A recent article found that the average woman’s cosmetics bag was four years out of date and warned of the health risks associated with these old goods.
We are warned that beauty products, like food, do not last forever. They have shelf lives and once past their ‘best before’ dates, cosmetics are a haven for bacteria, which can then be transferred to skin. While the article quoted a study showing that the average woman’s cosmetic bag contains items that are on average four years old, it also found that many women were hanging on to items that were up to 15 years old beyond their best before dates.
In particular, mascara wands should be discarded six months after opening; lipsticks after 24 months and eyeshadows and blushers within 18 to 24 months after opening. Skin care products aren’t immune either. In an earlier post, I outlined when to throw away moisturizers, sunscreens and other personal care products. In addition to becoming contaminated, they may also become ineffective or more harsh when used beyond their shelf life.
Europe uses a system called PAO (Period After Opening), which are symbols found on personal care products indicating how many months after opening a product should be discarded. Research showed, however, that almost 90% of women do not know such information exists, cannot understand it, or simply cannot read the often tiny writing. Unfortunately, no such system currently exists in North America. Read the full article here.
Oh my, I’d better get my will updated…!
Here’s one pointer that I was given that has allowed me to make the most of my mascara: tighten up the lid and drop into a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. I think you’ll understand how it works, common sense, really.