Getting the best from makeup products

‘WE’RE all guilty of clinging on to lip and eye colours in the hope they come back into fashion but make-up can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcus epidermis. Beauty products that surround the eye hold the greatest risk of infection and can cause bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid.

‘Liquid foundation, blusher, bronzer, concealer and face powder past expiration dates can clog up pores with bacteria, which can cause irritations, break-outs and rashes.’

The above statement was published in Daily Mail in 2013 and credited to Emma Leslie, Beauty Editor at Escentual.com who carried out a survey on how long women kept makeup products and it was discovered that British women kept makeup products long after the expiry date.

For the fashion-conscious Nigerian lady, the situation is no different. According to a survey carried out by Makeover, many ladies confessed to keeping their makeup products with a majority  of them ignorant of expiry dates of makeup products.

A respondent told Makeover that: “This is the first time I’ve actually thought about my makeup products having a shelf life and I use them every day. In fact, I feel odd when I do not use makeup. For me, it’s when they finish that I replace. Or if I see a product when I go shopping and I like it, then I replace. And even at that, I don’t throw the old one away because I know I may need it later. There’s this particular eyeshadow I’ve used for close to five years now and it’s still very okay for me.”

Interestingly, experts say it is not unusual to discover that some makeup products have no expiry dates on them, because of their nature. However, they shouldn’t be used for too long since they are chemical products. Following the interaction with respondents, Makeover spoke with makeup experts on how long makeup products should last before they lose value.

‘Products must be properly stored’

In the opinion of Morenikeji Ejalonibu a beautification, powder may be used for up to 12 months before it loses its value, that is, if properly kept and not exposed to water. If expired, it changes colour. For foundation, they can last up to six months before they can be changed, while blush can last as long as 12 months. Mascara should not be used beyond three months.

‘Some products have expiry dates on them’

Gladys Mbi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Lagos-based beauty outfit, Lagos State, notes that some makeup products come with expiry dates written on their bottles and casings. Sometimes, they can be found at the bottom of the containers, on the leaflets or inside their packages. For eyeshadow, they lose their shine and come less prominent when used.

For Taiwo Yusuph also a Lagos-based beautician, Lagos, bronzer/highlighters do not usually come with expiry dates and they do not usually change colour, unless it’s a fake product. However, for some products, a person with sensitive skin may begin to react to the product, then you know it’s time for a change.

According to Damilola Ogunleye of a makeover outfit in Ibadan, Oyo State, for foundation and highlighters, especially those in the liquid form, they tend to dry up and then you know it’s time for a change. When these products dry up, they usually do not bring out the best when applied.

Additional report by Obiakor Ugochi, Zainab AbdulAzeez, Feyikemi Ogunleye and Oluwatoyosi Omisore.