Is Your Makeup Getting Old? There’s An App for That

According to the calendar spring has arrived, and with it comes the undeniable desire to clean sweep our lives. In the process don’t forget to spring clean your makeup bag. Unlike food, pharmaceuticals, and many other products that have the handy dandy expiration date, makeup often times does not, but it does expire.

You have probably experienced the clumpy, less bristle like mascara or your favorite lipstick appearing to be a different color then you remember. These are all signs it is time for a replacement, but wouldn’t it be nice to avoid the guess work and have a definitive date these items should be replaced? Let’s be honest, most of us have a hard time remembering what we purchased last week, let alone several months back, add a few kids to the mix and you might not remember what you did a few minutes ago (thanks to mommy brain). So there are some options: label your makeup with the date purchased or jump into the 21^st century and allow technology to come to your rescue with several beauty apps that send a reminder when it is time to toss out the old and replace with the new. I think the technology option is the clear winner here.

There are several apps that were recently showcased in the Providence Journal that get the job done on both iPhone and Android mobile devices. 

MAKEUP LIFE

Price: $1.99

Device Compatibility: iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
IUTA Score: 6.8
Language(s): English, Japanese and Korean
Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/makeup-life/id475189006?mt=8

Features: Select the type of product (foundation, mascara, lotion etc.), upload a picture of the product (optional), rate the product, add date of first use, add expiration date or select auto option and you are on your way to maintaining an up to date makeup bag. This app also features an expiry date alarm that notifies you in advance of the expiration date giving you time to restock.

BEAUTY ALERT!

Price: $1.99
Device Compatibility: iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
User Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Language(s): English
Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beauty-alert!/id385957049?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Features: This app makes keeping track of cosmetic expiration dates easy. Simply add the date of first use, product details and start receiving alerts when it is time to replace. Simple easy app.   

    

CHECK YOUR COSMETIC
Price: Free on Android

Device Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
User Rating: 4.1  out of 5
Language(s): English, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Romanian 

Download: http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/market/apps/app/org.example.checkyourcosmetic/Check-Your-Cosmetic

Features: Select from 54 brands entering the batch code often located on the bottom of the product, outside packaging, or ink stamped on the product to determine the production date, shelf life, and expiration date.
Not app savvy, no worries as below are the recommended toss-times for most commonly used cosmetics:

Face Makeup
Toss-Time: 6 months for liquids; two years for powders

Mascara
Toss-Time: 3 months

Eyeliner and Eye Shadow
Toss-Time: Liquid eyeliners, 3 months; cream eye shadows, 6 months; pencil eyeliners and powder eye shadows, 2 years.

Lipstick and Lipliner
Toss-Time: Lipstick and gloss, 2 years; lipliner, 2 years or more

Regardless if you are app happy or super organized, remember beauty products do go bad and can be harmful if used past their prime. Stay healthy, happy and beautiful with simple toss-time reminders.