Shelf life of cosmetics: use only fresh means!

Probably, many girls and women have cosmetic means, which they do not use at all and store so - just in case. But what if? And here shadows, lipstick and ink for years lie in a handbag and very few people will remember that cosmetics have a shelf life. For example, lipstick is stored from one year to four years. If it has a rancid smell, then it must be discarded immediately. Powder can be stored for no more than two years, and a cream or gel for washing - only one year. Many people store lipstick and cream in the refrigerator. Indeed, so you can increase the shelf life of cosmetics. Pencil for eyes and eye shadow can be stored for three years. Pencil for lips is stored as much. You can not use overdue cosmetics, as this can lead to allergic reactions, dermatitis and other skin diseases.

Therefore, when buying this or that product in a store, it is necessary to check the expiration date of cosmetics, that is, pay attention to the date of its manufacture or the expiry date. Do this necessarily, because there are unscrupulous sellers who sell delinquent products. The shelf life of cosmetics is usually indicated on the packaging at the bottom, or at the bottom. But sometimes, instead of the date, manufacturers put code that does not say anything. But, using a special cosmetic calculator, you can install it.

In general, before you determine the shelf life of cosmetics, you must first deal with such terms as the expiration date and the date of production. Sometimes manufacturers specify that this cosmetic product should be used for such a time, starting from the moment of opening. The expiration date is indicated if it is less than thirty months. For example, if the packaging is labeled Exp 10/2013, this means that the tool can be used before this date. And if the shelf life of cosmetics is more than thirty months, it is not indicated, and on the package an open jar with the letter M. is drawn. The figure that is placed near the letter indicates how long the product should be used. For example, 12M means that this product should be used within a year. Therefore, after opening the jar, immediately put on the packaging the date of its opening.

Now in the European market you can find cosmetics with a new marking indicating the minimum shelf life. The new concept was introduced by the European legislation, and for its designation a special logo was designed - an hourglass with a date. In 2013, this marking will become mandatory for all cosmetics.

The shelf life of cosmetics depends primarily on the composition of the product and on its consistency. For example, cosmetics that do not contain preservatives are stored for at most six months. Preservatives prevent the reproduction of bacteria and various fungi. In general, different manufacturers have different expiration dates. For example, the usual sequence for us month / day / year - can vary. So it is accepted in many English-speaking countries. You can also see the letter designation of the date. Here you need to know what letter corresponds to this or that month and year.

Sometimes you can find all kinds of cosmetics, on which the date of manufacture or expiration date is absent. In this case, it is better to refuse to purchase this dubious tool, even if it just liked it.
Also, do not buy cosmetics that are heated in the sun or subjected to freezing, as it is likely that it is already hopelessly spoiled. And also, in order to protect yourself from various troubles, you need to frequently check in your cosmetic bag and without regret to part with the cosmetics that it's time to throw.