Mascara – How often should I replace my Mascara? Always ditch the mascara 2-3 months after opening. It is especially vulnerable because it’s a liquid. It’s a multiple problem because we stick the mascara wand back into the liquid multiple times. Use a small return address label and write the date you are opening your mascara. Apply the label directly to the mascara. That way you can see the date each time you pick it up.
Lip Products – Don’t keep your lip products past 6 months. Again you have the multiple dipping issue. If you get a cold sore and you have used a lip product – trash it. Using a lip product that has been exposed to a cold sore is a sure way to spread bacteria.
Liquid Foundation – Still a pretty high risk for bacteria. Should be ok for 6 months up to 1 year. Pour the foundation into your hand rather than putting your finger over the top of the mouth of the bottle. Letting in touch your finger and then some of the liquid going back down into the bottle can spread germs and bacteria. Because it is in liquid form, bacteria tends to multiply.
Hair Care Products – Because you rinse them away, there is less chance of any contamination with these products. If it starts to look or smell funny – toss it.
Nail Polishes – Most nail polish will have an expiration date. Don’t keep any polish past the expiration date. Both bacterial and fungal infections can be a problem with nail care. Make sure you are using products well within their “good until” dates. Clean clippers & files regularly. Throw away rusty or corroded utensils. Replace paper files occasionally.
Powders (blush & foundations) – Keep from 1-2 years. Much less risk of bacteria because of lack of moisture. The brushes you use to apply them are a different story. Both strep and staph can be growing in those brushes. Use a brush cleaner to clean your brushes periodically (the more often you use your brushes, the more often you should clean them).
Facial Creams – Moisturizers and specialty treatment products that are cream based can and do collect and multiply bacteria. It’s a really good idea to use a spatula (beauty spatula) or cotton swab to dip into your face cream. Put what you need on your hand and close the jar. Double dipping into your face creams is just asking for problems. Wash your hands before starting your facial regimen.
Following these steps will help make your daily hygiene and beauty regimen even safer and cleaner. Which is the point. Who wants to go through all their beauty steps only to put tainted product on their skin? I think you will feel even better knowing you took extra measures to keep you and your skin healthy. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin of an average adult has a surface area of over 21 square feet and accounts for 6% to 10% of your body weight. That’s your fact for the day. See ya soon!
