What’s the shelf life of my make-up?
I AM clearing out my make-up bag to make room for spring colours, but am never sure how long you should keep make-up before throwing it out. Can you also advise on how often I should clean my makeup brushes?
Tracey, 52, Hertfordshire. CLEARING out your make-up bag is not always as easy as it sounds.
I still get confused about how long you are supposed to hang on to make-up, and I have a couple of much-loved products I’m sure I should have disposed of years ago.
Make-up expert Beth Margetts, of the London School of Make-up, says that most people think the expiry dates on products are simply a ploy by cosmetic companies to make us buy more.
‘But it’s not a myth,’ she says. ‘Make-up does have a shelf life, as it contains oils and active ingredients such as preservatives, which can only work and last for so long.’
So, how long will the contents of your make-up bag last?
According to Beth, the shelf life of products depends on how they are stored and used and whether they are cream or powder-based. ‘As soon as a product is opened and the air hits it, its performance ability starts to dwindle,’ says Beth.
‘Products will start to separate, thicken or dry out, which will reduce their effectiveness quickly.
‘To limit this, screw lids on tightly to stop air getting in. Never put your finger in a product — always try to use a clean brush or sponge. And, where possible, store the product in a cool, dry place to keep it from melting or changing its consistency.’
As a guide, Beth says creambased products should last between six and 12 months.
‘Powder-based products, such as blushers and eyeshadows, can last for two years, while pencils will last a year.
‘Mascara is the one thing you have to be careful with: you should replace it after three months — if not sooner — as it is a breeding ground for bacteria.
‘Lipstick can last up to one year and lipgloss 18 months, but gel and liquid liners should be thrown out after just a couple of months.’
LOOK AFTER BRUSHES
KEEPING your make-up brushes clean is essential, so make sure you wash them regularly to keep bacteria at bay. Use a specific brush cleaner or mild shampoo with lukewarm water.
The new B. Makeup brush cleanser (£4.99, Superdrug) is a handy little spray that can be applied to a tissue to wipe brush bristles after every use. Make-up sponges should be washed after every use — I throw mine out each time I use them.
REPLACE AND REFRESH
Now you have cleared out the clutter, it’s time to invest in spring products. Choose a BB or CC cream for lighter coverage for warmer weather.
Try a multi-tasking product that provides anti- ageing skincare with sun protection, such as Boots Time Delay BB Cream SPF15 (£11.99).
Replace your powder blusher with cream blush. I like the B. Sweet whipped blush (pictured, £7.99, Superdrug). And bronzers are a great addition to any makeup bag. Try Bourjois Delice de Poudre bronzing powder (£7.99, Boots). Finally, why not treat yourself to a pretty spring make-up bag? I love this colourful Limited Collection Nikki Strange wash bag (pictured, £12, Marks & Spencer).