Clean Out Your Collection of Makeup

A new year is a great time to do a ‘spring cleaning’ of your makeup stash or update your beauty look.

How Long Does it Last?

Use This Guide to Makeup’s Lifespan We are all guilty of hanging on to a look too long or products longer than we should. My previous posts on the Avon’s Campaign 1 Makeup Sale* will hopefully inspire you to update all your must-haves or satisfy any makeover you want to take on. Most makeup products have a shelf life of 3 years, but that’s unopened. Once you open, the clock starts ticking for how long it will be usable and effective. This is called the “period after opening.” Here the following guild to determine how long to keep your makeup collection. Then go through your stock and get rid of your out of date products and colors that don’t look good on you.

Makeup for the Lips

Lip products generally last the longest, most will last 1 or 2 years. Lipsticks, lip liners, glosses and treatments may change color or consistency over time. If the wax dry out, they many not apply easily. Lip gloss that has a wand that touches your mouth and goes back into the tube, should be toss after six months to a year. And if it smells bad, throw it out and buy new makeup for the lips.

LIPSTICK – Period after opening: 1 year

Many lipsticks not only stay on all day, but they also have a long period after opening. You can keep opened lipsticks for up to 2 years, and then toss them, as they can start to grow bacteria that can cause skin irritation. Liquid lipsticks will have a shorter lifespan once opened (probably 1 year max), as the liquid formula will crack and dry out. Eye or Lip Pencils can easily last three years. The best way to ensure that they remain safe to apply is to keep them well sharpened and store them with the cap on. Also be sure to clean your sharpener regularly! Tip: if the pencil starts to stick and get more difficult to use, it’s probably dried out. Time to toss it and buy new makeup for the eyes.

Makeup for the Eyes

MASCARA – Period after opening: 3-6 months

A few months after it’s opened, mascara will start to dry out. Mascara is applied to one of the most sensitive areas of your face and should be replaced every 3-6 months. BLike other liquid makeup, it can accumulate bacteria, which can lead to potential irritation and infection. If you have sensitive eyes, we recommend switching out your mascara every three months. However, if your mascara still glides on smoothly and doesn’t irritate your eyes, it can last you up to six months. The same holds true for liquid eye liner—it can accumulate bacteria quickly and should be tossed out around the same time as mascara.

EYE LINER & EYESHADOW – Period after opening: 1 year

Liquid eyeliners falls into the same category as mascara: a brush that touches your eye goes back into a tube of wet product, where bacteria can grow. Three months is the rule of thumb here, too. Opened eye liner pencils and eyeshadow can last much longer than their liquid counterparts. Since solid and powder makeup take longer to build up bacteria, you don’t have to worry about it drying out. Powder eyeshadows or blushes are safe for about 2 to 3 years since bacteria has a hard time growing on dry surfaces. But if you dip a wet brush or sponge into these products, their shelf life decreases to a year or less. Gel or cream eye and face makeup tend to lose their texture within six months or so. And since they come in contact with your eyes and face, they’re more prone to sprouting bacteria that can lead to infections. If you’re a big fan of colored eye makeup, you might want to toss it a bit sooner than your neutrals. Brightly-hued cosmetics change in color over time, and will likely last less than a year once opened. When you notice your purple eyeshadow or green eye liner fading, it’s time to replace it.

Makeup for the Nails

It’s basically impossible for bacteria to live in the chemicals that comprise nail polish, top/base coats or treatments. Use visual cues to figure out if your nail makeup is still usable. Nail polish generally lasts about two years. Shake before applying to mix the pigment that has separated. The less it’s exposed to air and sunlight, the longer it lasts. Store in the refrigerator.If it’s gotten thick, dried out, or separated even after you shake it, it is time to buy new nail makeup.

Makeup for the Face

PRIMER, FOUNDATION & CONCEALER – Period after opening: 1 year

Can’t remember when you opened that foundation that’s been sitting in your makeup drawer for ages? Chances are, it’s time to throw it out. Foundation and concealer—typically in liquid form—last about a year once opened before they can start to grow bacteria. You also might see the formula begin to crack and separate, which means it’s time to let it go. Powder foundation and solid concealer can take a bit longer to accumulate bacteria than their liquid counterparts, so they’ll last a bit longer. And as always, if the color or consistency changes, throw the remainder away and buy new makeup for the face.

Beauty Tools

Implements like brushes and cosmetic wedge applicators like sponges can be kept clean by washing them weekly in warm soapy water. You don’t need a special cleaner; you could even just use water and your shampoo. This will help prevent gunky buildup and keep them free of germs that can cause breakouts. The material that sponges don’t last as long, so you may consider discarding them monthly. If they loss their shape or hairs, buy new makeup brushes. Tweezers, nail clips and lash curlers rarely get cleaned. Don’t forget to cleaned these tools too. One quick ways is to give them a quick swipe with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or tea tree oil. And as previously stated, be sure to clean your sharpeners regularly! And if they are looking worst for the wear, it may be time to buy new beauty tools!

THE PRETTY BiG DEAL MAKEUP SALE

UP TO 55% ALL YOUR FAVES

CALLING ALL MAKEUP LOVERS

Ready. Set. Save…THE PRETTY BiG DEAL MAKEUP SALE Once you have parred down your makeup, go to the Campaign 1 Digital Brochure or the below links to begin to restock with fun new shades. You can start the new year knowing that your products are fresh so you can keep your skin healthy.

FREE fmg Glimmer Lip Conditioner* With select $30 makeup purchase. Shop Now

New Year Flash Sale Up to 65% Off – Fave makeup, skin care, jewelry and more at amazing prices. Limited time while supplies last! Shop Now

Limited Time Bundles – Don’t miss out on best-selling makeup, fragrance, skin care and jewelry, available only when you shop with an Avon Representative! Shop Now

*All items while supplies last. Free gift will automatically be added during the checkout process.

All your tools at the ready!

Makeup-theme print, Makeup organized. Fill the Vanity Organizer with all of your makeup must-haves. It is generously sized with four compartments with two removable inside dividers, three outer pockets and lattice elastic straps. It holds brushes, mascaras, liners & more! Folds up for easy storage or flat for travel. 022-816 reg. $30

$22.99

Contents not included.

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*Campaign 1 Avon Brochure: THE PRETTY BiG DEAL MAKEUP SALE UP TO 55% OFF! + GIFTS FOR YOUR VALENTINES. Campaign 1 (C-1) Avon Brochure closes on 1/17/23 at 11:59 pm ET / 8:59 pm PT.

About Nancy, the Avon Lady of NJ

I am an Independent Sales Representative, Avon Online Representative, a Beauty Advisor, and Beauty Blogger since 2010. I like people, people make me happy…the customers I serve and the success of my team members bring me happiness. I have customers and team members who live all over the U.S. They ALL know that I’m only an email, call or text message away. I service my customer by direct delivery ordering and shipping right to their door, through My Avon Online Store. My vision is to offer an attractive and appealing direct & social selling opportunity for team members interested in starting their own business. My goal is to give great service to all, near and far! If you have trouble finding an Avon product, contact me and I’ll send you a link to the current pricing. If you ever need to contact Avon directly, call toll free 1-800-500-AVON (1-800-500-2866) 7 days a week between 7 a.m. and Midnight EST. An Avon Customer Service Specialists will be happy to assist you.

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Warmly, Nancy the Avon Lady of NJ