shelf life of unopened paint?

Hi Everyone,

Our library has a used book store and today I found a face painting book by the editors of Klutz press with a sample of Kryloan face paints. It's never been opened, but says it was published in 1990. Do you think they are still useable? I've read the the shelf life of opened paint is 18months, but what about unopened paint?

Thanks!
Katy

I wouldn't use it, but that is just me. Standards have changed A LOT in 20 years.

20 year old Kryolan, unopened (as in SEALED) should be fine EXCEPT.... A publication date doesn't mean THAT particular book is 20 years old... it means the original date that they published the book, it could be a reprint.

1) open and smell it. Should smell like make-up - if it smells like anything else chuck it.

2) try to activate it - it may be too dried out. It should get wet right away and be creamy. If it doesn't chuck it.

3) Snazaroo has the 18 month claim - use withing 18 months of opening.

(don't tell anyone but I am still using 13 year old Kryolan... er, and have some 8 year old Snaz.... AND I have some pancake make-up that is ahem.... about 30 years old and it works amazingly!!)

Thank you!!

Probably could still use the paint to practice with??

great suggestion! I'll do that - I was reading the book and it said not to put the red near or on the eyes, which isn't the case now in 2009 - correct?

Actually, generally, that still applies. If the label says that, follow instructions. Snaz, I think, is the only brand that has passed safety tests and meets the standards to be safe everywhere, other brands don't seem to have done that testing. Best to read their MSDS on their websites, etc.

If that is older make-up then it probably is not current recipe....