10 Ways To Properly Store Cosmetics So They Last Longer

The world of cosmetics is a multi-billion dollar industry, and it’s still growing. With so much focus on beauty and skin health these days, it’s no surprise that many people have a mountain of cosmetic products in their homes. Some of these products are quite expensive, so you must store them properly to ensure they work properly until you use them.

To help your cosmetic products last longer, keep them in a dark place away from direct sunlight. Most products prefer being stored at room temperature, but some creams and serums last longer in the fridge. Keep powders and solids in a dry place, and consider finding a location outside your bathroom to store all your cosmetics. Remember to keep lids sealed tight and bottles facing upright.

There are all sorts of cosmetics out there. You can buy everything from powder foundation or liquid lipstick to oily serums and charcoal face masks. With so much variety, understandably, there is no universal rule for storing cosmetics. Instead, you must consider the variables and then determine the best way to group and store your products to ensure they last as long as possible.

Five Factors To Consider When Storing Cosmetics For Longevity

1. How And Where Is The Product Applied

One factor that can impact a product's longevity is how and where it’s applied. Using a clean applicator to use a cream or solid product will prevent bacterial growth. 

If, however, you use a dirty sponge or brush, or apply the product directly to your mouth or eye region, as is the case with lipstick and mascara, then a product can grow bacteria quickly. How and where you apply products can impact how long they are safe to use.

2. Is It Liquid, Solid, Or Powder

Makeup comes in all forms. There are gentle mists, thick creams, solids, powders, and liquids. Naturally, different products favor slightly different conditions. While it is ideal to have all your cosmetics stored in one place, it is sometimes better for longevity to group products based on their ingredients and consistency, and place them in their corresponding ideal locations so they last a long time.

3. Where And When You Purchased The Product

Another factor to consider when deciding how to store a cosmetic product for longevity is where and when you bought it. If you bought a product a long time ago, then it should be used sooner rather than later. The same goes for items bought on clearance, as they are usually much closer to their expiration date.

These products should be stored carefully, but also in full view so you use them up faster.

4. Any Product-Specific Storage Requirements

Some products must be stored in a specific way to keep them fresh. This is particularly true with some high-end lotions, cream, and serums. Before putting a product casually in a cosmetic drawer, you must read the label and follow storage and care instructions for each product.

5. The Cost Of The Product

The price you pay for certain cosmetics can also dictate how you store them. A $2 hand creme can go just about anywhere, but a $200 wrinkle repair serum should be stored in a very safe and specific location to ensure it doesn’t break, leak, or go bad. The more expensive the product, the more carefully you should store it.

10 Cosmetic Storage Tips To Help Your Products Last Longer

1. Store In A Dark Place Away From Sunlight

If there is one universal rule for storing your cosmetics, then it’s ensuring you keep the products away from direct sunlight. The sun and its strong UV rays can damage all sorts of products, including cosmetics.

The rays can separate liquids, change pigments, and destroy ingredients that are designed to revitalize your skin. Ensure you keep all cosmetics away from sunlight, and ideally in a drawer, cabinet, or trunk that is dark when not in use. Avoid leaving products out in the open by your bathroom vanity.

2. Keep Most Products At Room Temperature

Temperature is another important factor to consider when storing cosmetics. Generally, most cosmetics should be stored close to room temperature. Temperatures that are too hot can cause some products to separate, lose effectiveness, or even melt.

Some products can also become ruined if they are frozen or stored somewhere that’s too cold. Store most cosmetics at room temperature, unless otherwise specified. 

3. Read The Fine Print On Your More Pricey Products

While it’s smart to pay attention to all care and storage instructions, you must pay attention to storage recommendations for your expensive products. If you recently purchased an expensive cream or serum, you’ll want to use every last drop of it. You also want to ensure the last drop is as potent as the first. The best way to ensure the longevity of your expensive products is to follow the storage guidelines exactly.

4. Ensure Lids Are Sealed Tight

One easy way to help keep your cosmetics fresh longer is to keep the bottles clean and sealed tight. Wipe the lid area with a clean towel any time you notice any residual product near the seal.

Keeping your cosmetic lids closed securely and tight keeps oxygen and moisture away from the product. This keeps the product inside fresh for longer and also helps ensure it won’t leak out.

5. Store All Powders And Solids In A Dry Location

Many cosmetic products are either powders or dry solids. If you have lots of powdered or solid makeup, then you’ll want to do all you can to keep it dry and free of clumps. In addition to keeping the products sealed tight, you should choose a dry area in your home to store this type of cosmetic.

Use a room with a dehumidifier or find a different way to lower humidity in your home. Opt for any room other than the kitchen or bathroom, as these two rooms tend to be the least dry spots in your home.

6. Remember To Keep Bottles Upright

When you store your beauty products, take the time to find a home for each bottle and jar. In doing so, this will ensure your products are organized and upright. Keeping your cosmetics in an upright condition is the way the company designed the product inside to be stored. Failure to do so can result in leaking products and other unwanted storage problems.

7. Some Expensive Liquids May Last Longer In The Fridge

It may seem strange to store beauty products in the refrigerator, but some liquids — especially expensive ones with rare and sought-after ingredients — can stay fresh longer when refrigerated.

Ensure you read the labels on your more expensive cosmetic products, especially liquids, gels, and creams. If they require lower temperatures, then find a designated spot on the door of your fridge, or another spot that isn’t too cold, and ensure they are kept fresh.

8. Remember Clearance Products Should Be Used Quickly

Many discount retailers sell quality cosmetics at low prices. While you can get great deals on beauty products at these places, they are usually close to their expiration date. To ensure these products get used before they expire, prioritize them.

Place them near the front of your cosmetics drawer, so you see them and use them more frequently.

9. Use Clean Sponges, Brushes And Applicators 

Another way to help ensure the cosmetics you store last longer is to keep the contents clean and free of bacteria. One of the best ways to keep bacteria out of your cosmetics is to ensure the applicator that touches the product is clean. 

Using clean brushes, sponges, and applicator utensils is a great way to keep your beauty products pristine and fresh for longer.

10. Consider A Cosmetic Storage Space Outside Your Bathroom

Some people opt to store makeup and cosmetics in the bathroom. It might seem like a smart idea since you apply cosmetics after you shower in many cases, but you may want to think twice about this. 

Your bathroom is usually the wettest room in the home, and temperatures can fluctuate significantly in this room as well. Storing cosmetics in a cool, dry, and dark place outside your bathroom may help all your cosmetics stay fresh longer.

Summing Up Ways To Properly Store Cosmetics For Longevity

If you’re a fan of makeup and other cosmetic products, then you know how much they can cost. You must store your cosmetics properly to ensure your beauty arsenal doesn’t expire early. Some great ways to store cosmetics so they last longer include keeping them in a cool, dry, and dark location other than your bathroom, and out of direct sunlight. Some products may last longer when refrigerated, so read labels carefully.

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• How To Organize A Bathroom Closet