Regardless of type - mascara, foundation, lipstick, cleanser or moisturiser - products aren't safe left for long if they don't contain preservative. Photo / 123RF
All beauty products, natural or otherwise, have a best-before date that sometimes isn't obvious on its packaging. Regardless of type - mascara, foundation, lipstick, cleanser or moisturiser - products aren't safe left for long if they don't contain preservative. While parabens and other chemicals used to keep them stable are
often criticised, plant-based preservatives also aren't without their risks, one of which is that they often aren't as long lasting.
Bacteria infect products easily. Studies show that a little is present in even unopened jars, tubes and pots. But as soon as packaging is opened, germs rush in. Fingers, applicators and brushes add more. At some point, any preservative will lose its fight with bacteria no matter how careful you are. Only some products have a clear expiry date, so working out when to ditch them isn't always easy. Texture and smell changes are obvious signs of spoiling, so bin it immediately if it starts to pong or - heavens above - goes mouldy. There are always exceptions but, generally, foundation and concealer are good for up to 18 months or so; mascara no more than six months; shadows and eyeliners for about six months (they are, after all, in contact with the eyes) lipstick and lip pencils 12 to 18 months; and powder and powder blush, body moisturiser and face creams up to two years. (If the product is natural that time frame could well be shorter.)
One of the ways of solving the problems caused by use-bys is to buy new ones. Here are a few that caught our eye this week...
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil ($125)
I don't usually find that Tom Ford and subtlety go together. He's more of a hit-them-square-in-the-senses kind of guy. And his new body oil doesn't disappoint. A sultry mix of amber, sandalwood and white florals, it has a transporting summer's-day-on-an-exclusive-tropical-island headiness.
