9 answers

Beauty Advice

I was wondering what the rule of thumb was for certain make-ups in terms of longevity. Like when you should dispose of mascara, foundation (cream and powder), etc. I love make-up and have some foundation in particular that is probably a year old, but am gun shy to throw it out. I am telling myself I may use it again and if it's ok to keep around why throw it out. Thanks!

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Featured Answers

I am going to school to be an optician. the one thing that i can tell you is to change mascara's every two to three months. do not share eye make up with anyone because of potential risk of eye infection. mascara especially can harbor bacteria and give you a bad eye infection. as far as foundation it will get dry and cakey and after a year or so may tend to look yellow or not blend in right when you put it on. that foundation that is old is not harmful but will not be as fresh. if they stay in the original packaging and are not open they have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

C.,
I was always told 6 months after opening, but I found the following information on the internet (http://www.celebrity-beauty-tip-goldmine.com/discard-make... may be helpful:

Foundation:
• Life-span = 6 months to 1 year
• Warning signs = thickening, altered color, or change in odor

Concealer:
• Life-span = 1 to 1 ½ years
• Warning signs = color change or thickening

Brush, Face powder, Eye-shadow:
• Life-span = 3 years
• Warning signs = texture change when applying, dryness or change in color

Mascara:
• Life-span = 3 to 4 months
• Warning signs = Change in odor, texture, or color

Pencils: (for eyes or lips)
• Life-span = 3 to 6 months
• Warning signs = Change in odor, texture, or color

Lipstick:
• Life-span: 2 years
• Warning signs = taste or odor change, stickiness

3 moms found this helpful

hey C.,

i just wanted to share my strategy for how to remember when you bought the item so you know when it's time to get rid of it:

sharpie marker the date on the lid of the product, esp. mascara. works every time!

1 mom found this helpful

I am going to school to be an optician. the one thing that i can tell you is to change mascara's every two to three months. do not share eye make up with anyone because of potential risk of eye infection. mascara especially can harbor bacteria and give you a bad eye infection. as far as foundation it will get dry and cakey and after a year or so may tend to look yellow or not blend in right when you put it on. that foundation that is old is not harmful but will not be as fresh. if they stay in the original packaging and are not open they have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years.

1 mom found this helpful

Hello,

I am a Mary Kay consultant and I have been told by our company that mascara should be discarded after 3 months. It can hold bacteria and be harmful to you after that time frame. You might think there is more in there to use but it should be thrown away. As for foundation, I am not positive on that, I dont have anything in writing but I am thinking 1 yr.

Hope this helps
B.

If it isn't clumpy or smelly, and still looks good, keep it!

Hi C.,

I am an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay. Here's my rule of thumb.

Your mascara is the main thing to keep track of. You should dispose of it every 3-4 months due to bacteria.

Your foundation SHOULD have a 3 year shelf life.

Hope this helps!

A. D

Hi C. B,

My name is J.,I am a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. You mention that you have foundation that is probably a year old. Please discard any of them that is more than 1 year. The life of a Mascara is 3 to 4 months. You need to visit and shop on my website marykay.com/fabulousjc to get the service you so need.

Think Pink!
J.

I've heard eye makeup three months, six for the rest.

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