Shelf life of products and how you deal with it...

[carriesshoes]

I've recently built myself up quite a large collection of high end make up including MAC, Stila, Chanel etc.

If I wear a full face everyday for the next 20 years I still don't think I'd finish any of it!

Having seen the size of peoples traincase's and knowing how much you all buy - I want to know how you justify buying more knowing the things you have you'll never finish and it will all just "go off". Do you never finish anything? Do you care? Do you feel guilty?

 

[pumpkincat210]

I try to use up my mascara because it only lasts a few months. The powder products I just make sure are closed tight, they last a long time. As for lipsticks and glosses...you can smell when they are bad. I doubt i'll ever use all of my make up though.

 

[prsfynestmami]

I don't have nearly as much as some of the people of this forum... but to me it's a lot. Because of the spoil-factor, I somewhat limit myself when it comes to buying mascaras, lip stuff, and anything cream-based. I'd hate to spend a ton of money on a gazillion lipglasses only to have them spoil because I can't use them all. Eyeshadows - I can buy left and right because each one is different and they last. I already feel guilty about what I have though.

 

[cletus2894]

I only feel guilty when I buy something that's identical to something else I already have. All of my lipglosses have either different flavors or colors. My eyeshadows are all different colors - some are REALLY close but yet different enough that I can see the differences. I'm particular with mascara and don't use eyeliners, so lip glosses and eyeshadows are 95% of all of my make up!!

 

[bottleblack]

wow...talk about a guilt trip! hehe. i mostly feel bad for seasonal/trendy colors that i'm sure i won't wear on a daily basis - i've only ever hit pan on one shadow that i wear fairly regularly and i've had it for 2+ years. this is a great post. my collection pales compared to most, i'm curious to hear other's thoughts on this!

 

[Isis]

I googled this topic and came up with this website:
http://portal.citysoup.ca/NR/exeres/...390E8D816A.htm

It's got some good info in there as well as average shelf life of certain products. Here's the basic breakdown:

• 
  

  • Mascara: 3-6 months

  
  

  • Moisturizer: 3 months to a year

  
  

  • Oil-free foundation: 1 year

  
  

  • Products with SPF: 1 season

  
  

  • Blush or foundation sponges: 1 week

  
  

  • Concealer: 12-18 months

  
  

  • Powder foundation or blush: 2 years

  
  

  • Eyeshadow: powder: 2 years; cream 12-18 months

  
  

  • Eyeliner: 2 years

  
  

  • Lip liner: 2 years

  
  

  • Lipstick: 2 years

  
  

  • Lip gloss: up to 2 years

  
  

  • Fragrance: up to 2 years
  I'm totally not above this though
  
  I've got my trophies I'll probably never touch like Cockatease, Monarch, Full Bodied, & Flitter lipsticks. Also my Chanel Glossimer in Laser. So gorgeous!

 

[Vendetta]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isis Powder foundation or blush: 2 years Eyeshadow: powder: 2 years; cream 12-18 months

Wow...if I went by that I'd have to throw away all the blush and e/s I own. I have one blush that must be at least 12 years old (I think it was my grandmother's from before I was born, but she gave it to me when I started using makeup.) and it's the same consistency and everything that it was the first time I used it.

I think powdered things last much longer than 2 years if they're kept clean and dry. Probably if they're wet they might only last 2 years.

I'm kind of anal about l/g, but I have yet to have one turn. Really out of every makeup item I've had over the years, the only two items that have turned are a tube of glitter gel that dried up and a lotion that separated. Some things I've had for 7+ years now and they are exactly the same as when I bought them (of course all my makeup only has my germs in it, no one else's).

 

[GimpyPoop]

Yo,
I feel so guilty about my stash all the time.
Like wow, most of the lipglosses/lipsticks are going to turn rancid before I even use them 6 times.
: /
*cries*
LN