Old makeup

30 replies

Inmy50s · 04/10/2023 15:46

How long do you keep old makeup for before throwing it out, due to hygiene reasons?

I can't say for sure, but tossed a load yesterday.

OP posts:

Redlarge · 04/10/2023 20:42

6 months for mascara. The rest probably about a year and it runs out.

Alltheyearround · 04/10/2023 20:44

I still have some cream eyeshadow in a palette from 2005. When I began dating DH.

It is so nearly gone. I'm going to have some sort of party on its last day.

I use it as a base for powdery eyeshadow and it's great.

Any suggestions for a replacement?

I only get rid of stuff it smells funny or its dried up.

So far not got e coli from any of my lipsticks, but have to admit they are more recent than 2005.

greengreengrass25 · 04/10/2023 20:48

I keep using old make up but am fussy about mascara

I do use the make up recycling at Boots regularly

catsnore · 04/10/2023 20:51

Got some sparkly goldy eye glitter from late 90s which is still going strong.

I chuck out mascara if it starts to get clumpy. Gave up wearing foundation but replace concealer regularly as I find that sometimes seems to go 'off' - starts to smell weird.

Wear very little make up now and most of mine has been stolen by my daughter 😂

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 04/10/2023 21:02

vestedinterests · 04/10/2023 17:47

I religiously stick to manufacturers recommendations. There was a study in the UK, where people were encourage to send their make up products to be tested and the majority of the make up was contaminated, e.coli was found in something like 90% of the products

So what, though? Your make up will be contaminated with bacteria from the moment you first use it. Throwing it out at a certain point is only effective if the make up product is a medium in which bacteria can live and reproduce. If not, they will just die after a few hours or days (depending on type).

Moulds and fungi are more likely to survive and reproduce long-term but I'll take my chances.

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