It still LOOKS good, but is it?

No, I'm not talking about the 3-day old tuna sandwich you left in the office fridge over the weekend which, since I brought it up, is probably not good. I'm referring to that multivitalhydronourishing face masque you just dug out of deepest, darkest bathroom drawer for a solo Friday night beauty bash. Things haven't been so great in the dating world and you're too broke to hit it downtown with your girl gang, so you're working with what you've got on hand, meaning, the stuff you've already paid for. You've got all the gear: half a bag of pita chips, the black walnut ice cream you don't love but will eat in a pinch, cat, terry throw, TV and the newly recovered beauty spread. It's going to be a great night after all!

But, wait a sec... How old is this thing you're about to ice your face and neck with? You can't remember even buying it much less when. There's some evidence of its possible age: uncorroded silver cap on the jar, nice rich color, a fuzz-free surface, and a web address on the back label. This is encouraging. It's just that smell, not necessarily a bad one, kind of familiar even, but did it smell like this when you first bought it and, if not, is this a sign of a facial disaster in the making? Will this be your last night on earth as a gaze-worthy woman? Will you end up looking like a cross between Jocelyn Wildenstein and a Denver omelet?

Here's one sure way to test the quality of any skincare product (or food product for that matter), especially those that, for all they appear, seem to be in good condition. Go to any art supply store or your own painting studio and open a can of artist's linseed oil. Take a deep whiff from the top and remember that odd metallic-like odor. What you are smelling is not the natural scent of linseed but, instead, a very rancid oil! Oils used for non-food purposes are often packed without preservatives and therefore spoil very quickly. Almost any natural oil will take on that very same smell once rancidity sets in, and rancidity (oxidization) is highly carcinogenic. You don't want to wear this product, even if it may not be an immediate health threat. But, open a pack of trail mix, a bag of potato chips or cookies, a bottle of cooking oil or anything capable of spoiling and get even the slightest hint of the artists linseed oil scent and it's time to toss it out. Do not ignore your senses and eat this thing! I will be very upset with you knowing you've read this. You need someone to care about you and keep you from being a reckless girl or boy. I am doing that for you right now.


So, go on and get your linseed lesson. Keep your skincare products fresh. Write the date of purchase on the label and for products like treatment masques which sometimes are used as often as gym memberships, store them in the refrigerator. Are we good? Good.


You're beautiful,


Douglas Preston
The Preston Beauty Blog