woman blind expired mascara

We are always very discerning when it comes to expiration dates on food.

We know very well that milk that has gone off can make us feel sick, but unfortunately we rarely apply the same standards to other products that we use day to day – like makeup!

Many women will agree that makeup is a part of their daily routine. But it’s often the case that when we buy one piece of makeup – especially a pricey one – we tend to ignore the expiration date and just keep going until the product works.

Unfortunately, that can lead to some disastrous consequences!

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A woman from Australia thought that developing an eye infection from an out-of-date mascara wasn’t anything to be worried about – so she was shocked when the doctor told her that she would be blind in three years

Experts agree that expiration dates are especially important when it comes to things that go near your eyes like eyeliner and mascara.

Eyes can be very sensitive to bacteria and some toxins that can develop in makeup can damage your vision permanently.

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However, it’s not all up to the customer to remember this.

Dermatologists are of the firm opinion that the makeup industry is just as liable for its customers’ health as the customers themselves.

It’s often the case that cosmetics products either don’t have expiry dates on them, or the dates have been rubbed off after continuous use – which can make the actual use of the products very dangerous.

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There’s a good rule of thumb for different makeup products and their expiration dates, so we’ll list some of them here. Here’s how long most of the things in your makeup bag actually last:

  • Foundation/concealer – 6 months to a year
  • Lipstick – a year
  • Moisturiser/skincare – one to two years
  • Powder/eyeshadow – one year
  • Lip liner/brow pencil/eyeliner – Up to two years
  • Liquid eyeliner – less than six months
  • Mascara – Up to six months, but check at the three-month mark too

There are things you can do to take care of your makeup to make it last a bit longer, too.

Make sure to never share it with anyone and always wash your hands before you apply makeup – that way you prevent the bacteria from your hands getting onto your skin and into your pores.

Never use water or any other liquids – yes, even saline – to dilute your makeup. Once it’s done, it’s done, so trying to prolong its life can only result in disaster.

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If you notice an odd smell to your makeup or a change in texture, it’s time to toss it out and get a new one.

Don’t risk it – a few dollars are not worth your health or eyesight.

Do you know someone who’s suffered from out of date makeup?

Share this useful information with all your friends who may need it – and check your own makeup bag for any out of date products too, you may be surprised at what you find!

SEE ALSO:
Woman Lost Half Her Face In 1999. Now Doctors Gave Her A Reason To Remove The Mask