Shelf life: how much and how to store cosmetics

Body creams and lotions

Term: at least 12 months (perfumes are especially durable due to their alcohol content).

Storage method: oddly enough, but body products do not like heat, so you should not store bottles and jars with them on the bathtub and next to it. Hot water vaporization creates a steam bath. And if it is useful for us, then there are no creams for our friends.

Face creams

Term: jars from three to six months; packaging with a dispenser – up to three years.

Storage method: but where to hide the “beauty serum” is an individual matter. Most often, a storage description is presented on the box from the product. It may not always be a refrigerator, since many cosmetic products lose their main active properties as a result. But absolutely every cream is hiding from direct sunlight, so make sure that a “dark” shelf is allocated in the bathroom for these products.

Hair products

Term: shampoos, balms and styling products – up to 12 months; hair sprays – 3 years.

Storage method: all hair care and styling products can be safely stored in the bathroom, moisture is not scary for them.

Foundation creams

Term: 6 months.

Storage method: for this “friend” you need to provide a dark, cool place. It is important to keep the bottle clean and occasionally clean the neck of the tube. Another secret is that you need to type the product with your finger as little as possible, and it is better not to do this at all, otherwise your pet and microbes will meet. This advice can be applied to regular face creams as well.

Powder, blush, shadow

Term: 3 year.

Storage method: these long-livers of our cosmetic bags do not care at what temperature they are stored. The main secret of long and high-quality use is a careful attitude to friable products. You should also wash the brushes with which you apply these products at least once a week.

Mascara

Term: three to six months.

Storage method: the culprit of our expressive look is also not at all fastidious about storage conditions, she has enough warm space in the closet or cosmetic bag. The main thing is to timely remove the lumps from the mascara with a dry napkin – this way it will last you longer.

Nail polishes

Term: 12 months.

Storage method: these cosmetic products are the easiest to determine the shelf life, because when the varnish dries, it becomes impossible to use it. Store them at room temperature. Well, a little secret for easy opening of the bottle is that after each use you should wipe the neck of your favorite varnish with acetone.

Brushes

Term: durable product.

Storage method: the secret to longevity lies in proper brush care. It’s simple: wash them every 2 weeks with a mild shampoo, and then let dry at room temperature.

Lipsticks

Period: 12 months.

Storage method: these products of the decorative arsenal are stored for a long time and only correctly in a tightly closed state. You can also store lipstick in the refrigerator door, but if the skin of your lips is especially sensitive, then you should not overcool the cosmetics.

Perfume

Term: 3 year.

Storage method: if stored improperly, a perfume product can not only lose its aroma, but also evaporate from the bottle. For perfume, it is advisable to highlight a special shelf on the table. You should not store perfume in the bathroom, as the steam will make your favorite scent disappear as quickly as possible.

Expert Opinion

Anna Klykova, a cosmetologist at the Estelab clinic, told Wday.ru about the shelf life of cosmetics, as well as the consequences of using deteriorated products.

Doctor-cosmetologist of the clinic ESTELAB

“On a sealed package of a cosmetic product, its expiration date is always indicated: either the date of manufacture or the date until which the product must be used,” the expert notes. – However, not only this needs to be paid attention. After opening the package, it is written on any product how long it will be valid after opening, information can be found by the icon of an open jar. For all cosmeceutical creams and cleansers, this is most often 6 months.

As for the consequences of using expired cosmetics, they can be completely different. The most harmless thing is the ineffectiveness of the remedy. For example, the benefits of vitamin C disappear quickly because it evaporates quickly on its own. That is why many brands that use specific ingredients make special packaging so that air does not get inside. If we talk about dangerous consequences, then a rash and swelling may appear on the skin. This is why I would recommend not using expired products.

I advise you to store your cosmetics in a cool place. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight. For example, this applies to SPF creams that we take with us on vacation. Exposure to the sun and heating causes the formula to deteriorate and quality is lost. It is possible to understand whether a cosmetic care product has deteriorated before or after the expiration date by its color, smell and consistency. “