Edited: September 12th, 2023
There’s no doubt that most redheads, like any other hair color, love their makeup. Wearing it can make some of us feel even more beautiful and confident. But, it’s not cute when your sensitive skin starts to breakout or you develop other skin problems due to old makeup. Expired makeup can create unhealthy bacteria, not to mention, your skin can appear dull and lifeless. If you find yourself having a hard time parting ways with that high-end mascara you bought for $28 or a favorite lipstick you bought in 2018, it’s time to toss it for the goodness of your health and overall beauty.
Redheads, our first priority should always be to feel beautiful and confident! Here’s a little guide to help you know when it’s time to toss your makeup.
1. MASCARA. Expiration date: 2-3 months
Signs you need to replace it: Flaking, clumping, dries out or has an odor.
How and why it goes bad: Pumping the wand in and out of the tube constantly drags air and potential germs into the product. The air also aids in drying the product out quicker. Using old mascara can cause irritation, sties or eye infections.
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2. EYESHADOW. Expiration: 1-2 years
Signs you need to replace it: It crumbles, dries out or loses its pigmentation.
How it goes bad: Using your fingers to apply it to your eyes can transfer bacteria. And, always remember to wipe your eyeshadow cases regularly to keep them clean.
3. PENCIL EYELINER. Expiration: Up to 2 years
Signs you need to replace it: There are no real signs for whether a liner has gone bad, but if you notice it’s dry or starts to smell it probably means it’s expired.
How it goes bad: Since it’s applied so close to the eye, bacteria can spread easily. To try to prolong the life of a pencil, try sharpening it often to keep it clean. Just remember to keep your sharpener clean as well; I recommend cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
4. LIQUID EYELINER. Expiration: 2-3 months
Signs you need to replace it: Dries out or smells.
How it goes bad: Just like with mascara, constantly using a pumping motion drags air and potential germs into the product. Makeup traps bacteria. The air also aids in drying the product out quicker.
5. FOUNDATION. Expiration: 6 months -1 year
Signs you need to replace it: Foundation starts to separate, smell or change color.
How it goes bad: Using your hands, dirty brushes or sponges can make your foundation get bacteria in it and go bad.
6. CONCEALER. Expiration: 1 year
Signs you need to replace it: Starts to separate or dries out.
How it goes bad: We all tend to cover a blemish in the least hygienic way by touching the spot with the brush and then dipping it back into the product. This just puts bacteria back into the product over and over again (not good in the healing process of the blemish either).
7. BLUSH: Powder blush, 2 years. Cream blush, 1 year
Signs you need to replace it: Becomes hard or chalky.
How it goes bad: Using dirty makeup brushes to apply it can transfer bacteria.
8. LIPSTICK/LIP BALM. Expiration: 1 year
Signs you need to replace it: Drying, smelling.
How it goes bad: Lipsticks contain oils that will eventually go bad on their own. You can try to use a tissue to wipe the surface layer to remove sitting bacteria.
9. MAKEUP SPONGES: Begins to smell or fall apart
Signs you need to replace it: permanently stained by your foundation, starting to smell or fall apart.
How it goes bad: Repeatedly using it without cleaning.
10. MAKEUP BRUSHES: Whenever it breaks, looks very dirty or doesn’t apply makeup as smoothly as it did in the beginning
Signs you need to replace it: weak bristles, wear & tear.
How it goes bad: Lots of use, poor cleaning practices. Try cleaning your makeup brushes once or twice a week with a brush cleaner, mild face cleanser or baby shampoo then air dry them before using them again.
Rock it like a Redhead!
