Should You Save or Spend on Makeup?

Now that you know more about the shelf life of makeup, you may be regretting that $20 lipstick that came with a free gift. Odds are good that the lipstick is barely used and the free gift is just more clutter. Next time you hit the makeup, remember these suggestions about whether you should save or spend on makeup products.

Blush: Spend. Not only will you find a wider range of colors, but more expensive blushes blend better. More expensive brands also tend to be longer lasting.

Bronzer: Spend. The same rules apply - better range of colors and easier blending.

Brushes: Spend and save. You can save on some brushes, like lip brushes that gunk up quickly, but you should spend a little more for well-made synthetic powder, blush, and shadow brushes that are easy to wash and won’t leave bristles on your face.

Cleansers: Save. All cleansers are the same. Many dermatologists recommend Cetaphil because it’s cheap and gentle.

Concealer: Spend. Major brands have a wider range of colors, last longer, and are easier to blend.

Eye Liner: Go cheap. Not only do they wear out quickly, they’re often trendy colors that will look dated in a year.

Eye Shadow: Go cheap for trendy colors. This year’s “must-have” shade is next year’s “are you kidding me” color. For traditional colors you’ll wear more often, be willing to spend more for richer, longer-lasting color. Avoid those multi-shade palettes, though. At least one of them will look dreadful on you. Instead, buy single pots of color.

Foundation: Spend. Foundation should match your skin tone exactly, so you’ll have more options if you’re willing to spend more. Pricey brands also tend to have smoother coverage and last longer.

Hair Products: Save. Shamphoo and conditioner are generally the same no matter who makes them, so feel free to buy major drugstore brands rather than an expensive bottle from your stylist.

Lip Gloss: Go cheap here, too. They also tend to be trendy colors and are used up quickly. Most lip glosses are the same no matter whose name is on the label, so choose the color you want from the drugstore brands.

Lipstick: Save and spend. Go cheap for trendy colors that will only be hot this season. If you like to wear one classic color all the time, you might want to spend more for a richer lipstick that will last longer without drying out your lips.

Mascara: Save. Makeup artists go crazy for Maybelline Great Lash. It’s usually less than $7, and a tube lasts about three months.

Moisturizer: Save. I’ll be honest, I splurge on Kiehl’s moisturizer because it’s so light on my skin, but I could probably find a good drugstore brand, too. Like cleansers, most moisturizers are the same.

Nail Polish: Save. Not only are they trendy colors, but cheap nail polish is just as good as pricey polish. Sally Hansen is often considered the best.

Pressed Powder: Spend. Cheap powders aren’t as smooth and don’t last as long on your face.

If you have very sensitive skin or allergies, then you need to be more careful, but the average woman can easily save a fortune on makeup by opting for cheaper versions when possible. Just remember this rule - the shorter the shelf life or the trendier the color, the less you should spend.

May

13

Makeup Shelf Life: How Long Does It Keep?

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A few years ago I was watching Clean Sweep when I made a horrifying discovery: makeup lasts a maximum of three years. Most products don’t last nearly as long as that. Shortly after that, I started to clean out my makeup case. Some of my products had been there for more than ten years.

Here’s a quick review of the shelf lives of various products. Remember this next time you shop - unless you can use it up within the allotted time you’re better off opting for a cheaper drugstore version. That way you won’t waste as much money when you have to throw it away with half left in the container.

Makeup Shelf Life Times
The following list reviews major product categories with shelf life times and info on how to find out how long it’s been in your makeup box.

Mascara: 3 Months
Mascara is an ideal environment for bacteria, which can easily be transferred to your eyes. Throw out your mascara every three months to avoid eye infections.

Liquid Eyeliner: 3 Months
Once again, liquid eyeliner is moist, which makes it prime territory for bacteria that can transfer to your eyes.

Moisturizer: 12 Months
Some of the essential oils or natural components break down quickly, so moisturizer that’s more than a year old may not be as effective.

Nail Polish: 12 Months
The chemicals start to break down after about a year, which could cause the color to change. You’ll also notice that the polish doesn’t hold together well or apply smoothly.

Oil-Free Foundation: 12 Months
These foundations tend to dry out faster than cream or powder foundations. The oils on your fingers can also introduce bacteria into the liquid. Use a sponge or brush to preserve it. Storing it in the fridge can also extend its life. When the color changes, it’s past its prime.

Concealer: 12-18 Months
Stick concealer lasts longer than liquid concealer, but both become lumpy after 12-18 months. Lumpy concealer won’t cover as well, and may contain bacteria from your blemishes. You may also notice color changes.

Cream Blush: 12-18 Months
Cream blush will dry out after about a year. It may also start to change color or not go on as smoothly.

Cream Eye Shadow: 12-18 Months
Like all other cream products, it dries out over time. It may also harbor bacteria. Never use it while you have an eye infection to avoid contamination. You should apply it with a clean brush to extend its life.

Cream Foundation: 18 Months
Cream foundation will dry out after about a year and a half. It may also start to change color or not go on as smoothly. If you apply it with your fingers, the oils on your skin could also introduce bacteria into it.

Lip Gloss: 18-24 Months
Lip gloss dries out fairly quickly because it’s thinner and contains less fat than lipstick. If it becomes clumpy, dry, or changes color, throw it out.

Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Powders last longer, but the oils in your skin will alter the texture and make it more difficult to apply after a couple years. You may also notice changes in color.

Lipstick: 2 years
After two years, the fats in the lipstick will start to break down, which will make it dry, crumbly, and probably change the color. To make it last longer, apply it with a clean brush. Never use lipstick when you have a cold sore or share it with someone else.

Lip Liner: 2 years
Lip liner can last up to two years if you sharpen it regularly to prevent bacteria build-up and avoid using it when you have a cold sore.

Powder: 2 years
Powder tends to get clumpy after more than a couple years because it mixes with the oils in your skin over time. If you take excellent care of it, it can last up to three years.

Powder Eyeliner: 2 years
Powder eyeliner will last longer than cream or liquid liner because it doesn’t dry out, but you should always use a clean brush to avoid contaminating it with bacteria. If they’re in stick form, sharpening them regularly prevents bacteria growth. If the color changes or it becomes hard to apply, throw it out.

Powder Eye Shadow: 2 Years
Powder eye shadow lasts as long as powder eyeliner if you always use a clean brush and avoid using it while you have an eye infection.

Perfume: 3 Years
Cheaper perfumes and eau de toilettes may only last two years, but good perfumes should last up to three years. You can extend the life slightly by storing them in the fridge. If the color or scent changes, throw it out. If you’re not sure how old it is, check the stamp on the bottom. The number at the end is the year it was bottled, for example, a number ending in 6 means it was bottled in 2006.

If you’re not sure how old your makeup is, check the consistency. If in doubt, throw it out and start fresh. Mark the date on the label with a Sharpie so that you always know how old your makeup is.