Costumer's Notes, January 2001 index:
Articles:
Welcome!
Dance Resolutions 2001
A Fresh Face in 2001
Cosmetic Toss
In Davina's Bag
Regular Features:
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Link of the Month:
Visit an Excellent On-Line Makeup Demo at the Voice
of Dance web site. Although geared to performers of ballet, this demo
is excellent for all stage dancers.
Makeup
Demo |
Visit other E-Zines on the Web for more information on Middle Eastern
dance and costume:
www.bhuz.com
www.gildedserpent.com |
Coming in February 2001
Tribal Stylings - Costume Hints for Fusion and Tribal
Dancers
February Hightlights
Reversable Hip Wraps: Step-by-Step
Tigers in the Mist: A Tribe Gone Wild!
Plus regular features:
- The List
- Shopping Tips
- Book Reviews
- Links to other sites
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Cosmetic Toss List
Like it or not, cosmetics go bad. Using spoiled, out dated or contaminated
products can leave your skin vulnerable to breakouts, blemishes and potentially
dangerous infection. This is especially critical in the eye region. While
some folks can remember when they purchased every product they own, I find
that unless I mark the purchase date, I will forget. On more than one occasion
I have picked up a lipstick to find the oils beading up on the surface.
There have been times when I have bought the exact perfect shade to go with
a special outfit, only to find that while the costume can survive long-term
storage, cosmetics cannot.
Heat is the number one contributor of products going bad before their
time. Another factor is contamination. With foundation, for instance, every
time you use your fingers to decant the lotion to place on your face, you
unwittingly pass bacteria into the bottle. Pump bottles go a long way towards
extending the life of foundation. Religiously using clean cosmetic sponges
will also reduce the bacterial transmission.
I have compiled this list after reading numerous books, but especially,
from dozens of magazine articles on cosmetics and their shelf life. This
list is in order of shelf life and goes from shortest to longest. Always
remember that if it's older than 4 years, there is only one place for it,
and that's not on your face! Also keep in mind that different products will
spoil faster than others, depending on the quality of the ingredients, frequency
of use and how they are stored.
Product Type
|
Shelf Life
|
Comments
|
| Mascara |
3 6 months |
Frequent change due to bacterial growth |
| Liquid eyeliner |
3 6 months |
Change frequently to prevent infection due to bacterial growth |
| Nail Polish |
12 months |
Separation will occur. More expensive brands might last longer due to better
preservatives and chemical composition. |
| Concealer |
12 months |
Stick based concealers will pick up harmful bacteria with use on blemishes. |
| Foundation |
12 18 months |
This will vary according to the lid of the bottle. A pump will last longer,
possibly as long as a year. A screw bottle top that you have been applying
using your fingers might become contaminated sooner. |
| Pencils: Eye liners, Lip Liners and Three-In-One products |
Maximum of 2 years |
Keep these products frequently sharpened to remove the contaminated layers
Always use a clean and sharp pencil sharpener. |
| Eye Shadow |
Up to 2 years |
If you see discoloration, cracking, or oil bleed, it's time to toss. |
| Face powder |
2 years |
Both pressed and loose versions will last up to 2 years. Change pouf on
pressed versions every 4 - 6 months to help keep the product clean and bacteria
free. |
| Lipstick |
2 years |
Again, oils may begin to bleed out or changes in color, toss. |
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