Question for you — do you have a system for tracking how old your makeup is and how long you’ve had it?
I’ve had this brewing in my mind for the past couple days because I just bought a few new things last weekend from Sephora (more on this in a few!).
So, true confessions, but I’ve never strictly adhered to the expiration guidelines posted on makeup and beauty products, but I want try doing it for a bit. I tend to hang onto things for too long — not just literally with makeup, but in various other aspects of my life as well — and I’m ready to change that.
My hope is that if I actually use those expiration dates as a guide, maybe I’ll be motivated to finish the stuff I already have. (And it would also be an excuse to refresh my makeup bag more often!)
To this end, I started writing dates on eyeshadow palettes a while back.
It’s simple enough to do. I just write the year I added it to my collection on the item with a Sharpie, but now I’m thinking about also writing the expiration date directly on things so I’m continuously reminded (in cases when the date is only on the packaging). For instance, I got an Ilia liquid eye tint last weekend, and it has a six-month symbol on the bottom of the tube, which means that, if I go by the book, it’ll be good until March 2022.
Now, I should characterize this endeavor as a test or an experiment, because I’m not sure how I’ll feel about it when the expiration date passes but I still don’t want to discard something. Will the fact that I’ve written the date right on the item bother me? Time will tell. So this is just an experiment for now.
Also, the part of me that loves lists wants to start a spreadsheet with the following columns:
- Item name
- Date purchased
- Expiration date
- Similar items currently in my stash
That way I can make sure I’m not just buying the same taupe eyeshadow or coral blush over and over, ya know?
I’m so ready to turn over a new leaf and try new things! 😊
I’d love to hear what your process is. Do you keep track of how old your makeup is and how long you’ve had it? I’m very curious about this!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I struggled with being the first commenter, because I’m literally no help to you. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at an expiration date or open jar symbol on any makeup I own. I figure if it’s not dried out and still looks good, I’m happy. That said, you know I have very little variety, so I don’t think I have any super old makeup. I usually finish my standby items and order the same ones. HAHA!
I am 100% in support of an excel spreadsheet, though. They are some of my favorite things. I’m not very listy, except for groceries, but I do love organizing in excel. 🙂
I started using this app. You can enter info and it will send a notification when it’s time to replace an item.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/beauty-keeper/id827915841
That looks cool!
Nope, I just keep on using everything. Sometimes I wonder if it’s a bad idea with eye makeup, particularly mascara. I only toss things if I ended up not using it ever. Could be fun to add color, or certain types of ingredients to the spreadsheet.
Good idea to add certain types of ingredients!
I’m pretty strict about tossing eye makeup, but less so about other things. Maybe because I have less of those things and tend to use them up or realize they’re not the product for me before the expiration dates. (Except lipstick, of course. Let’s not go there with my lipstick obsession. Those little frame things that go under your masks so that you can wear lipstick- and also not breathe in mask- are giving me life right now!)
I used to be very good about ‘editing’ in most areas of my life, but I went through my spice cabinet a few days ago and found some from 2017, so maybe I’ve become a bit lax, lol.
I still have to get me one of those! It sounds great!
P.S. I’m terrible about holding onto spices for too long.
On a piece of paper I’ll write in very small print the date (month, day, and year) I opened or first started using a product plus the expiration time (6 months, or 12, or 18). Then I cut it to fit on the product and tape over it so it’s protected but I can still read the date. I’m not strict observing the dates but if there’s something I’m now tired of, I have a valid excuse to ditch it. I started this because one time during a decluttering I came across a loved but forgotten product that I realized was probably at least 10 years old. That’s a bit much.
That’s a great tip, Beth! Thank you!
Hey Karen,
I am the gal with the spreadsheet 🙂 I have a list when I bought which product and have a separate list for when I opened a product (and how long it should be good to use)
But I am only strict with mascara and liquid product. With everything else I go with smell and performance – but 10 years feels a bit too much even for face powder. 😉
When it comes to makeup, I really don‘t care much about expiration dates, I still use a MAC LE quad I purchased in 2010. The only thing I keep track of is mascara and liquid liner, but those tend to dry out in the recommended time anyway, so it isn‘t hard to keep track.
I write the date of opening on my skincare though, not so much because I fear contamination, but because I think due to the opening the „actives“ will loose their power over time.
A system would be a great idea, but I’m so attached to my eyeshadow palettes I really don’t want to get rid of them ever, ha. Please don’t make me 🙂 Lipstick I tend to throw away when it smells or feels weird, and creams / liquid / mascara I do about the same.