Does anyone use out of date makeup?

[OuchMyFoof]

My mascara smelled a bit chemically today so I still used it but will get a new one, but it made me realise I have no idea when I bought it and it was very likely way over the 12 months you should use it by.

I’m not too concerned by this as I’ve never had any eye problems.

Is this a actual thing that most people stick to is it just me being gross using out of date stuff?

[pasturesgreen]

Mascara gets chucked every three months or so, as I use it regularly and by that time it's usually run out anyway.

My oldest eyeshadow palette is 4 years old and still absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Lipsticks do tend to smell a bit funny after a while, so then I replace. I tend to have a big makeup clear out about once a year as I but loads of the stuff and need to make room for more

This thread has made me think I've had my current foundation for God knows how long, and I'm probably due a replacement...

[ReinettePompadour]

@OuchMyFoof my nans face powder contains hexachlorophene and a type of soap. It smells like a soft baby soap, its lovely. The hexachlorophene is anti bacterial, its now used to treat skin infections but I think its prescription only (I'm not completely sure of that) . It used to be in powder/face make up but isn't often used anymore. This, I think, is partly why its still useable at 50 years old.

[OuchMyFoof]

@paintbox exactly!! It just says 12m but from who knows when?

[Paintbox]

HOw would you know though? Given that make up has use within 12 or 24 months rather than a specific date, how do you know when those 12 months have passed? Do people write down the date they first use an item of make up?!

[Slippery]

I beat you user187. My eyeshadow palette dates from 1982

[HairBlues]

Reinette - Not having a go, I'm just saying that your post did read a bit like "biologist says ancient beauty product had no bugs" and people here with their 9 year old mascaras might think it applies to theirs because your product is older - and not make the distinction between a powder and a liquid product that has been exposed to air and goes on the eyes. You (and I) know it's quite different but then you (and I) would be fine using an ancient powder but I (and I bet you) would probably not use an ancient mascara that's 9 years old.

[Violetrose123]

Only mascara and sticky nail varnish that is beyond salvage.

I tell myself that thoroughly cleaning my brushes every week is enough

[JaneEyre70]

Bloody hell, no one told me it goes off. Most of mine is at least 10 years old

[endehors]

We have dance/stage make up nearly four years old. Some of it is very expensive and only used now and then (depending on what is needed) so would be a hideous waste to throw it away. Mascara does get regularly used, and/or dries up so this is also regularly replaced.

[PatchworkWomble]

I wonder about this when seeing makeup stash videos/images online!

[SukiTheDog]

6-8 weeks I bin mascara. But I buy an inexpensive brand.

[expatinscotland]

Yep! All the time.

[myusernamewastaken]

Ive got a mascara thats probably about 8 or 9 years old...i only use it rarely so not going to buy a new one every few months....ive also never cleaned a make up brush in my life...never had an adverse reaction to anything yet...

[OlennasWimple]

I've got some make up that is probably close to 50 years old (given to me by older relatives) that I still use very occasionally - textures and formulations have moved on so much that unless I am going for a very authentic vintage look, modern make up is so much better

Day to day, I tend to use up mascara rather than get towards the point where it's recommended to throw it away. Other stuff I go on whether the texture, smell and consistency suggests it's time for the bin

[OuchMyFoof]

@ReinettePompadour Oo what was worrying about the composition?

[LostMyBaubles]

Have a look at beauty so clean
It's amazing.
Think of it as an anti bac for make up

Safe to use on make up too

[ReinettePompadour]

I think you might be leading people into a false sense of security as your point seems to suggest old makeup in general doesn't get bugs

No my post suggests nothing of the sort.

My post said that I tested my nans powder and we found there was nothing dangerous found on that powder. I did not suggest to anyone that their products were completely safe and free from bugs or that they should ignore the advice printed on the product. I cannot see why you would think I was saying that HairBlues

[Ellapaella]

I've never checked a use by date on make up in my life! So yes I must have done. Apart from mascara I can't really see how it matters, I suppose foundation might oxidise a bit.

[MikeUniformMike]

Sorry, I meant I'll bin it if it looks or smells off.

[MikeUniformMike]

Yes if it smells or looks off.
mascara goes off fairly quickly, and department store type lipsticks tend to smell funny after a while, so you might as well use them up quickly.
Most stuff I hang on to until it's used up or I decide that I will never use it again.

[OuchMyFoof]

I’m so pleased it’s not just me haha!

[WonderLime]

It’s annoying as I don’t wear makeup very often. I’m constantly chucking out mascaras that have been worn less than a dozen times (I’ve started buying travel ones now to reduce my spending).

I don’t chuck out powders though.

[CantChoose]

Mascara is religiously replaced every 6m. Everything else is ancient

[itsbetterthanabox]

I'll keep most thing forever except mascara and liquid eyeliner. An eye infection isn't worth it.