expiration dates

I know that you've invested oodles of money in your precious makeup, and if you're anything like me, you probably like to hang onto it until the bitter end. But don't forget that cosmetics do have a definitive lifespan. The ugly truth is that once makeup is opened, it's exposed to grody germs that begin to live inside. Here are five rules for how best to care for your makeup.

• If you see mold, it's too old. This probably goes without saying, but anything with black, green, or white spots should be discarded immediately.
• Keep it clean. Though you can't actually clean your makeup, you can minimize additional contaminants by cleaning your makeup brushes regularly.
• Not sharing is caring. Sharing your makeup is unsanitary, as it transfers infectious bacteria such as staph, conjunctivitis, yeast, and fungus.
• Keep it cool. Store makeup in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight can alter the preservatives in your makeup.
• Stay dry. For liquid makeup, use disposable applicators, such as Q-tips, and give your sponges plenty of drying time so as not to encourage bacteria.

Source

Last night I made myself a salad for dinner, in my favorite ceramic bowl my best friend gave to me, I might add. Well, my mind was elsewhere as I was going up the stairs and needless to say, me and my dinner ended up splattered across the steps. My beautiful bowl cracked and I got cut in 3 places.
Poor me, right? Well, I went to get a band-aid and some Neosporin and just happened to check the date first. Exp: 2003! I couldn't believe it. Had it been THAT long since I bought a new tube?

This led me on a quest to discover what else was lurking in my bathroom, way too old for my own good. An hour later, I had filled my bathroom garbage with tons of expired stuff.

Although some would say those dates don't mean a thing, but for me, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Why take a drug if it isn't as effective as it can be. If it's past the date - it's getting trashed.

So take it from me and do yourself a favor - go through your medicine cabinet and your extensive supply of products. Get rid of expired over-the-counter medications like old bottles of Advil and Pepto Bismol.

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