Use a spoon to mush the contents of the palette into a powder and then add rubbing alcohol, stirring to create a thick paste. Let it sit overnight, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving the powder solid and whole again.
Powder Products (Eyeshadow, Blush, Bronzer): These generally have a longer shelf life (2-4 years) due to lower water content. If they haven't changed in appearance or smell, you can keep using them after expiry. Just be sure to clean your brushes regularly to avoid bacteria build-up.
Yes, it's generally a good idea to toss eyeshadow palettes once they hit their expiration date. Makeup products can harbor bacteria and degrade over time, which can lead to skin irritation or infection. Here are a few points to consider:
The same way our lipstick will go soft when we've left it in the sun a little too long, giving your dry shadow a hit in the microwave will soften its consistency. Pop your eyeshadow (with the lid off) into the microwave for no more than 10 seconds at a time or until the formula is soft.
The matte brown shades in your eyeshadow palette can be used as a bronzer. You can also use a shimmery brown eyeshadow shade if you like glowy bronzers. You can use other shimmery shades in your eyeshadow palette as a highlighter! Eyeshadow pigment can also be used as an eyeliner.
In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes.
Applying eye makeup when you're over 50
This is normal. Your goal is to make your eyes look bigger and brighter by using light, neutral eyeshadow shades (beige, taupe, etc.).
Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
You can sanitize by misting with alcohol spray. If any of them have hard pan, you can try removing the top layer with Scotch tape, or by roughing it up a bit with a clean spoolie. I also clean the exterior of palettes, mirrors, in between pans, etc.
Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area. If anhydrous, which includes most powder formulas, it can last anywhere from two to three years.
Lightly mist your palette(s) with your alcohol or makeup sanitizing spray until the top layer is slightly damp.
DON'T wear mascara on your lower lashes. Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. It makes the eyes look older and accentuates the under eye wrinkles.
My advice in this instance is to either forego using frosted and shimmery shadows for the time being or to use them sparingly. For a wonderful matte eye shadow palette try Jane Iredale's Daytime Eyeshadow Palette.
Fix cracked pressed powder, bronzer, or eyeshadow by pouring alcohol in it. Use a spoon to mush the contents of the palette into a powder and then add rubbing alcohol, stirring to create a thick paste. Let it sit overnight, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving the powder solid and whole again.
Like lip balms, the qualms of using expired eyeshadow are similar. You won't experience anything life threatening, but there will be noticeable weakness in the ability of the product to do its job.
Foundation and concealer
Liquid foundations and concealers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Powders can last up to 2 years. Cream formulas fall somewhere in between — about 12 to 18 months.
Makeup that hasn't been used yet but is past its labeled expiration date likely just won't work as well. It can dry out or otherwise change in consistency, color or smell, and components of the makeup can separate. If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria.
Ensure that all is removed to ensure effective recycling. Once the components are all disassembled and cleaned, responsibly dispose of them into your curbside recycling. The metal eyeshadow pans and cardboard can be placed into your curbside recycling. Well done!
Repurpose your lipstick into a nourishing tinted lip balm in a matter of minutes! Combine one part lipstick with three parts petroleum jelly (vaseline) or coconut oil, then microwave for 5-10 seconds. Mix well and pour into any small container you have handy, ideally an old lip balm tin.