-24 months - 180 months
Eyebrow pencil: 18 months – 96 months
Cream Blush: 12 months - 24 months
Pressed / loose powder: 12 months - 18 months
Liquid Bronzer: 12 months - 36 months
Powder Bronzer: 30 months - 48 months
Lipstick / Lip Gloss: 12-24 months – 120 months
Eye / Lip liner: 18 months – 12 months
Perfume: 36 months - 96 months
Hand cream: 12-24 months - 6 months
Lip balm: 24 months – 12 months
By the way – my Nan is a legend and would like to add that it’s my fault that she didn’t receive a new one. She asked me to renew her mascara years ago she said…
How long have you held on to your favourite product? Which beauty essential has passed the test of time?
Source: The Telegraph
this is a GREAT ARTICLE!
ahha totally giving my makeup pouch a MAKEOVER! with new items!