Cosmetics and how to keep it and how long

For all products (makeup or skincare), NEVER keep it in the fridge.
Why?
1) coz the condensation will dilute the product out when taken out of the fridge
2) cosmetics are formulated to keep in cooler room temperature, the stark temperature change from fridge to the surroundings might cause product seperation in the bottle.

Guideline for ALL products

It is best not to keep cosmetics and skincare in the bathroom as changing humidity (from hot showers), the constant change in temperature and all light exposure (sun or floourescent) will degrade the products faster.

Best to use products in a pump bottle or squeeze tube rather than products in a tub, as the constant opening of products in a tub always aids in oxidising of the product.

If your product has clear packaging which allows light to pass through (be it glass or plastic), always aluminium foil to cover the clear area. This will optimise your product from breaking down from light exposure degradation (or if you are a environmentalist, keep it in a cool and dark place (aka the cabinet in your main room away from direct sunlight and heat)

Guide for cream products (cream blushers, foundation, eyeshadow)
-Never leave product expose to air for prolong period of time. Keep all cream products in a airy darken area (still air area normally allows mould to feed off the moisturisers in the product)
-Try not to touch the product directly as it can transfer bacteria/mould into the product. The easiest way is to use a clean spatula (swipe 70% alcohol onto the spatula before scooping product out, or use 70% alcohol on hands before using makeup)

Change gel/cream based products every 6 months to 1 year (even faster for products used on eye area)
Waxy based concealer / Stick foundation / Cream Blush / Cream Bronzer / Lipsticks /Lip liner= 6months to 1 year
Gel eye liner / liquid liner/ Cream-Silicone eye shadow /Lip Gloss / pencil Eye liner = 6months
Mascara = 3-4months

NEVER Share Your Cosmetic Products with anyone, it is a common cause that eye infection is transmitted through sharing eye makeup.


Perfume is aways kept from direct sunlight and high flucuating temperature places as light and the varying temperature breaks down the fragrances and alter the scent.


How can you tell when the products have gone bad? Will they change colour, consistency, smell etc?

Makeup products will change colour, lipstick will be rancid AND can turn mouldy. Cream makeup can turn mouldy (NEVER scrap out the mouldy part and continue to use, once it is spoilt the WHOLE thing is spoilt)


If an unopened product has already gone past its stated expiry date, can you still open and use it?

Open it all you want, but forget about using it. Using it just increases the risk of using a bad product.
Even better tip: Stop stocking up, it never is worth it to stock up.