I am sure that many of you, if not all, have a stash of personal makeup that you have had yourself, for many many years. In the dance world, the same goes for performer’s makeup. It is very common to purchase your studio colours and team makeup, and use it for countless years. Especially lipsticks and shadows!
Does this sound like you?
Definitely one benefit of investing in quality makeup is that yes, some items will last you several seasons. But for most of your products, it’s probably time to let them go.
Makeup is one of those items that seem to be non-perishable but actually are. All products have a shelf life and a recommended time of replacement; and these suggestions aren’t like your iphone upgrades, which want you to replace for the next hottest item. Makeup is susceptible to carrying bacteria that is picked up from your brushes, hands, skin and more. These bacteria’s lead to infection. These infections can be surface: your skin breaking out, eye infections, or greater sickness’.
As performers, we work hard to stay healthy, fuel ourselves properly and take constant care of our delicate skin. We definitely do not want to expose ourselves to the bad bacteria found in old cosmetics products.
The first step to taking charge of your makeup case, is to know where to find the shelf life of your products.
What is a ‘Shelf Life’?
A shelf life is a period of time that you can expect your product to act as expected and stay safe for use. A shelf life varies from product to product, and brand to brand; cosmetic companies are not required to list this on their products.
This can typically be found on your product label, and is listed in months. All STAGE products have the shelf life listed on the bottom label, shown here:
As mentioned, the shelf life is going to vary from brand to brand, and one key factor that influences a shelf- life of a product are the ingredients. Products with more ‘natural’ ingredients, and less added preservatives will have a shorter expiration.
Checking your shelf life is the first step in ensuring you are using safe, and bacteria free cosmetics. Here are some extra guidelines you can keep on hand, as your rule of thumb:
- Mascara: every 3 months
- Eyeliner: every 3 months
- Foundation products and cream based shadows): once a year
- Powders like eyeshadows, blushes, bronzer: every 2-3 years
- Lipsticks: every year
- Makeup brushes: depending on how you care for them will last 2-5 years
Or maybe longer with the proper care! Read more about How to Keep Your Makeup Brushes Clean and Fresh Here. - Makeup sponges: every month!
During performance season, you want to keep your products clean and bacteria free, as best you can.
Here are our TOP TIPS for keeping your makeup healthy:
- Do not share makeup
This is super important for parents who are hoping to share products between the team or multiple students. By sharing, you are passing around germs, possible infections and building up bacteria on the product. - Keep containers, applicators + brushes clean
After every performance, we suggest wiping down your products with a sanitary makeup wipe and cleaning your brushes. Be cautious of where you are setting your makeup/applicators while you are applying the products. Make sure you are not setting down open products, brushes in a exposure risk environment - Do not add water to your products if they are dried out.
If your products have dried out (due to a loose cap or improper storage) do not try to salvage the product and add water. This will introduce bacteria into the product. - ‘Cut’ your lipsticks
If you using a standard ‘bullet’ lipstick, you can cut the top off of your product in between performance weekends with a sanitary knife. This will get rid of any resting bacteria and start you off fresh for that weekend!
You are now well on your way to ensuring the use of clean and healthy cosmetics for this performance season! If you have any further questions, need clarifications or want to share some of your knowledge with us, please write to us!
If you’ve decided it’s time to replenish some of your products, head to our SHOP to find all of your favourites!
xx