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Do you discard all your products after 1- 2 years?

7 replies

absolutelyflawed · 07/12/2016 11:46

Some of my moisturisers, body and face I have had for years. Make up too.
Is it really dangerous ?

OP posts:
Judydreamsofhorses · 07/12/2016 12:02

Not dangerous per se, more that the products won't work well, although I suppose there's a small chance you could have a reaction to something. I think it's common sense - most liquid based products will separate or smell bad if they're off. Personally if I hadn't used something in years it would just be taking up space, presumably because it didn't work for me or I didn't like it, and I'd chuck it anyway! I religiously bin mascara after three months (contact lens wearer) but other than that tend to go with my own judgement. Things like powder blushers, for example, are likely to be fine far longer unless you're using them with manky brushes.

LadyOfTheCanyon · 07/12/2016 13:49

Cheaper stuff may have tons more preservatives in it so last longer maybe?
I'm wary of face creams in pots after 1-2 years because of the probability of contamination from mucky fingers ( even though I religiously wash hands before using) but I agree: if I've had it longer then I probably don't like it so may as well bin it. Stuff I like I use up in a couple of months.
Some moisturisers I use in the winter because they are richer and I don't get through a whole pot but I find a good sniff sorts it out. Things tend to smell a bit weird once they've gone off.

mowglik · 07/12/2016 14:09

Hmm I never chuck stuff out unless it smells funny..don't keep tabs on how long I've had them but easily some I've had for 4-5years Confused

If I'm in doubt I'll just use up creams etc on my feet

RebelandaStunner · 07/12/2016 14:18

Suncream as I don't think it's effective after a couple of years max.
I have a blusher and couple of make-up pallettes, that are older and still ok but mascara, lip balm, toiletries etc get used up quickly as I only have one at a time on the go.

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 07/12/2016 15:54

Fuck no. I have eyeshadows I've worn intermittently since my student days (am now 33). Tbf I don't wear them much now, but they're there if I want a particular colour for some reason. Everything else I wear until it's finished/dried up - eg I just replaced foundation because the previous bottle was 2 years old and I could hardly squeeze anything out of it. I have some pretty ancient eyeliner too (in unusual colours eg gold/denim sparkly blue, hence why it hasn't been used up before now).

FrustratedFrugal · 07/12/2016 20:26

No. There are some exceptions. Some natural stuff has gone stale quickly, oils and natural lip balms, I think it is because they have no preservatives. Sunscreen can also destabilize over time, and I try to use it up following package instructions.

Everything else is fine. I have a moisturizer from 2008 (big pump action bottle), it's fine and I will use it up. Lipsticks and powder based products also seem to have a long shelf life.

BusterGonad · 08/12/2016 06:01

I don't unless it's obviously manky, foundations will go all weird and separate and may cause eczema on me if out of date, lipsticks will taste funny, powders generally last for years, pencils eyeliners you just sharpen and all the bacteria had been sharpened off. I had to bin my Mac Ruby Woo lipstick as it tasted vile, I think it was 6 or 7 years old! Such a waste! I suppose I could've chopped the end off but then it would look awful though. I replace my mascara when it stops making the pop noise when you pull the wand out or it's obviously really old. I use my creams up before they are too old anyway.

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