Does anyone use out of date makeup?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Is this a actual thing that most people stick to is it just me being gross using out of date stuff?

@ReinettePompadour Oo what was worrying about the composition?

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

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...

Yep! All the time.

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

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

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.

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

Only mascara and sticky nail varnish that is beyond salvage.

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

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.

I beat you user187. My eyeshadow palette dates from 1982

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?!

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

@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.

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...