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FACING FACTS

This is where you should REALLY store your beauty products… from stashing your lipstick in the fridge to keeping powder products out of the bathroom

THE world of make-up can be a bit of a minefield, so are you storing your beauty products in the correct way?

Here the experts at  explain how to extend the shelf life of your essential items by taking them out of the make-up bag, and putting them into the fridge.

1. Liquid foundation

Cupboard or fridge

 Liquid foundations, like this one from Boots' No7 range, are best kept in a cupboard
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Liquid foundations, like this one from Boots' No7 range, are best kept in a cupboard

Don't keep liquid or creamy make-up products in the window, by the radiator or next to an external wall - and store them in a cool, dry place instead.

"Any exposure to heat and sunlight can dry out the products and separate the natural oils that are contained in the makeup," the experts warn.

2. Powder products

Anywhere but the bathroom

 Bronzers and matting powders, like this one from Max Factor, shouldn't be stored in the bathroom
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Bronzers and matting powders, like this one from Max Factor, shouldn't be stored in the bathroom

You should never keep your bronzer, eyeshadow or powder in the bathroom - because of the humidity.

The experts explain: "Extra humidity can cause powder products to turn saturated and cakey.

"Don’t store powders in the bathroom, as the shower and bath humidity can be a death sentence to these types of products."

3. Perfume

Somewhere cool

 Perfumes, like Daisy by Marc Jacobs, should never be kept in the fridge
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Perfumes, like Daisy by Marc Jacobs, should never be kept in the fridge

Keep your perfume somewhere cool and dark but don't, despite some advice to the contrary, put it in the fridge.

The experts explain: "Extreme temperatures either end of the spectrum will alter the fragrances smell."

4. Lipstick

In the fridge

 Stick your lipstick, like this one from MUA, in the fridge to stop it breaking down
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Stick your lipstick, like this one from MUA, in the fridge to stop it breaking down

The fridge will preserve your lipstick's colour and texture.

The experts explain: "Too much heat exposure to lipsticks can cause them to break down and decompose over time."

5. Mascara

Somewhere cool

 Don't put your mascara, like this one by Maybelline, in the fridge - as it could lead to bacterial infection
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Don't put your mascara, like this one by Maybelline, in the fridge - as it could lead to bacterial infection

The experts explain: "Although it’s been suggested to store them in the fridge to preserve the shelf life, you generally shouldn’t, as the bacteria in makeup can cause eye infections or irritations."

And, however you store it, make sure you follow the shelf life.

6. Nail polish

In the fridge

 Keep nail varnish, like this one from Barry M, in the fridge to stop it going gloopy
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Keep nail varnish, like this one from Barry M, in the fridge to stop it going gloopy

The experts explain: "Sunlight and heat can cause the product to become thick and gloopy and it can also alter the colour.

"Keeping your polish in the fridge can help the paint stay thin and even for application, and can preserve the colour."

7. Sun cream

Somewhere cool

 Sun cream, like this one by Nivea, should be stored in the fridge
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Sun cream, like this one by Nivea, should be stored in the fridge

The experts explain: "Take it off the bathroom counter and away from heated rooms, as this can make the formula separate and can also cause mould."

Using out-of-date sun cream can put you at risk of burning, so ALWAYS check the expiry date.

8. Eye cream

In the fridge

 Eye cream, like this one by Simple, will be more effective if kept in the fridge
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Eye cream, like this one by Simple, will be more effective if kept in the fridge

Keeping your eye gel cool will make it extra effective in fighting those puffy eyes.

The experts explain: "Cold temperatures tighten blood vessels, which will reduce the swelling. "

9. Blending sponges

Anywhere but the bathroom

 Blending sponges, like this one by Lottie London, shouldn't be kept in the bathroom
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Blending sponges, like this one by Lottie London, shouldn't be kept in the bathroom

The experts explain: "The steam from your shower or bath can condense on the surface of these cosmetics, and can produce mould.

"After cleaning your blending sponges, leave them to air-dry outside of the bathroom."

10. Aloe Vera

In the fridge

 If you're putting Aloe Vera gel on your sun burn, store the bottle in the fridge
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If you're putting Aloe Vera gel on your sun burn, store the bottle in the fridge

Using Aloe Vera gel to ease your sunburn? Stick it in the fridge.

The experts explain: "This will cool the skin down on application, so you won’t be able to sense the burning/itching feeling that sunburn gives you."

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