Makeup Life Span

Features Slider, Women Aesthetics — By ObviousMag on September 7, 2010 6:31 AM

When is it time to let go of your favorite makeup products? It’s a question that many women ask themselves but likely take few steps to find out unless their products look as if they are “going bad.” But unlike food products, sometimes the signs of aging beauty products are not obvious and should be determined by the length of the products intended use. We spoke with Professional Makeup Artist Maria Rivera about when to let go of aging makeup and what products come out on top with the best life span. She first noted that most beauty products have a shelf life of two years.  The life span of the product begins once opened. Also check any marked expiration date on the packaging if there is one to ensure it has not expired.

CONCEALER
Shelf life: 2 years.
Life span: Typically lasts for 2 months with everyday use.
Once oil visibly separates from product indicates that a product is starting to age.
Recommended: Skin Perfecter Concealer by Bodyography (http://www.bodyography.com)

POWDER FOUNDATION (Press Powder & Loose Powder)
Shelf life: 2 years for press powder and 2-5 years for loose powder.
Life span: Both typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use.
With powders, do not blot your face with the same sponge you use to remove oil from your face; the powder will harden when the sponge is placed back into the compact and the life span will be dramatically cut. Wash a used sponge with shampoo after 1-2 weeks and toss if the sponge gets too soiled.
Recommended: Every Finish Powder by Bodyography (http://www.bodyography.com)

LIQUID FOUNDATION (Water-based & Oil-based)
Shelf life: 2 years.
Life span: Water-based liquid foundation typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use while oil-based foundation can last longer; approximately 6-9 months.
Recommended: Natural Finish Foundation (water-based) by Bodyography (http://www.bodyography.com) & Color Stay Foundation (oil-based) by Revlon (http://www.revlon.com)

CLEANSERS (Cream & Gel)
Shelf life: 2 years.
Life span: Both typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use.
Recommended: Special Cleansing Gel by Dermalogica & Cleansing Solution Cream by Dermalogica (http://www.dermalogica.com)

EYE LINER
Shelf life: 2 years
Life span: Full-size pencil eye liners with typical everyday use 3-6 months; this is also dependent on sharpening. Retractable eye liners can last up to 9 months.
Recommended: Urban Decay Pencil Eye Liner (http://www.urbandecay.com) & Kiss New York Luxury Retractable Eye Liner (http://www.kissnewyorkusa.com)

EYE SHADOW
Shelf life: 2-5 Years
Life span: Typical everyday use for eye shadow is 9-12 months.
Recommended: MAC Eye Shadow (http://www.maccosmetics.com) & NYX Eye Shadow (http://www.nyxcosmetics.com)

LIP LINER
Shelf life: Similar to eye Liner, 2 years.
Life span: Typical everyday use will last up to 3-6 months depending on whether you use lip pencils to only line the lips, or to line the lips and fill in color.
Recommended: Urban Decay Lip Liner (http://www.urbandecay.com) & NYX Lip Liner (http://www.nyxcosmetics.com)

LIPSTICK
Shelf life: Up to 4 Years.
Life span: Typical everyday use for 6-12months
If the lipstick ages and has a rancid smell or odd odor, toss it.
Recommended: MAC Lipstick (http://www.maccosmetics.com)

MASCARA
Shelf life: 1 year. Once opened the shelf life decreases to 4 months.
Life span: Typical everyday use for approximately 1-2 months
Once mascara is exposed to air the product will begin to dry. Pumping the brush back-and-forth into mascara container can also reduce the life span.
Recommended: Lash Envy Express Volume Mascara by Kiss New York (http://www.kissnewyorkusa.com)

EYELASHES
Life span: Lashes last approximately 3 uses or 3-4 weeks with care.
You can prolong the use of lashes if you remove adhesive and clean the strip with alcohol.
Recommended: Ardell Strip Eyelashes (http://www.ardelllashes.com)

Maria Rivera is an accomplished and creative makeup artist with experience in all aspects of media makeup: fashion, video and print. Maria Riviera’s Twitter: @Makeupmaria

Words by Guest Beauty Editor: Jen Prudhome
(Photo above by Richard Philips/MAC cosmetics)

Tags: Women Aesthetics