Nothing lasts forever – and this includes your makeup kit. While it’s unlikely you were getting regular usage of your makeup in 2020, it’s important to remember that once opened, your beloved products have ‘use by’ recommendations.
Whether you’re still committed to a daily makeup routine or have completely sacrificed your holy grail products in the name of 2020, it’s likely they haven’t seen much daylight over the past 12 months. While most beauty products can last more than 30 months unopened, once opened, it’s best to follow the 'period after opening' guidelines to ensure your makeup maintains its high quality and continues to be safe to use.
To find the 'period after opening' guidelines on your products, simply locate this symbol on your favourite makeup products. The recommended number of months will be included inside the symbol.
We’ve already shared with you how to clean your makeup brushes (and how often!), so this follow-up post serves as a reminder to check your kits and dispose of any expired product. In future, save these timelines to ensure you’re using your favourite makeup ahead of its expiry.
PRIMERS: NINE MONTHS
Our Hydra Veil, Matte Veil and Beyond Veil primers are loved for their futuristic formulas and ability to create the perfect base for any makeup look. Whether you want a glow, to mattify or hydrate your skin, these primers only need replacing every nine months. To prolong the quality of your favourite primer, always use the supplied spatula to disperse product, avoiding exposing the product to bacteria on your fingertips.
FOUNDATION: TWO YEARS
Good news! Thanks to innovative packaging, limiting oxidisation and exposure to bacteria, our cult-favourite Skin Base and Beyond foundations can last up to two years so long as you make sure to properly cap them after use. Pro tip: keep foundations out of steamy environments (like your bathroom) to keep the formula in good condition.
CONCEALER: SIX MONTHS
Our Skin Base Concealer Pen is applauded for its ability to cover dark under eye circles and blemishes seamlessly. The click-to-disperse technology means the liquid-based formula doesn’t oxidise and has limited exposure to external bacteria. However, if you notice your concealer is beginning to smell weird or have a clumpy texture, it’s time to replace it.
BLUSHER
POWDER: 18 MONTHS
A makeup kit essential, our Powder Blusher has instant colour payoff and pigmentation for a natural flush of colour. To keep your powder blusher at its highest quality, always close the lid and use a brush to apply.
COLOUR VEIL: ONE YEAR
With the same self-levelling, futuristic formula as our cult-favourite Hydra Veil Primer, this Colour Veil dries into a powder texture with super-staying powder. If you notice the product is beginning to separate or change in smell, it’s time to re-stock.
HIGHLIGHTER: TWO YEARS
Our Beyond Highlighter is a makeup kit essential for adding other-worldly glow in a finely-milled formula. Both the powder and liquid versions last up to two years after opening. To keep product at its best, make sure you’re properly closing these highlighters and limit their exposure to air. If you notice the texture beginning to change, treat yourself to a new glow-inducing highlighter.
EYESHADOW: ONE YEAR
Our eyeshadow palettes include a variety of colours in our renowned highly-pigmented formula. Whether you like a matte eyeshadow, prefer a shimmer or simply seek a burst of colour, you can preserve your eyeshadow palette by using a brush to apply and properly closing the case.
EYELINER: 18 MONTHS
Our Precision Gel Liner is a pro kit essential. Loved for its versatility and pitch-black pigment, this gel eyeliner can be used to define the eyes, create intricate designs or as a base for a dark smokey eye up to 18 months after opening. An exception to this expiry timeline is if you’ve had an infection, it’s best to replace your eyeliner to avoid the possibility of the infection returning.
MASCARA: SIX MONTHS
One of the original additions to every makeup kit, our Masquara gives serious volume, length and definition. Even if you’re only attending virtual meetings, this mascara is the perfect way to make your eyes appear wide awake and dramatised. Keep this much-loved mascara in top form by regularly cleaning the wand to reduce any build up and clumping.
LIPSTICK
ULTRAMATTER: TWO YEARS
A true matte lipstick, Ultramatter Lipstick gives serious colour payoff in a single swipe without drying out your lips. With a flawless no-shine finish, this lipstick creates a bold lip look to make a statement no matter your plans.
ANTIMATTER: 18 MONTHS
The happy place between Sheer Veil and Ultramatter Lipsticks, our Antimatter Lipstick is a bestseller for good reason. Hydrating with a burst of colour, this lipstick keeps its colour payoff and pigment so long as you keep it capped.
SHEER VEIL: TWO YEARS
If you prefer a more natural lip look, Sheer Veil provides a sheer hint of colour in an ultra-moisturising formula. THE lipstick for virtual meetings and ‘no makeup makeup’, Sheer Veil is a fast-favourite for makeup artists and lovers alike.
BRUSHES: TWO YEARS
The tool we’re likely to hold onto forever, when you find the perfect makeup brush, it can be hard to part with it. As these tools are touching our skin more than anything else, it’s extremely important to regularly clean your brushes. That said, after two years of steady artistry, it’s important to replace your brushes. Wondering how to know when to let go? Brushes that shed, smell or have lost their form need replacing. If you’ve not treated yourself to a new set of brushes, why not check out our NEW vegan Pro-Artistry Brushes.
If you’re doing a kit de-clutter or overhauling all of your beauty favourites, our Professionals Bag and Clear Makeup Bag are two perfect ways to keep tabs on what is currently in your kit. A great way to reduce waste and have immediate access to your essentials, these carry cases are perfect for the professional makeup artist and makeup lover.
