How long mascara

Health Tools. Women's Health. Medically Reviewed. When to Ditch Your Mascara. Wu explains. Eye pencils have a longer shelf life — about a year — but old stubby pencils should be tossed out and replaced. When to Lose Your Old Loofah.

She says the health risks of beauty products that live in the shower, like loofahs, stem from the fact that they are constantly wet, which makes them breeding grounds for bacteria.

When to replace: If you notice any mold or discoloration on your loofah or similar beauty products for the bath, toss it or them immediately. How to make it last: If you use a loofah or body brush, prevent health risks by washing it out thoroughly and then hanging it to dry, Dr.

Green says. Health risks: Cold sores are one of the most prominent health risks associated with old or contaminated lip products.

You can also tell that lip gloss has passed its expiration date if it smells funny or you notice color changes. Keep lipsticks and pencils for a maximum of one year, and if they smell funny or you see mold, throw them away. How to make it last: You can preserve the life of your lip gloss by using it sparingly and avoid sharing it with others.

When to Dispose of Your Disposable Razor. If your shaving beauty products appear rusty or corroded, they definitely pose a health risk and should be thrown away. Liquid and cream versions have a much shorter shelf life and can typically last up to a year, says Menzer. However, liquid eyeliners last between six to 12 months or until the formula dries out or starts clumping up. Want to get the longest possible use out of your cosmetics?

Clean makeup brushes and sponges on a regular basis, and wash your hands before applying or touching up makeup, as doing both will help prevent bacteria growth on products, says Menzer. One woman in Australia even reported getting a staph infection —which left her in a wheelchair—from makeup brushes with a gal pal. We also love Stowaway Cosmetics , which makes smaller-sized mascaras, eyeliners, lip colors, and concealers that you can actually use up before they have a chance to turn.

And big bonus: They're easier to slip into a makeup bag for touchups on the go or while traveling, too. Weight Loss. Limit germs in liquid eyeliner by cleaning the tip after each use. If you use a pencil, ensure to regularly sanitise your sharpener with cotton wool and rubbing alcohol to stop bacteria from dwelling on the razor and ending up on your eyeliner.

Although lipstick and gloss are packed with preservatives such as parabens, essential oils and vitamins to ward off germs, these naturally start to break down after a year. How to protect: Store your summer hue in the fridge. Keeping lipstick and gloss away from heat slows the breakdown of ingredients.

The best make-up brushes really are an investment that will go the distance, and the ones worth splurging on can last a long time if well cared for. But there are still some signature signs of expiry to watch out for. How to protect: Brushes should be washed at least once every two weeks, and try to spot-clean your eye brushes after each use to avoid infections.

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