Why Expired Makeup Will Be The Next Thing You Declutter Today
At Tidy Butterfly, we’re all about organizing and decluttering. But one thing we don’t always think about is our makeup. Not only do we often let the tubes and bottles pile up, we also aren’t the best at getting rid of our expired products. In fact, studies have found one in four people use makeup that’s past its expiration date. Yikes!
As we transition into summer and sunshine, now is a great time to think about the skincare we are using to protect us from the sun. It’s time to stock up on sunscreen and while we are at, chat about tips for keeping on top of your makeup selection.
Here’s something you may not know: expired makeup can harbor bacteria, which may lead to skin irritation or infections. That’s why it’s critical to throw out expired makeup to maintain both the effectiveness and safety of your beauty products. Expired makeup may not perform as intended, either, resulting in less than ideal results.
Check out this guide for getting rid of your expired makeup:
Start by gathering all your makeup products in one place.
Check the expiration dates on each item. Typically, look for the symbol of an open jar with a number followed by an 'M' (months) indicating the product's shelf life after opening.
Dispose of any products that have passed their expiration date, even if they appear to be unused or in good condition.
Pay special attention to products like mascara and liquid eyeliners, which have shorter lifespans due to their susceptibility to bacterial growth.
If you're unsure about an item's expiration, consider its smell, texture, and appearance. Any changes or signs of deterioration indicate it's time to throw it out.
Be especially cautious with natural or organic products, as they may have shorter shelf lives compared to conventional cosmetics.
Keep track of when you opened new products in the future to ensure timely usage and prevent wastage.
Consider donating or repurposing gently used makeup items that are still within their expiration dates but no longer suit your preferences.
Out with the old and unused!
If you’re signed up for a monthly makeup subscription, perhaps you’ve accumulated unused items over time. However, holding onto these products not only clutters up your space but also prevents you from fully enjoying the items you do use regularly.
We want to reassure you that it's perfectly okay to let go of unused makeup items, whether they're from subscription boxes or otherwise. Consider this your full permission to declutter your collection and prioritize the trusted brands and products that you know and love. By doing so, you'll create space for new discoveries while ensuring that your makeup routine remains efficient, enjoyable and safe.
I'm a professional organizer who specializes in helping seniors and empty nesters downsize and empowering them to keep the items they love and use with confidence and grace. I can help you declutter, organize, and implement systems to minimize future stress. You're not alone, and it is possible to calm the chaos and have serenity in your home.
Some of my best referrals come from family members who hire my help to help their mother, sister or best friend with a project in their home. If decluttering is on your To-Do list, I'd love to help you! Visit my website (www.tidybutterfly.com) for more information, my services, and schedule a call now to see how I can help you organize your home.
Carrie Blackburn is a professional organizer and owner of Tidy Butterfly, LLC, and lives in Des Moines, IA. She’s a lover of lattes, rescue dogs and live music. Carrie enjoys spending time with her husband traveling, hitting the trails and working on home improvement projects.
