Get the most from your products

Are your products past their use by date? Foundation starting to seperate,  eye shadows looking dull and mascara more clumpy than fan like. To keep your make up in top condition and to get the best results from your products  follow these general guidelines.

Keep containers and lids tightly closed and store makeup in a dry, cool place and out of direct sunlight to stop it melting and colour fading. Avoid storing it in the bathroom as humidity  and steam can damage the product.

Store perishable products like liquid foundations and nail polish in the fridge during summer.

Store brushes in a makeup roll and fold away when not in use to stop dust from settling onto them. Wash and disinfect them regularly to avoid bacterial growth and for maximum durability.

Never soak brushes in a bowl of water, keep the handles out of water as you will damage the adhesive binding the head and brush hair will start to fall out and the lacquers will peel.

Don’t share!  Swapping mascaras and eyeliners is the most common way to pass on eye infections like conjunctivitis. Always sharpen an eye liner in store before trying it in store or use with an brush.  Use a disposable mascara wand in store.

Don’t pump your mascara wand in and out, instead twirl around as you push the wand down and scrape the sides. You are less likely to push air into the tube and dry the product out. 

If your foundation is not pump action put your foundation onto a palette before applying to the top of your hand to avoid contamination from skin back into the bottle.  If you dip your finger in the bottle bacteria will build up - use a cotton tip instead.

Sharpen pencils regularly to avoid bacterial growth.  If the weather is warm pop in the freezer for  a few minutes before sharpening.

Don’t mix water into your makeup as this can contaminate and introduce bacteria. If foundation is a little heavy or thick mix with primer or moisturizer for a more fluid finish. If mixing  a loose eye shadow powder with water/sealer scoop a little from the pot into your palette and then pick up and blend with your brush and apply.

If you have a cold sore, don’t use lipstick directly onto your lips.  Remove the required amount and apply with a brush. Disinfect your brush immediately afterwards or use  disposable cotton tips. If you do use directly from the lipstick always slice the top off with a stanley knife to remove contamination. Slice the top off a lipstick when trying it on your lips in store and use disinfected brushes or disposable wands.

All makeup has a shelf life, liquid and cream formulations will expire earlier than powder formulations. If there is a change in smell, colour, texture or if the ingredients separate it’s time to throw them away.

Liquid foundations: 12 months for oil free formulas, 12-18 months for oil based. After this time the product can start to separate and  congeal, discolour and odour change which results in a patchy, cakey finish.

Powder formulations: Including powders, bronzer, eyes hadow and blushers Can last from 12 – 36 months but after time they can begin to dry out and not go on as smoothly, the shimmer no longer shines  and the colour is no longer intense.

Creamy eye shadows and blushers: 12 – 24 months. They have a shorter shelf life due to the emulsions, which are less stable and break down faster. They can also become dry, change colour and give off an odour. If they start to look greasy or sweaty then throw them away. Freshen the product occassionally by wiping over the top lightly

Lipstick: 12 – 24 months. The formula can start to dry, change colour and develop a bitter smell/taste.

Gloss: 12 – 18 months. After this time the product can start to seperate.

Liquid liners: 3 – 6 months.  Like mascara, these are volatile and haven for bacteria. They can dry out and become rancid.

Pencils: Eye liner and Lip Liner.  12 - 24 months.  Keep them sharpened  at least weekly  but preferably before each use and they should not change, if they do they become dry and crumbly.

Mascara: 3 months. Mascara are the most volatile product and harbour bacteria in the moist, wet environment meaning they have the shortest shelf life. Due to the constant opening and pumping action, air pushes bacteria in and the product dries out.


Make up sponges:  Should be replaced regularly as they can build up bacteria, dirt and dust  from product to skin. Keep a clean sponge in your powder compact to avoid adding grease from your face to the powder.