March 19th, 2012
Make-up Forever? Not Exactly
My makeup kit is crammed with barely-used blushers, gloopy lacquers and lip colours that seemed like a good idea at the time. Before chucking away perfectly good product, I did a little research, and here’s what I learnt:
My mascara tube is a hot bed of bacteria. I’ve used the same not-so-magic wand for longer than I care to admit.
Life span: three months
If I haven’t worn that Pepto-Bismal pink lipstick by now, chances are I never will. Life span: two years.
If you’re prone to teen zits, your foundation may be at fault. You up the odds of bacterial growth – and, hence, of breakouts or irritation – when you regulary dip your brushes and fingers into liquid foundation. Life span: six months (powder, two-years)
Pencils last, but keep them sharpened. Life span: three-years.
Brushes are another breeding ground for break-out causing bacteria and dirt. Give them a bath in a gentle detergent every month or so.
There are tricks to keeping polish fresh – store in the fridge or add a little acetone – but even good lacquers don’t last very long. Life span: one-year. —Athena Tsavliris
