Preparation
First, gather all your products, no matter where they are. It's best to check not only the bathroom, but also handbags, the car, or anywhere else you might have stored makeup, creams, and other cosmetics. Take some time and group your cosmetics into categories: powders and foundations, lipsticks, skin creams, perfume, nail polish, etc. They all have different expiration dates. Before we get to that, however, two much more important questions arise:
- What of that stuff do you actually still need?
- Are there perhaps a few things in there that you no longer like or that don't suit you particularly well?
Then get rid of it! Around a third of the products end up in the trash for most people at that point.
Note the expiry date
Once the initial decluttering is done, it's time for a more detailed check. Here's how long the different products typically last:
|
Eyeliner & Kajal |
3-6 months |
|
liquid foundation |
6-12 months |
|
face creams |
1-2 years |
|
Lip gloss, lipstick |
2-3 years |
|
Mascara |
3-6 months |
|
nail polish |
2-3 years |
|
perfume |
2-3 years |
|
powder |
2-3 years |
|
sun protection |
12 months |
The average shelf life of beauty products also depends on your actions. For example, it's important to wipe off lipsticks after application, protect perfume from sun and heat, wash your hands before dipping into cream jars, and regularly clean brushes for powder and foundation.
Fewer products, better storage
Most of us, upon looking at our skincare and cosmetic products, will realize we have quite a lot and could probably get by with less. We therefore recommend buying fewer products in the future and focusing on high quality. Products with natural ingredients, those not tested on animals, and above all, those suited to your skin type and needs will pay off. If stored properly, they will last a long time. In fact, the products you use most often will be used up before their expiration date – saving you the trouble of decluttering in the future.
