This month Mid Brain reports on new cosmetic science stories while the Left and Right Brains take time off to work on the new Beauty Brains book.
Mid Brain reports:
Do you throw away a cosmetic product because it smells funny or the color changes? If you do you’re in the minority. At least according to a new study in the UK that shows only 28% of women discard products that change in color and odor. The scary thing is that sometimes these changes are an indication of microbial contamination that make the product dangerous to use!
You can read the entire article on CosmeticsDesign.
What do YOU think? Do you throw out old products when they change or do you continue to use them? Leave a comment for the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I would rather throw old products out like i always do than risk damaging my skin.
I think a lot of women hold onto old cosmetics because the manufacturer quit making a color or formulation that they loved. I know I’m guilty of that. There used to be a company online that would re-manufacture your favorite cosmetic if you sent them a sample of it, and then keep the formula on file so you can re-order it when you run out again. I don’t remember what the company was called. I don’t even know if they are still in business, but I like the idea of being able to get my favorite discontinued make-up made for me. Then it would be easier to throw out the old stuff since I’d be able to replace it with something I know I like and that works for me.
Using old cosmetics is not worth it if you are risking your skin. Better buy a new product than damaging your skin, you’ll be spending more if that happens.
Mer – I’ve searched and the closest I can find is a site called Three Custom Color. Apparently they do do what you say about remaking fomulas.
http://www.threecustom.com/home.php
It’s expensive though. Two lipsticks cost $50.
Uhhh…yeah, you definately want to get rid of any old cosmetics you have lying around. Not a good idea to keep them. When they all gooey and stringy (like nailpolish can get) its time to trash the sucker.
Its tough to toss it cause it costs so much, but your health is more important, right?
Of course it is. Great article.
Sheila
I tend to keep powder eye shaddows for years… Especially the dark or bright colors I don’t use that often. I’ve heard that powders are ok to keep for longer because they don’t spoil, but I’m not sure how true or valid that is.
It would be helpful if cosmetics had pull dates on them like food items.
I always throw away any cosmetic or hair product which looks or smells “off” but I have kept some cosmetics for years, with the exception of mascara(which I keep no longer than 3 months), with no problems whatsoever. I also am more inclined to keep favorites which are no longer being produced.