Do you keep make up past the recommended date?

bylromarha

I only ask as I wear make up rarely and have foundation from my wedding 10 years ago still half full, lipsticks from before then, which I still use every now and then.

New make up I notice has a use in 6m, 12m or 24m unlike my old items.

Do you really have to use it by then? Are you strict about binning at the right time or do you keep it going until it doesn't go on properly?

are the use by dates a way of manufacturers getting us to buy more or are they bad for your health?!:rolleyes:

Errata

I keep mine until it starts chasing me round the bathroom ! Seriously, I think the use by date is probably something to do with Elf N. Safetee as it's a relatively new thing. Lipsticks get stinky after a while as does foundation and mascara loses its get up an go, but sensibly - if it smells ok, looks ok, works ok - it's ok.

lostinrates

I bish mascara as I am prone to eye infections, but my liquid eyeliner always gets used up within my comfort limit. I have some of my mother's ''dry''make up (anything powdered is fair game IMO)from the sixties and seventies: its fab and hasn't killed me or damaged my skin.

crocodileteeth

I use it well past recommended dates. I throw away chalky mascara & eyeliners. I have returned a YSL touche eclat because it smelt and that was replaced without question about how old it was.

glowgirl_2

I used to be in the beauty industry and worked with both make up and skincare, dates don't mean anything just use common sense:)

GrammarGirl

I've heard anything powder based is good for as long as it lasts. Liquids I'd be wary about, especially if you're using it around your eyes or mouth.

Saying that, I have a Kohl liner I still use... must have bought it when I was about 17. I'm now 23!

BitterAndTwisted

The fat used in lipsticks can go rancid after a really long time: I know, I'm still using one and am still alive to tell the tale.

donnac2558

powders keep for ages, like forever. Liquids seperate and unless they smell weird, you will know if they are off. It will be rancid. Lipsticks can develop a weird candle wax smell and nasty taste. I keep mascaras well after the 3 months they recommend. As long as you don't have an eye infection and use them no problems

poppy_f1

yeah i do, as long as the texture is right and it smells and looks ok on then i'll use it

sarahs999

Yeah, the sell by dates are just a con to get you to spend more money. Also with some things I have no idea how you're supposed to use them in the time. I bought a bobbi brown shimmer brick thing for eyes for my wedding in 2004 and have used it EVERY day since, and it is nowhere near finished.

~*Plushroom*~

The only one I really heed notice of is to bin mascara's after 3-6 months, by then it's dried out anyway and as a glasses wearer with sensitive eyes I prefer not to end up with dry flakes in my eyes or even worse, an infection!

With everything else I pretty much just make a judgement call, if my foundation still smells and looks right I keep it, lipsticks I'm a little more iffy with but then as I occassionally get cold sores I have to bin lippy's every now and then when I stupidy don't realise one is brewing :rotfl: Besides I remember reading how much lipstick we swallow in a lifetime and I'd prefer if I must swallow it for it to be in date :rotfl: