Cosmetic Caution: Don't Keep Makeup Too Long
Bacteria Grows In Products
UPDATED: 3:51 p.m. EDT May 8, 2002
HOUSTON -- Every year, women spend $45 billion on cosmetic and skin care products -- all in an attempt to put their best face forward.
But those same products, if you're not careful, can cause serious skin problems or worse.
"I still have the lipstick from when I got married 13 years ago," said Sabrina Kurzman, an actress and model.
Kurzman never thought that aging products could be the source of her skin problems.
"I never attributed it to makeup. I attributed it stress -- the kids, the husband -- anything but the makeup," Kurzman said.
Fungus and mold can grow in products, which can cause serious problems, according to experts.
So when should makeup be thrown out?
Paula Begoun, a cosmetic industry expert, said products used around the eye area have the shortest longevity. Mascara should be thrown out within three months of opening it. Also, you should never pump it or mix it with water since both things increase bacteria, according to Begoun.
Liquid eyeliners and concealers should be kept for no more than six months.
Eye and lip pencils can last up to a year, if sharpened regularly to prevent bacteria build-up.
Begoun said that swabbing some alcohol over the tip could disinfect them.
Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown out after a year.
Liquid and cream foundations should be used within three to six months, Begoun said. However, some may last longer.
Powder-based products can last up to two years.
Experts suggest that women keep track of makeup by dating it before it's used.
When in doubt about its age, throw it out. That's the safest way to make sure your beauty products keep you looking beautiful, Begoun said.
But those same products, if you're not careful, can cause serious skin problems or worse.
"I still have the lipstick from when I got married 13 years ago," said Sabrina Kurzman, an actress and model.
Kurzman never thought that aging products could be the source of her skin problems.
"I never attributed it to makeup. I attributed it stress -- the kids, the husband -- anything but the makeup," Kurzman said.
Fungus and mold can grow in products, which can cause serious problems, according to experts.
So when should makeup be thrown out?
Paula Begoun, a cosmetic industry expert, said products used around the eye area have the shortest longevity. Mascara should be thrown out within three months of opening it. Also, you should never pump it or mix it with water since both things increase bacteria, according to Begoun.
Liquid eyeliners and concealers should be kept for no more than six months.
Eye and lip pencils can last up to a year, if sharpened regularly to prevent bacteria build-up.
Begoun said that swabbing some alcohol over the tip could disinfect them.
Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown out after a year.
Liquid and cream foundations should be used within three to six months, Begoun said. However, some may last longer.
Powder-based products can last up to two years.
Experts suggest that women keep track of makeup by dating it before it's used.
When in doubt about its age, throw it out. That's the safest way to make sure your beauty products keep you looking beautiful, Begoun said.
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