Keeping Your Cosmetics Fresh
How do I get the most value from my products?
Though technology has made cosmetic preservatives more effective than ever before, they’re not invincible.
How can I keep my products fresh? .
By keeping synthetic cosmetics beyond the three to five years that most preservatives are designed to handle, you may be lessening the products benefits. Once a container has been opened, the preservatives in the product begin to deteriorate. Eventually, age and repeated use overwhelm their capabilities. The natural bacteria that flourish on your skin and in the air and in rare cases may cause infection.
With cosmetics that are pure, based on plant botanicals, the shelf life is one year. Use a spatula when extracting lotions or creams from the containers. At Pinson Cosmetics, we recommend only pure products based on plant botanicals and therefore you must take extra care in protecting your pure products.
Cosmetic Care
Here are a few hints for preventing product contamination and keeping your cosmetics in top form:
Store Cosmetics in a Cool Dry Place
If you must keep cosmetics in the bathroom, store them in a closed cabinet. You can up stock up on foundations or moisturizers when they’re on sale, if you follow some precautions. Unopened creams or lotions are best stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. If you buy a bargain in a large-size bottle, keep it in the refrigerator and transfer small amounts into a clean container as needed for everyday use.
For lipstick, a cool, damp place is best.
Don’t Add Anything to a Product
This introduces bacteria, changes the formula balance and can dilute the preservative system to the point that it can no longer do its job. It can also affect the color and performance of a cosmetic. That means to use a spatula for any product that has an open jar. Do not put your fingers into the product.
Wash/ Sterilize your Hands before Applying Cosmetics
When you apply cream or lotion with your fingers, you introduce bacteria into the product, Washing/using hand sterilizer won’t kill all microorganisms, but it will help reduce harmful bacteria. A better idea is to use a clean spatula when possible , getting the amount of product you need from the container.
Keep the Lid On
Certain ingredients, such as fragrance and alcohol, evaporate quickly.
Buy Products in Containers that have Small Openings
They’re more resistant to contamination from the air.
Know when to Discard a Product
Even with the best care, cosmetics won’t last forever. They have a limited lifespan under even that best conditions. If a product changes it is usually for the worse. Replace cosmetics that have.
- A Change in Odor - This signals that the cosmetic is decomposing. While it could be the fragrance evaporating, it may also indicate bacterial or mold growth.
- A Change in Consistency - A cream or lotion that becomes watery, separates or dries up is ordinarily past use.
- A Change in Color – If the color of the product has faded or turned uneven, it’s time to toss it.
- Make-up Mileage – Experts feel that one year is a good life span for pure cosmetics (except for mascara which has a shorter life). For glamor products you can follow these general guidelines.
- Eye shadows – Replace 6-12 months after opening. To help prolong the life of the eye shadow, frequently wash applicators.
- Mascara – Replace every 6-8 months or if you develop an eye infection (it could re-infect you). Don’t rest the wand on any surface; it can act as a magnet to bacteria. Don’t pump the applicator wand; it forces air in which can dry out the mascara and increase the risk of contamination.
- Lipstick – Replace every 6-12 months or replace or replace if it comes in contact with a cold sore.
- Eye and Lip Pencils – Replace every 6-12 months or if it comes in contact with an eye or lip infection. Never lick an eye pencil to help it produce a better line. Prolong pencil life by chilling in the refrigerator for a few minutes before sharpening. That helps prevent breakage and crumbling.
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