I know from reading the FAQ threads on the longevity of eye shadows is 2/3 years. Im a leeetle bit concerned as i think it will take me more than 5 years to finish the e/s i already have! and coulnt no way afford to bin all 55 of my mac e/s and replace them. what the alternative? grin and keep applying? what have you done in the past and what do you suggest?

Thanks

u know... i've been wondering this very thing... would i throw out an e/s that i didnt use a lot just because the three years are up...

a lot of people are into the whole eye safety lip safety stuff with everything. I seriously dont think it matters. It only matters with mascara and anything liquid in my humble opinion.

I agree. With powder stuff, I think you'd be ok, as long as there's no change in texture or anything like that.

I also agree with you, ladies! As far as there is no change of texture or smell or a gross feeling when applied, I think it's ok to keep on using powder e/s, even if it's a bit older - I even have an e/s from my mum which she bought in her youth and I use it without any problems, I've never had trouble so far *toi toi toi*.

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*I can resist everything - except the temptation* Oscar Wilde

I've had an eyeshadow for over 6 yrs and have had no problem. As long as it's all still the same IMO it's ok. Now for some that have sensitive eyes it is probably best to follow the guidelines.
I am not in any way telling you to go against the rec's in Specktra's FAQ. I am just speaking from my experience.
If you have any doubts toss it out!
It might be a good idea to spray the e/s with rubbing alcohol after so many years/uses. Unless you use a clean brush each time.

Believe it or not, I have some old Arden shadows from when I was about 13,.. I am 30 now,.. my father gave them to me when he worked for Eli Lilly's- We always got huge gift sets,.. and it still applies as beautiful as it did when I got it. HolySh*t I feel old now that shadow is 17 YEARS old!

BTW - I am a clean brush fanatic,.. That probably is a big factor.

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Puttin on the Glitz
http://www.myspace.com/allthatglitz

"Random thought: I want a toaster that toasts the MAC logo onto my bread. It may only be psychological but it would make my toast taste so much better."

I have had some of my eyeshadows for five years and they still wear well and there has been no change in texture or smell. And I will continue to keep them and wear them until I notice a change. There is no way I am tossing them because you are only "supposed to" keep them for 2/3 years. As much money as I have spent!! No way! But I do agree with changing your mascara every three months. As far as lipglasses, when the texture and the scent get bad then I toss them, other than that they are here to stay.

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C.O.L.O.U.R.S.

"Cool Outrageous Lovers of Uniquely Raw Styyyyyyle"

I think the 'guidelines' are general rules that vary widely with the use of the item. If you're careful with your e/s (keep lids closed when not in use, store away from heat and humidity, clean brushes regularly and/or *don't* share your stuff etc... they'll last much longer. An occasional spritz with alcohol (99% since it has less water and will evaporate better and damage less) wouldn't hurt either if you're in doubt.

I don't have the heart to toss e/s that are old but look/smell/perform well. I think hygiene and low humidity are key to a long life of an e/s.

powder e/s should be fine, IMO...even if it begins to crumble. it's still fine. my Milani Moonlight shadow is starting to crumble (i didn't even have it for a year yet! but it must have been sitting on that self for a very long time) and it still applies as if it were brand new.

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hello kitty + makeup =

D*MN! thats a long time to have makeup LOL I'll get bored and swap or throw mine away within a month or so.
It's deffinitelly all about how clean you keep your brushes then.

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my philosophy is....keep applying until something happens and then worry about throwing the stuff away..........there is too much money spent on these luxurious products to just THROW them away!

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Death by shoes.........

Tell me about it! Until I discovered MUA this summer everything went in the trash... thats alot of money that went down the crapper.

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I about had a coronary when I saw my mom's dresser where she had some Biba eyeshadow sets that I'd had like right out of high school. Do I win an award here? We're talking like 1978. I flipped out and confronted her & she laughed her head off at me. Oh well...she hasn't had any problems. And I was then regretting throwing out some old Ultima II shadow palettes (which used to be awsome!) that I had in my office stuff....they were only like 10 or 12 yrs. old. My mom woulda loved them! LOL

One time I gave some kinda old Revlon quads to a friend who gave them to her daughter & she broke out from them. If something's bad, you get the dry itchies right away, so you know to pitch the stuff. I've had shadows that the applicator's foam had totally disintegrated.