Make-up serves a dual purpose beyond being a form of self-expression in fashion. It not only aids individuals in concealing acne or scars but also assists them in presenting themselves in the best possible light. Furthermore, it can contribute to advancing one's career by making a positive first impression and adhering to the standards of the company. This holds true for both women and men alike.

I love how my husband looks with his cover-up, color correcting cream, and a little natural toned matte lip-stick. Suddenly he is a movie star, well not literally. It's pretty well known that actors stick to a regular touch-up and skin care routine because it really works.

Make-up acts as a rudimentary sun block, even if it doesn’t contain official SPF ingredients. “Mineral-based makeups provide more protection from the sun than other makeups,” said Eric Finzi, medical director of Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center. “Clay-based foundations, if applied thickly enough, also help protect the skin.” Finzi spent two years researching skin cancer causes and treatments at the National Cancer Institute. He said it’s even more effective to apply a mineral-based sunscreen followed by mineral makeup. If your makeup contains retinoids, which have been proven to reduce fine lines, wearing it could even reduce or delay wrinkles.

All of this is great but, can it cause harm?

It is essential to find the appropriate makeup for your skin and replace it when it expires. For individuals with acne-prone skin, makeup can exacerbate breakouts, especially if it is oil-based and further clogs pores. Allergies are another concern, as even without known food allergies, certain ingredients in makeup brands can trigger reactions. Sleeping with makeup on increases the risk of acne and other skin infections, so establishing a nighttime cleansing routine is crucial. If you lack a cleansing regimen or professional guidance such as a beauty consultant, feel free to contact me to begin. I can assist you in selecting suitable skincare products from the three brands available in my shops.

One major issue with makeup is the growth of bacteria and mold inside your cosmetics, which can result in eye and skin infections. Upon opening new makeup, bacteria is introduced to it. In the case of eye and lip makeup, additional bacteria is accumulated with each use. Individuals who retain the same makeup for extended periods may experience sudden breakouts or even severe infections.

Once, I experienced a situation where my mom had kept some makeup that belonged to me around 8 years ago. I cherished that set and had unintentionally left it behind during a move. Despite only using it around 10 times, I didn't consider the bacteria it may have been exposed to over the years. The makeup had been stored in unknown conditions, possibly facing extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and more. When I applied the makeup, it initially caused a slight itch, which I ignored. However, within an hour, it started burning my skin. I quickly removed it using a new makeup remover and cleanser. My skin became red and painful, and the sensitivity persisted for a few days. Although I disposed of the makeup immediately, the damage had already been done. This incident made me realize the potential risks associated with using old makeup, and I've since heard even worse stories about makeup causing harm.

Sharing makeup, even within your family, can lead to significant problems such as mites (demodex), pink eye, and other eye infections. According to New York City ophthalmologist Cynthia MacKay, eye infections can have lasting consequences. She recalls a patient who developed a corneal ulcer with central scarring and decreased vision due to not regularly replacing makeup while wearing contact lenses. Improper use of makeup can also result in other eye issues; for instance, glitter can be difficult to remove from the eyes and may cause tearing and scraping. A woman even lost her left eye due to glitter injuries, chronicling the entire ordeal in a blog.

What should you do?

It's a simple solution, whether you use a $300 makeup set or a $1.25 set from the dollar store, you need to replace your makeup when it expires. Makeup can go bad due to the growth of germs, bacteria, and mold. Some cosmetics have an expiration date indicated by a number followed by the letter M. For example, 9M means the product should be safe to use for 9 months after opening. If you continue to experience problems with a product that is only a few months old, you may need to replace it more frequently as bacteria thrives in dark, warm, and moist environments like your bathroom.

If you dislike wasting large amounts of product like me, here are some additional tips for you. Opt for smaller sizes! Purchase travel-sized eye liner and mascara to ensure you use them up completely or discard less when they expire. Some places also offer travel-sized blush and lipstick. Consider getting sample-sized makeup for special occasions if you don't wear makeup daily. For those prone to breakouts or who share makeup to maximize usage, consider using disposable applicators such as lip wands, eye sponges, and eyelash wands. Some foundation sponges are reusable and can be washed daily in a vanity top mini washing machine designed for cosmetic sponges. UV light can effectively disinfect brushes and mask applicators after spraying and washing them. I offer full-sized, travel sized, samples, brushes, sponges, and disposable applicators when you shop with me (USA residents only). Contact me for more details.

Not all cosmetics come with an expiration date! Therefore, how do I know when to replace my makeup? The image below, provided by the A.A.D., can serve as a guide in cases where the product lacks an expiration date. I trust that this blog post has been beneficial to you. Keep an eye out for future posts on skincare and makeup.