Today: When is it really time to toss old makeup? Plus …
Bacteria might be lurking in your makeup |
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| Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter |
Yes, makeup expires. As soon as you start using your products, you introduce bacteria, which can fester — especially if moisture is involved — and cause health issues and acne. In some cases, there may be an expiration date on the package, but when in doubt, here are some general best practices that can help you determine when it’s time to toss:
- Mascara and eyeliner: Any makeup that touches your eye’s waterline should be replaced within three months of opening. To avoid forgetting the date or creating unnecessary waste, consider buying mini products or using permanent marker to write the open date on full-size tubes.
- Foundation, concealer, and blush: Liquids, creams, and balms should be thrown out six to 12 months after you’ve opened them — especially if they come in packaging that you dip your fingers into. Can’t remember when you opened it? Give the bottle a shake. If the layers quickly separate, the product has expired.
- Eyeshadows and lipstick: Powders and wax products generally last between 12 and 24 months. But since they’re relatively shelf-stable, you can treat the dates as guidelines, rather than strict deadlines.
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More signs your makeup has gone bad→
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Plus: How to clean makeup brushes |
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| Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter |
You should be cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a week to keep acne and infections at bay. A proper cleaning usually takes less than a minute per tool — and requires just two simple items you likely already have.
Keep your brushes (and your face) clean→
Today’s great cleaning deal: A luxe, soothing bar soap |
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| Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter |
This bar of soap made with shea butter and goat milk looks, feels, and smells so luxurious, several testers assumed it was way out of their price range. It’s actually the most affordable soap we tried. Said one: “On the skin, it feels more like a rich body wash than a bar of soap.”
It’s even cheaper today→
More expert beauty advice |
One last thing: 4 stylish tips for organizing bathroom clutter |
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| NYT Wirecutter |
From a customizable shower caddy to a three-tiered storage cart on wheels, our cleaning expert has several cute, easy tools for clearing bathroom clutter. If shampoo bottles regularly fall on your toes or your hairbrush is at risk of flying into the toilet, consider an upgrade.
For a cleaner, cuter bathroom→
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Happy cleaning.
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