Between the samples you get at the store, and makeup you don’t reach for as much, most of us have extra makeup lying around for one reason or another. Sometimes it’s fun to dig old redhead-approved makeup out and try it again, but did you know it might not be wise to use some of those products? Here’s the when-you-should-really-replace-your-makeup guide:
Mascara: 2-3 months
You’ll probably be surprised by how short the lifespan of mascara is. Professionals actually suggest you replace your mascara every 2-3 months. This is because bacteria from your eye can be living in the wand which leads to a risk of eye infection. This doesn’t apply to unopened mascara, but if you’ve used it once that timer starts.
READ: 5 Cruelty-Free Drugstore Mascaras for Redheads
Eyeliner: No longer than 12 months
Although this is also an eye product, eyeliner actually has a longer lifespan than mascara. Professionals suggest you shouldn’t keep them longer than one year.
READ: 5 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Approved Waterproof Eyeliners
Lipstick: No more than a year
Lipgloss: 6 months
Keep your lipsticks in a cool dry place and they can last upwards of a year. If you notice the consistency is weird, it’s time to throw them away. Lipgloss on the other hand should be swapped out every six months.
READ: The 10 Best Lip Glosses For Redheads That Aren’t Sticky
READ: The Best ‘Redhead Friendly’ Fall Lipstick Colors for 2021
Foundation: Look for the expiration date
Foundation can be kept for anywhere from six months to one year. You can extend the life of your foundation by storing it in a cool dry place and only touching the opening with clean hands. It usually has an expiration date on it, so look for that and also check the consistency. If it’s separated or clumpy, toss it.
READ: The 13 Best ‘Redhead Friendly’ Drugstore Foundations of 2021
Powder Products: 1-2 years
Your powder products like eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer have the longest lifespan with a safe use time of 1-2 years! Just be sure to clean your brushes properly and avoid using your fingers in these types of products.
READ: 5 Powder Foundations for Redheads
There are differing opinions when it comes to how long makeup lasts, and we’ve probably all used makeup that “should” have been thrown out. Keep things clean, check for expiration dates and keep your makeup in a cool dry place (not the bathroom) to extend its life. That being said, now is probably a good time to go through your makeup collection and do a little purge. But that just means you get to buy more!
Rock it like a Redhead!
