Taken from Straits Times (Urban)
Expired skincare and cosmetics products not only become less effective, but they can also be contaminated with bacteria. This increases the risk of skin infections and irritation such as dermatitis, itch and ski redness. Bacteria that is present in the air is transferred onto cosmetic products. Bacteria is also transferred by touching the product with unclean hands or with an unclean applicator or brush.
Lifespan
Mascara: 3 mths When removing the wand from the tube, pull it out in 1 smooth motion instead of pumping the wand to pick up the product. Pumping the wand will trap more air in the tube, which will cause the mascara to dry faster.
Liquid and gel eyeliner: 3-6 mths Never share cosmetics, especially eye products with someone else as germs from 1 person will be passed to the next, leading to a greater risk of infection. After a bout of eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, throw away your eye products and get new ones. Insert your contact lenses before applying make up and take them out before removing your make up to prevent your eye make up (which could have some bacteria on it) from getting onto your lenses. Cap the products tightly after use to keep them from drying.
Liquid foundation: 1 yr Most liquid foundation comes in pump bottle, which is more hygienic. Still do wipe the tip of the pump after each use to get rid of residual product as bacteria can grow on to it and you will transfer this to your face the next time you use your foundation.
Lipstick/Lipgloss/Lip Balm: 1-1 1/2 yrs Due to the wax content in lipsticks, they are more prone to melting in warm weather, so keep rarely used tubes in the fridge. If you use your lipsticks, glosses and balms frequently, keep them in a cool and dry place away from the direct sunlight and from sudden temperature changes as this will alter their composition. Use and unscented make up remover wipe to clean youe lipstick tips, as well as gloss and balm applicators, preferably after each use or at least once a week.
Creams (foundation, eyeshadow, blush): 1-1 1/2 yrs As these products usually come in pots or tubs, avoid touching the product with your fingers as you will transfer bacteria to it. Use a clean brush or applicator or sterilise hands with a hand sanitiser before touching the product.
Powder (pressed powder, loose powder, eyeshadow, blush, blonzer): 1-1 1/2 yrs Although dry powder-based products are less susceptible to bacteria and mould, you should still avoid touching them with your fingers as you can transfer moisture and germs from your fingers to the product, causing it to become breeding ground for bacteria. Use brushes or applicators instead.
Pencils (eyeliner and lipliner): 2-3 yrs Sharpen your pencils regularly to keep the pencil tips clean and free of dirt, facial oil and bacteria. In between sharpening, you can keep your pencils clean by using make-up remover to wipe the tips.
SKINCARE Cream (moisturiser, eye cream): 1 yr It is best to get creams in a pump bottle or squeeze tube rather then in a tub to keep them as clean as possible and less prone to bacteria growth.
Liquids (cleanser, toner): 1 yr If the contents of your liquid potions have separated, this means than the composition of the contents have degenerated and you should throw them away. Do not shake the bottle to remix the contents and continue using it.
Sunblock: 1 yr The chemicals in sunscreens break down more easily than other cosmetics at high temperatures, which renders them ineffective. So store them at room temperature away from sunlight. If you take your sunscreen with you to the beach, stash it in the drinks cooler.
CARE TIPS FOR TOOLS Brushes - Use a specially formulated brush cleanser such as Bobbi Brown's Conditioning Brush Cleanser or baby shampoo to clean your brushes.
- Clean them once a week if you use them daily, or fortnightly otherwise.
- Work a small amount of cleanser onto the damp brush heads, then rinse thorougly with water.
- Pat them dry with a towel and reshape them if necessary.
- Let the brushes dry lying flat to prevent water from dripping into the wooden shafts, which will loosen the glue holding the bristle together.
- Store brushes in a brush roll or in an upright cup to prevent additional pressure or weight from distorting the shape of the brush head.
P/S: Super leh chey..but no choice...
Eyelash Curler - Apply brush cleanser onto a cotton pad and lightly rub it on the rubber pad of the eyelash curler and metal edges to remove and residual make up to prevent bacteria from growing. It is best to clean it daily with tissue paper and once a week with make up remover.
- Replace the rubber padding every 6mths or when the padding is torn, to prevent your lashes from snagging on it.
Make Up Sponges - Add a few drops of facial cleanser, baby shampoo or brush cleanser to a bowl of water.
- Place your sponges in the bowl and let it soak for a few mins. Swish the sponges around to remove stubborn make up.
- Rinse the sponges under running water until there are no more suds and leave to dry. - Wash them weekly if youuse them daily, or else fortnightly.
P/S: I've got tons of baby shampoo now..who wants it?? GENERAL TIPS - There is a symbol of a container bearing a number on the packaging of most products. This number refers to the no. of mths the product can be kept once it's opened. In general, if a product is unopened, you can keep it for 3 to 5 yrs from its date of manufacture, which is printed on the packaging.
- Once you open a product, attach a small stickerwith the expiration date on the product. - Store beauty products away from direct light exposure. Keep them at room temperature instead of in the car or bathroom as fluctuating temperatures will cause the products to deteriorate at a faster rate.
- Buy products in pump bottles as far as possible - they are more hygienic as they keep products from coming into direct contact with your fingers or the atmosphere.
- If your product comes in a clear glass or plastic container, use aluminium foil to wrap the container to reduce its exposure to light, which can cause certain light-sensitive ingredients to break down.
P/S: sure a not..super leh chey x 100 eh..might as well buy those well covered!! - If a product turns mouldy, throw it away. Do not remove the mould and continue using it.
P/S: common sense!! - If a product's consistency thickens, settles and separates or has a distinct odour, discard it.
P/S: common sense too!!! unless nose is spoilt..
Talk about being a woman..super troublesome..hahah xoxo @->--