We all love our makeup, don’t we? From the precise shade of red lipstick to volumizing mascara, cosmetics are a vital component of our daily routine. But have you ever wondered about the shelf life of your favorite products? Just like food, makeup also has an expiration date. Ignoring these dates can lead to skin irritations, infections, and even allergic reactions.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of checking expiration dates on your makeup products and why you shouldn’t ignore them. We’ll also discuss how to properly store your makeup to extend its lifespan and share some tips on identifying expired products.

Expired Isn’t Just Old – It’s Hazardous for Your Skin (Why Expiry Dates Matter)

Not only are those out-of-date grooming supplies wasting up valuable space in your medicine cabinet or makeup bag, but applying outdated beauty products and makeup may cause hazardous skin and eye irritations. In fact, a recent UK study found that 90 percent of beauty products—particularly sponge makeup blenders—are riddled with potentially “deadly superbugs,” including E.coli and Staphylococci. Exposure to these harmful microbes (which develop in humid environments, such as makeup sponges and lipstick tubes) can result in skin infections and blood poisoning. And when you think about what these things are touching—going from your fingers, to your face/mouth/eyes/pimples, and back to the product again—it’s easy to see why it’s dangerous to keep them for so long.

How To Read Expiration Dates

All this is to say, you need to know exactly what to throw out, and when. To be fair, it’s hard to tell what a product’s expiration date is, because it’s not quite as clear as it is for food products, which are typically stamped with a “sell by” or “best by” date.However, there are a few ways to determine their shelf life:

1.The PAO Symbol: This symbol, which looks like an open jar with a number inside, indicates the product’s shelf life after opening. For example, a PAO of 6M means the product is good for six months after opening.

2.Production Date: Look for a manufacturing date on the packaging. Most makeup products have a shelf life of 12-18 months from the production date.

3.Visual Clues: Pay attention to changes in the product’s appearance, smell, and texture. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a strange odor, discoloration, or a change in consistency, it’s time to toss it out. 

General Expiry Guidelines 

Here’s the shelf-life of every cream, powder, and pencil you own, so you know when it’s time to treat yourself to some new stuff.

• Foundation and Concealer: 6-12 months (especially liquid formulas)
• Cream Blush: 12 months
• Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months (due to the high risk of bacterial growth)
• Powders (Blush, Eyeshadow, Bronzer): 1-2 years (less moisture means longer shelf life)
• Lipstick and Lip Gloss: 1-2 years (watch for changes in texture or smell)
• Nail Polish: 1-2 years (watch for thickening or separation)

When It’s Time to Let Go Your Makeup

It’s tough to part ways with products you love, but holding onto expired makeup isn’t worth the risk. If it looks weird, smells off, or feels different on your skin, it’s time to say goodbye.

The ultimate guide to detecting expired makeup
Our senses are equipped to detect changes in our environment, including the makeup we apply to our skin. By being vigilant and regularly checking your makeup stash, you ensure that your beauty routine remains both glamorous and safe!

• The scent test: A telltale warning 

Every makeup product has its distinct aroma. Over time, as products degrade, this smell can morph into something less pleasant. Trust your nose; it’s usually the first alert system. 

If your once fragrant nail polish now smells sour or your lipstick emits a rancid odor, it’s time to bid farewell.

• Texture troubles: Feel the difference

The consistency of makeup products can reveal a lot about their quality. When products change texture, it indicates that they may not be safe to use.

Creams & liquids: If they’ve become lumpy, overly thick, or separated into different layers.

Powders: If they’ve hardened or become difficult to apply.

Mascaras: If they’ve dried out or become clumpy.

• Color changes: A visual cue

Color shifts are more than just a fading appearance; they may signify chemical changes within the substance. If your foundation appears more orange than beige, or if your vivid eyeshadow appears lifeless, it is a clue that product has passed its prime.

• Separation anxiety: Components parting ways

Liquid products like foundations or liquid eyeliners can separate into different layers when they expire. While minor separation can occasionally be fixed with a good shake, consistent separation indicates that the product is no longer stable.

• Performance pitfalls: When it just doesn’t work

When cosmetics no longer works well, it is an evident symptom of aging. Foundations that do not blend well, eyeliners that smudge more than normal, and lipsticks that do not glide on easily are all signs that the product is beyond its prime.

• Packaging clues: The outer tells the inner tale

The appearance of a product can sometimes indicate its condition. If the package is swollen, it may indicate bacterial development inside. Similarly, there are obvious warning indications if the product leaks or has mold around the lid.

• Skin reactions: The unmissable SOS

If a product that once felt great now causes itching, redness, allergic reactions, or irritation, it’s a massive red flag. Our skin can react adversely to the bacteria or the breakdown of compounds in expired makeup. Always perform a patch test if in doubt, especially with products sitting around for a while.

 

How to Store Makeup for a Longer Shelf Life

Here’s the thing: how you store your makeup can make a big difference. Humidity and heat can mess up your favorite products, so try to keep them in a cool, dry place. And while the bathroom mirror might seem convenient, it’s not the best spot. Here are a few tips to ensure your makeup products actually last as long as they should.

• Always keep lids on
  When your products are not in use (eg: sitting in your makeup bag), it’s important to always keep the lids on them.Otherwise, not only will they dry out more quickly, but they’ll also be susceptible to bacteria.This applies to everything from foundations, moisturisers, lipsticks and even pencils such as lip and eye pencils.

• Don’t pump mascara
  This just pushes air into the tube and causes the product to dry out faster. Instead, slowly draw out the wand whilst twisting the brush from side to side. And if you find it hard to choose a mascara, these tips here will help you choose the best mascara for your eye shape.
  
• Keep record of your products
  Now that you know what to look for, keep track of any new purchases you make. A excellent way to accomplish this is to purchase some labels, write down the date you first opened it, and add them to the goods. This is especially useful for items with longer makeup expiration dates.
  
• Don’t store your product in the bathroom
  Avoid storing your products in warm and wet areas, like the bathroom. It is recommended to keep your things in a cold, dry place. Store your beauty goods in your makeup bag. Make sure not to leave them in direct sunlight or on a window sill.
  
• Use your products!
  Stop saving your gorgeous products for a ‘special occasion’. Why not make EVERY DAY a special occasion and go ahead and treat yourself by using those beautiful products. You don’t have to use every single product every day. But make sure to use at least a couple of them and mix it up each day. It will make you feel SO FABULOUS and amazing. And you’ll wonder why you weren’t treating yourself so well before.

Conclusion
Knowing when your makeup has expired is more than just keeping it fresh; it’s about protecting your skin and looking your best every time you apply. So, the next time you’re organizing your makeup collection, take a few minutes to check the expiration dates. It’s a tiny habit that can significantly improve your cosmetic regimen and skin health. With proper maintenance, your favorite products will not only last longer, but they will also function better.

Brainstormed by

Fahmida Faiza Bushra Oishe