Make up and toileteries "use bys"

Rachels1979

Hi

Does anyone know how strict it is on make up and other toileteries where it shows how long the product will keep for once opened with the little pot symbol?

I've got so much stuff that I've had for ages, I'm loathe to throw it away as I don't want to waste it but I'm a bit concerned as some of the make up is a few years old, or maybe more! I'd like to try and use it up but I'm a bit concerned with causing any problems because of how long it's been open.

If it really is a problem then I'll just chuck it and make sure I use up what I've got before I buy any more... I'm a sucker for special offers or make up in nice shiny packaging!!

I wasn't sure how much of it was scare tactics on behalf of the manufacturers to make you buy it more regularly and how much is a genuine problem.

Thanks,
Rachel

jenniewb

I think its about bacteria and is probably similar to food- how often have you gone to eat some food from your fridge and found its passed its sell by date- yet on opening it, it smells fine. Many of us would just go ahead and take the risk and still live to tell the tale! Freegans live like this- its about using your own senses and common sense to work out what is/isn't safe and taking responsibility rather then the supermarket doing so.

I personally don't worry about product sell by dates- it was only a few years ago they bought in the sell by dates and I never heard of anyone in hospital as a result before those use by dates were added! I go by what the product looks and smells like. And if its been hanging around for a while, do I really need it.

I think it is partly marketing but also we have things in our products which can feed bacteria and products can become infected- simply because they have water but also many have added ingredience such as vitamin C, antioxidants from plants, probiotic/friendly bacteria... natural stuff. As well as being a feeding ground for bacteria it can also become useless over time. The whole ethos is that its a fresh, natural product. If your item is a long time out of date, its likely the fresh stuff isn't so fresh anymore so you gotta wonder if it still works or is working the way its supposed to.

And then there is SPF which 'dies' over time and left for a year can be ineffective so there are some good reasons to following the rules. Maybe just play it by ear (or nose!)

Oh, and keep everything out of sunlight and if possible, in the fridge. Stuff lasts much longer this way. I have nail varnishes from 10 years ago in my fridge! They would never last this long in a warmer environment- they'd go gummy and dry out. The fridge is my beauty secret I think!

flutterbyuk25

I tend to ignore the date thing too, however I never keep a mascara for longer than 6 months. I get eye problems so I'd rather be more vigilant with my mascara, everything else though is kept til it's run out or broken! With most things you can tell if they are past their best, eyeshadows get crumbley or have a greasy like shine to them, wet products start to smell etc.

x

Hermia

I think you can usually tell when a product has gone off by it's appearance, smell and texture. If a product looks identical to a new one I would use it. The only thing I am careful about is anything I am putting near my eyes. A friend of mine got a hideous eye infection from mascara so I wouldn't take a chance.

Rachels1979

Thanks everyone, there are some mascaras in there too so I'll bin those and just check the rest. I should probably try and declutter it anyway, chances are that if I've not worn it for a year I won't anyway, and I've probably got another 2 lipsticks in the same colour but different brand anyway!

Jenniewb, good idea about keeping it in the fridge, only problem is that with the amount of stuff I've got there'd be no room left for food!

Daisygirl

I'd be extra careful with eye products/make up as well, and also not share any mascara or anything - ewww!!! I'm sure to keep my eye make up separate to my daughter's, and make sure she knows only to use her own!


With foundation I've read that if you find that it's separated when you pour it out then bin it, I'm sure that's the same rule with other things as well, and use your nose. I came across a foundation once that absolutely stank when I opened it (I'd lost it then found it again many months later!) - it went straight in the bin. I'd follow the time thing on the back a bit, but also trust my instincts!

eleanor73

I've used up old everything and never had an eye or anything infection (however I don't share). I will probably get one now but I hate waste and like to use every last bit/drop! That's maybe just me though!

lynseydee

I don't wear make up but thought I'd let you know that I'm using shower gels, bubble baths and body lotions that I bought a good five years ago and have found there's nothing wrong with them. Like others have said though if something doesn't smell too good I wouldn't use it either.