Bathroom Clean-up
Today we are going to focus on the bathroom and expired products, as in toiletries and medications.
Let’s start with the easy one – medications. All medications – prescribed and over the counter – have expirations dates. I usually end up going through mine when I’m sick and need medication (only to find out everything I have is expired) but this is something that should be done at least twice per year. Most expirations dates are on the packaging and the actual medication. If you can’t find an expiration date and don’t remember when you purchased it, err on the side of caution and toss it.
Make up can be a little bit harder to manage, as the expiration dates are not easily found on the product once the packaging is discarded. Below are general rules for make up, as shared with us by Flynn Pyykkonen, owner of Make Up by Flynn.
Make up Sponge (such as a beauty blender): every month
Liquid Eyeliner: 3 months
Mascara: 3 months
Concealer: 6-8 months
Cream blush: 6-8 months
Eye shadow: 1 year
Foundation: 6-8 months
Lip gloss: 1 year
Nail polish: 1 year (this one surprised me!)
Powder Blush: 2 years
Eye liner pencil: 2 years
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip balm: 1 to 3 years
To stay on top of your expiration dates, I recommend putting a piece of masking tape on the item with the date of when to throw it out (so you don’t have to remember how long it is good for).
By staying up to date on your make up expiration dates, you are reducing your exposure to germs and grime. It is also helpful to wash your make up brushes once or twice a week and don’t share make up unless you wash the brushes in between users.
Next, let’s talk general toiletries.
Your toothbrush should be changed at least once a quarter but if you start to notice the bristles fraying, change it early. Disposable razors should be changed every 5-7 uses to keep the blade fresh and reduce the possibility of nicks.
These items should be replaced every 6 months: loofahs, body bleaches, and depilatories.
While the deals may be good on some of these bath items, make sure you can use them within a year of purchase, so they don’t go bad: bath oil, eye cream, perfume (1-2 years), and deodorant (1-2 years).
Face cream, hair gel, hair spray, shaving cream, shampoo, and conditioner are good for 2 years. Bar soap, body wash, and sunscreen are good for up to 3 years so feel free to stock up on those sales! Even better, nail polish remover does not have an expiration date!
Always make sure to check expiration dates of your products, as they may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Take stock of your toiletries next weekend and then make a plan for how you can stay on top of them for next time. Let me know in the comments the most expired item you found!
