How to store makeup properly

By miss cory quirino

The three e-mails below cover concerns most women have about makeup.

Q: How do I make my makeup last the whole day?

It’s pretty difficult to do, although there are tricks that would help. One, use a primer before the foundation to keep the foundation looking fresh. Also, if you use liquid foundation (as I do), dust it with loose powder to set it well. I then brush on some blush, and it stays on longer than expected and keeps skin from getting oily as the powder absorbs the oil.

On eye shadows, applying a cream shadow of the same color tone as a base, then brushing on some powder shadow on top, will make your eye shadow last the whole day. Of course, water-proof mascara should be your top choice since it lasts longer. Using a lip liner also helps your lipstick stay on, although you will have to touch up once in a while. Just remember to keep some loose powder and blush in your purse for regular touch-ups.

Q: I love makeup! What is the proper way of storing them so they will last longer?

Keep them in a cool, dry place—your bedroom instead of your bathroom, for example, since when you take a bath the humidity won’t be good for your cosmetics.

Also, keep them away from direct sunlight or any place where the temperature changes, like your car.

You may want to store them in your refrigerator. Not only will it prolong the makeup’s shelf life, it also makes the makeup so refreshing to apply. Lastly, make sure you properly close the makeup tubes or containers so that dirt or bacteria won’t be able to enter.

Q: I try to look for expiration dates when I shop for cosmetics, but some don’t have them. What should I do?

It is good that you check for expiration dates. I’ve noticed that European brands do have expiration dates, something not all cosmetics companies follow. Here’s a rough guide on the shelf life of most cosmetics:

Anti-aging and acne treatments: three months to a year.
Bath oil: one year
Blush: one year
Body lotion: two to three years
Concealer: up to 12 months
Deodorant: up to two years
Eye pencils: up to three years
Eye shadow: three years
Facial toner: one year, may last less if it contains Vitamin C
Foundation: A water-based foundation will last for up to 12 months, an oil-based one up to 18 months.
Hairstyling products: three to five years
Lip balm: one to two years
Lip pencils: up to three years
Lipstick/lip gloss: two to three years
Mascara and liquid eyeliner: three to four months
Moisturizers and facial cleansers: about six months, unless they contain acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and beta hydroxyl acid, which make them last longer
Nail polish: one year
Perfume: two to three years
Powder: two years
Sunscreen: two years