• To “revive” hardened powder that has clumped together due to skin oil particles left on the sponge, press a small piece of tape onto the powder.
• To restore crumbled eyeshadow and blush to a presentable state, moisten them with regular alcohol and press them with a spoon. Once the alcohol has evaporated, the eyeshadow will be ready for use.
• If mascara residue has stuck to the sides of the tube, you can revive it by placing the bottle in a container of warm water. Hold it there for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the water and shake it. For hygiene reasons and to avoid an allergic reaction, it is better not to dilute mascara with water or any other substances.
• Don’t rush to throw away broken lipstick. You can extend its life with a lighter, which you can use to warm the broken area, then firmly join the two parts together. The lipstick will look like new.
• To refresh your nail polish, buy a nail polish thinner. Just 2-3 drops are enough to restore the thickened product to its original consistency.
• Makeup brushes can be cleaned with warm water and baby shampoo, then softened with olive oil.

Cosmetics storage conditions

Many of the cosmetics we use have a short shelf life. Expired cosmetics can cause allergies and side effects, so it is important to pay attention to the contents on the packaging and follow the instructions on the label.

Three key principles to help you extend the shelf life of your cosmetics.

1. Where you store your cosmetics is definitely one of the most important factors affecting their shelf life. Most women keep their cosmetics on a shelf in the bathroom. Unfortunately, this is not the best place for this purpose, as high temperatures and humidity cause cosmetics to spoil much faster, and their unique properties are subject to adverse changes.

For example, when heated, many vitamins contained in creams lose most of their properties. In addition, we must remember that these are light-sensitive products. Therefore, we must protect them from both sunlight and artificial light.

Tip: do not buy products from shop windows or shelves with halogen lighting.

To ensure that cosmetics last as long as possible, they should be stored in a dry, cool, and shaded place. Cold temperatures prevent the growth of microorganisms and extend the shelf life of cosmetics. Store perfumes and nail polish at a constant room temperature, away from light and preferably in an upright position.

2. The shelf life of cosmetics can be extended in a simple way—by closing the packaging. Poorly closed nail polish or mascara becomes aerated, causing the product to deteriorate and lose its properties. In addition, cosmetics spoil faster when exposed to air.

Another good solution is to buy products in tubes, dispenser bottles, or spray bottles. This way, we don’t need to touch the product, which minimizes the risk of microorganisms getting into the cosmetics, which can accelerate aging or destroy its properties.

Always pay attention to the expiration date after opening the bottle or package—usually 12 months.

3. When buying cosmetics at reduced prices, it is worth asking the seller why the products are being sold at a lower price. Often the reason is the expiration date. Of course, many companies offer promotions on their products, thanks to which you can buy high-quality cosmetics at almost half the usual price. And there is no catch.

However, if you notice an unpleasant smell or find that a cosmetic product looks suspicious, it is better to refrain from using it, even if the date on the label has not yet expired. Remember that cosmetics labeled “natural” or “organic” without preservatives can only be stored for about 2-4 months. After this time, unfortunately, they are no longer suitable for use.