Debunking the Beauty Brand Patrick Ta Mold Issue in Eyeshadow

**Collaborative post**

There’s a lot of chemistry that goes into how eyeshadow is made. Preservatives keep makeup fresh. Fillers dictate how makeup is applied and how it wears on the skin. Binders help the makeup stay on the skin. Slip is a product, like nylon or silica, that allows the makeup to glide on the skin. Each of these elements has different options to create makeup palettes for each brand. Learn more about eyeshadows and the Patrick Ta mold problem, which really isn’t a mold problem, but a wax bloom problem.

Blooming in Eyeshadow Mistaken for Mold

Eyeshadows have a unique formulation that includes oils and waxes. Wax bloom is a natural process in which the wax crystallizes and forms a white, powdery substance on the surface. Different components of a mixture, in this case eyeshadow, can separate based on their own properties.  Candles and other waxy products can also have wax bloom. Wax bloom is harmless. It does not impact performance, but it can appear unsightly. If your eyeshadow has wax bloom, it is still safe to use near your eye. It may not blend as easily, but it won’t harm your eyes.

Why this “Blooming” Occurs

Wax blooms occur in makeup when the waxes and oils come to the surface of the makeup. It happens when the makeup is exposed to extreme temperatures, like being left in the trunk of your car during summer or when exposed to the belly of the plane while flying overseas. Extreme cold and hot temperatures can cause this bloom. Wax bloom can impact other types of makeup, such as lipstick, pencil eyeliners or other products that have a waxy base. To remove the bloom from your eyeshadow palette, use a soft cloth or Q-Tip to gently remove the waxy buildup and blend it with the other products.

Does Eyeshadow Go Bad or Expire?

Makeup products do have an expiration date. Liquids and creams last from 6 months to a year, while powder products should last about 2 years. Makeup products deteriorate over time, even when they aren’t opened. Opened products can grow bacteria. Any time you put your finger into your makeup product, you transfer germs to it. If you use a brush on your face and then put it back into the product, you transfer germs from your face to the makeup. If you notice a change in texture or smell in your makeup, you should replace it. Watch the expiration dates on your makeup to toss older products that won’t work as effectively as fresher products.  

Prevent Wax Bloom

Wax bloom in makeup occurs due to temperature changes, but it can also occur in older products and from humidity in the room, like after you get out of a shower. To prevent makeup from getting wax bloom, store it in a dry location that won’t have strong temperature changes. Keep it out of the bathroom. Don’t leave your makeup in the car in the summer or winter. Find a wide range of makeup for light skin tones, dark skin tones and every tone in between.