How to Recycle Expired Makeup
When’s the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag? If you can’t remember, then it’s high time to do an early spring cleaning. We know it can be hard to let go of the makeup you thought you would wear, like that eyeshadow palette you purchased five years ago, or the liquid eyeliner that never went on quite right. But now that we’re here, and you’ve got a cabinet full of products that are past their prime, it’s time to let go. Below, the team has a few tips on what to do when your makeup expires. Hint: it’s pretty easy. Keep reading to find out…
Check Your Expiration Dates
First things first: double check to see when your all of your makeup products have expired. Not only are you taking the time to get rid of any old, unused products, but you’re also getting the chance to spring clean your beauty bag. If your products don’t have an expiration date, however, it’s good to follow these general guidelines, according to Byrdie, for how long a product lasts after opening it:
- Mascara – 3 months
- Lip Products – 1 year
- Foundation – 6 months to 1 year
- Concealer – 6 months to 1 year
- Blush and Powders – 2 years
- Liquid and Gel Eyeliners – 2 to 4 months
- Cream Blushes and Multi-Use Sticks – 12 to 18 months
- Eyeshadow – 3 to 6 months
- Nail polish – 1 to 2 years
- Fragrance – 8 to 10 years
It’s important to dispose of products after their expiration date because keeping and wearing them past their prime can lead to a chockful of issues such as irritations, breakouts, and possible infections from bacteria. Needless to say, it’s time to let go of your old products.
Rinse Out And Disassemble Your Products
Prior to recycling makeup products, it’s important to note that you should always clean out the product packaging by rinsing it out. Don’t forget to take apart the packaging for any makeup products you have, if it’s necessary in order for it to be recycled.
Recycle Your Products
Instead of just throwing them away, you should definitely recycle your beauty products, if possible. Many states have different recycling regulations, so be sure to check and see what materials are allowed to be recycled. Since a lot of makeup products are small, and many municipalities require recycled items to be larger than 2”x2”, we recommend placing them in a #7 container larger than that to ensure your products are recycled properly. You may know that Lauren Conrad Beauty boasts fully recyclable product packaging, and you can follow the brand’s recycling guide for detailed instructions.
If you’re looking for more recycling services, there are companies available, such as TerraCycle, that help to collect and recycle your waste too.
Rinse Out And Disassemble Your Products
Now, it’s important to note that anytime you are throwing away makeup {and in general}, you should always clean out the product packaging by rinsing it out. The last thing you want is your product to have leftover residue sitting inside the packaging. Don’t forget to take apart the packaging for any makeup products you have, but only if it’s necessary.
Purchase Eco-Friendly Products
After you’ve thrown away your expired makeup products, consider shopping more eco-friendly and eco-conscious beauty brands, like our editor-in-chief’s beauty line, Lauren Conrad Beauty. That way, you’re supporting products that have a smaller carbon footprint, have recyclable options, and include ingredients that are good for you and the planet.
Do you usually recycle your makeup products?
Let us know in the comments below. To shop Lauren Conrad Beauty, click here.
XO Team LC
Affiliate links may have been used in this post.
