Many people adore applying makeup daily because it allows them to be creative while bringing out their best features. Be that as it may, cosmetics have a shelf life, and the wrong way to store them can reduce that life. Properly storing your makeup products is vital for extending their use and keeping them safe. This article will discuss nine ways to keep your cosmetics fresh for extended periods.

Keep it Cool and Dry

Keeping makeup in a cool, dry place is one of the most important things you can do to keep it fresh. Makeup deteriorates faster in hot and humid environments, which can cause colour changes, texture alterations, and even the growth of bacteria. 

Keep your cosmetics out of the sun by putting them in an excellent, dry spot out of the way, like a cupboard or drawer. 

Because of the rapid fluctuations in humidity caused by showers, cosmetics stored in bathrooms tend to lose their quality over time.

Please do not apply your makeup in the bathroom or any other area where the air will likely become damp from the shower. 

Your cosmetics may expire more quickly if it gets wet. Put your cosmetics in a dry, cold place like a drawer or cupboard. Doing so will extend the time that it remains fresh and undamaged.

Use Airtight Containers

Air exposure can hasten cosmetics degradation, particularly those with natural or preservative-based components. 

If you want to keep your products as fresh as possible, storing them in airtight containers after use is a good idea. 

By acting as a barrier against oxygen, these containers extend the time your cosmetics remain fresh. Further, to prevent products from being exposed to light, choose containers made of opaque materials.

Makeup, which contains natural components or preservatives, can begin to degrade more rapidly when exposed to air. 

Containers with tight seals are an excellent way to prevent this from happening to your cosmetics. Thanks to these airtight containers, your cosmetics will retain their lustre for much longer. 

Selecting opaque containers, such as those constructed of solid-coloured metal or plastic, is another wise choice. 

This prevents light from reaching your skin, which might hasten the deterioration of your makeup products.

Clean Your Brushes Regularly

Bacteria, oils, and product buildup can be found on makeup brushes and applicators. These things can transfer onto your makeup and make it less effective. 

Avoid this by routinely washing your brushes with a mild soap and water solution or a delicate brush cleanser. 

Please put them in a sterile container or brush holder when thoroughly dried. Keep your brushes clean to prolong the life of your makeup, apply it more evenly, and lessen the likelihood of skin irritation or breakouts.

Makeup brushes should be cleaned frequently. They can absorb germs, oils, and old cosmetics, which might contaminate your newly applied makeup and lead to skin problems. 

Therefore, make it a point to clean your brushes frequently. Optional: a moderate brush cleanser or water and mild soap will do the trick. Let them dry entirely after washing before storing them in a clean container or brush holder. 

Keep your brushes clean to extend the life of your makeup, make it easier to apply, and lessen the likelihood of skin irritation or breakouts.

Seal Liquid Products Properly

Foundations, concealers, and liquid eyeliners are some of the most susceptible to contamination and deterioration in cosmetics. 

Always put a tight lid back on them after use to keep them from drying out or getting dirty. 

Store them upright to keep them from leaking and being exposed to too much heat. Also, consider putting them in a different container or organizer to keep liquid items from spilling and in good condition.

Label and Rotate Products

When you have a lot of cosmetics, it’s easy to lose track of the older ones. Use detachable labels or markers to mark things’ purchase or expiration date so they are noticed. 

Furthermore, make it a habit to use older cosmetics before opening new ones. You can enjoy your entire collection without wasting any products and ensure they are used up before expiration.

Store Nail Polish Properly

Applying thin coats of nail paint can be challenging since it thickens and clumps over time. Store your nail paint in a cool, dark place, away from direct heat sources, to preserve it in the best possible condition. 

Keep the polish’s consistency by sealing the bottle tightly to avoid evaporation. Also, to prevent air bubbles, keep nail polish bottles upright while not in use and give them a little shake before applying for a flawless finish.

Avoid Contamination

Makeup products pose a health risk due to the potential for cross-contamination, which can impair their quality and safety. 

Clean applicators or throwaway makeup sponges should be used while applying cosmetics to minimize contamination. 

Also, don’t share your products with others. Furthermore, to avoid introducing bacteria and hastening the product’s degradation, avoid “double-dipping” brushes or fingers into containers. 

To reduce the likelihood of infection, it is important to regularly sanitize cosmetic tools and items, particularly those that come into contact with the eyes and mouth.

Store Fragile Products Carefully

Pressed powders, eyeshadows, and blushes are among the most delicate cosmetics, and they can quickly crack or break if not handled properly. 

Be careful when opening and closing these items, and keep them upright and stable to avoid breakage. 

One option is to put a little cotton pad or tissue inside the compact to make it more comfortable to hold and soak up any extra moisture or oils. 

Rub the broken parts with rubbing alcohol and let them dry completely to see if the product may be salvaged.

Monitor Expiration Dates

The expiration date is a valuable indicator of how long a cosmetic product will remain effective, just as it is for food and medicine. 

Keep an eye on these dates and quickly get rid of any things that appear to be expired or questionable. 

Makeup that has gone bad could look different, smell different, or even have mould or separation in it. Makeup beyond its expiration date is no longer effective and may cause allergic reactions, infections, or skin irritations. 

In cases where you are unsure, it is wise to be cautious and replace outdated products with new ones.

Recommended reading:

11 Ways to Clean and Maintain Your Makeup Products

Final Thoughts!

Makeup items have a shelf life and should be stored correctly to keep them safe and in good condition. Maintaining your cosmetics’ integrity, efficacy, and safety is as easy as following these nine steps. 

Whether you’re a severe cosmetics user or someone who uses their products sometimes, taking the time to learn how to store your cosmetics correctly will allow you to prolong the life of your products, reduce waste, and protect your health.