14 DAY TRIAL // We all know what the "overstuffed makeup bag" syndrome is all about, but if you're in need of some clarification, open any woman's cosmetics kit or go through her bathroom cabinets and have a look at her vanity table as well - you'll soon understand what "too much makeup" really means. And it's natural - good-quality cosmetics cost a lot of money and we definitely want to get our money's worth from them. That and the fact that we get easily bored with things such as eyeshadow quads and always crave for newer, shinier, better ones, explain the array of things we keep without actually using them regularly.
One thing that is bound to shock us, then (kidding), is the fact that even beauty products don't last forever. They can go bad and that is definitely not good news for our skin. As a result, it's best to have at least some basic notion of how much a lipstick or an eyeliner normally last, to help you become aware that even if it's your favorite color in the world, a one-off limited edition or a souvenir from your ex, you're going to have to part with them at one point in your life.
1. Mascara
"A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment - the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Preservatives in a mascara only work for so long", one optometrist tells WebMD. As a result, makeup artists advise us to buy a fresh tube every three months. That means going through four tubes of mascara each year, which, come to think of it, is not actually that much. To avoid speeding up the death of our beloved lash curler, don't pump the wand and send air into the tube. Draw up the brush, turning it slowly on the spot and scraping the inside of the tube.
2. Foundation and powder
Liquid foundations should be tossed away after six months. As it ages, foundation becomes oily and it thickens, making for an uneven application. Also, by constantly dipping our fingers into it, we increase the risk of adding bacteria into the mix. Powders are less pretentious and can last up to two years. They contain very little water, and bacteria can't develop in its absence. However, depending on their ingredients, powders can dry up and become more difficult to blend.
3. Eyeliners and eyeshadows
Liquid eyeliners present the same problems as mascara, so three months is the longest we can keep them in our makeup bags. If they're not exposed to direct sunlight or left open, cream eyeshadows can last up to six months. Pencil eyeliners and powder eyeshadows are less pretentious, and we can enjoy their shine and colors for about two years.
4. Lipstick, gloss and lip liners
Lipsticks are the less pretentious of the bunch. A good product can last up to two years, but don't expect it to be just as fresh-looking and as creamy on your lips on day 700 as it was on the day you first bought it at the makeup counter. Plus, the amount of water in a lipstick makes it a potential friendly home for bacteria. A pencil lip liner is a better option than a retractable one, as a sharpener helps remove the old surface and any bacteria dwelling on it.