As I was searching through a few of my make up baskets and draws looking for something last week, it got me thinking about how often any of us actually pay attention to the expiry dates on our make up products.Do you know how long you're meant to keep that mascara for? Or that eye shadow palette you've had lurking in your stash for years? I for one am guilty of not paying attention to expiry dates, I use stuff till it runs out or keep a lot to one side just in case I might want to use it in the future.
Also as packaging on higher end products gets prettier, the more I don't want to chuck it away, especially when you've spent all that money on say a lipstick or palette you've used a handful of times. Now I'm not saying that you have to start throwing your make up away that you've had for years, because let's face it, I won't be either. I just thought it would be interesting to see the 'guideline' shelf lives of our beloved products. So here it goes...
3 - 6 Months - Foundation, Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner, Wand Concealers
1 Year - Tube & Compact Concealers, Eye shadows, Lipstick & Gloss, Nail Varnish
18 - 24 Months - Pressed Powder, blush (powder & cream), Bronzer, Eye & Lip pencils
Above is what I'd call the bare essentials but everything as an expiry date. Once I started looking for them I was quite surprised at what I found. From make up, to skin care products, nail varnish and shampoo! What I've written is a guide from what I found on my own products.
I did have a nose on Google and guide lines for expiry dates do vary. To see that my Naked 3 palette 'expires' in 12 months was mad because I won't be throwing that out come December nor will I be throwing away my Chanel lipstick Arran gifted me for Valentine's Day two years ago.
So girls.. I reckon you should have a good look around your stash of products and see what you find. You may be as surprised as I was.