When cosmetics get older, they won't just break down and get clumpy; eye makeup will also start to harbor bacteria, especially when they're improperly stored. When you use expired mascaras, eye shadows, or eyeliners, the bacteria can come in contact with your eyes, causing irritation and even serious infections.
What happens if you use expired eyeshadow? Generally, experts agree that using eyeshadow that is slightly past its expiration date shouldn't case you too many issues. However, it isn't recommended, and you shouldn't use eyeshadow that you know is well past its expriation date.
When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.
Take note: Redness, irritation, and infection are all side effects of expired eye products. Eyeliners are the biggest culprits when it comes spreading infection, so if your liner begins to lose its color, dry out, or become ineffective, toss it."
One of the surefire ways to tell if a product is expired is by smelling it. Before you apply the product, bring it up to your nose, and smell it. If the product has a peculiar odor or smells slightly off, it may have expired.
Eyeshadow palettes and powder compacts can be placed in the normal recycling bin if your county offers curbside pickup. Glass perfume or foundation bottles can be put in the glass recycling bin. Make sure the containers are clean and don't have any residual makeup left in them.
The average eye shadow is between 6 months and 2 years, says Cosmopolitan. This is shorter with a cream shadow because the moisturizing ingredients are bacteria's breeding ground. Be aware that various powder eyeshadows will also have different shelf lives.
When to Throw Away Makeup Guidelines:
Liquid Foundation: after 6 months to 1 year. Cream Makeup: after 6 months to 1 year. Lipstick: after 1 year. Powder Makeup: after 2 years.
Sanitize eyeshadow by first scraping off its very top layer with a tissue. You can do this by quickly rubbing the surface until it brushes off. After skimming the top off, spritz the product with a little bit of rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle and then let it dry.
The regulatory agency advises you to toss it after three months, as it's easily contaminated by bacteria, leading to a greater risk of eye infections.
Alcohol is a relatively pure liquid that can help rebind the powder as you press it back into shape after depotting makeup. It eventually evaporates, leaving behind a funky-looking pan of pressed powder. Unfortunately, your makeup will never be the same.
Avoid Getting Sick Again
Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup or makeup brushes you used while infected. Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases that you used while your eyes were infected.
Eye makeup may carry bacteria and cause another stye. Throw away eye makeup and brushes used to apply the makeup. Use new eye makeup after the stye has gone away. Do not share eye makeup with others.
Cosmetic manufacturers aren't required to put use-by dates on products but Good Housekeeping shares some best practices. They say three months for liquid eyeliners, six months for cream eye shadows; and two years for pencil eyeliners and powder eye shadows.
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.
Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the eyelash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple.
Makeup really attracts a lot of dirt and bacteria,” which can lead to oil gland infections on the eyelid and cause styes. The Cleveland Clinic recommends replacing eye makeup every six months to avoid an overgrowth of stye-causing bacteria.
If you touch something with the virus or bacteria on it, and then touch your eyes, you can develop pink eye. Most bacteria can survive on a surface for up to eight hours, though some can live for a few days. Most viruses can survive for a couple days, with some lasting for two months on a surface.
You CAN get pink eye from poop
Poop — or more specifically, the bacteria or viruses in poop — can cause pink eye. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , if your hands contain fecal matter and you touch your eyes, you can get pink eye.
“Pink eye is a sneaky virus that can live on objects. I recommend throwing away any eye makeup you used while infected, especially anything with a wand applicator that you dip into the tube or bottle (think mascara, liquid eyeliner, etc.),” said Dr.
The process of sanitizing your makeup with alcohol might ruin it if you're not careful (like powder products and eyeshadows) , so the main focus should be on the brushes, sponges, and applicators." Cleansing and sanitizing makeup brushes and tools is essential to our health and our product's health.