Do Your Cosmetics Expire?
Do you tend to hold onto your makeup for years? We completely understand if you’ve found the perfect product and don’t want to part with it until you’ve used every last bit. However, what many of us don’t realize is that cosmetics actually have an expiration date, too. Knowing these dates can be a bit tricky because, unlike other products, the use-by date on your makeup products relies on the first day you use them, not the purchase date. But it is so important that we all learn about these dates as cosmetics can trap bacteria exposing you to harmful toxins.
Each product in your makeup bag has its own shelf life, so let’s break it down for you.
Face Products
Foundation & Concealer
Shelf Life:
water-based: Up to 12 months.
Oil-based: Up to 18 months.
Expiry Signs: Smell and consistency. If you notice that your foundation’s consistency has thickened and the oils have risen to the top, it may result in an uneven, streaky, and inconsistent finish. This could be an indication that it’s time to replace your product.
Maintenance Tips: Elongate the life span of your product by storing it in a cool place and shaking it regularly to mix the oils. Also, keep your application tools clean and avoid touching your product instead drip the foundation onto the back of your hand before applying it.
Blush, Bronzer, and Powder
Shelf Life: 18 months to two years.
Expiry Signs: Again keep an eye on smell and consistency. Also, in case you spot a hard edge on your powder, it could be a result of minerals in your blush getting mixed with oils from your skin over time.
And it is maybe time to replace it.
Maintenance Tips: Your powder cosmetics can last longer than two years with the right use. Always clean your brushes before each use to avoid any old makeup, germs, or skin cells ending up in the powder. Additionally, make sure to close the product after use to avoid oxidation and thus change in color.
Cream Blush and Multiple Sticks
Shelf Life: 12 to 18 months.
Expiry Signs: Change in texture.
Maintenance Tips: It is important to ensure that your hands are clean before applying, and even better to utilize sterile application tools in order to maintain the hygiene of the tubes and pots.
Lip Products
Lipstick, Liner, and Gloss
Shelf Life: 12 to 18 months.
Expiry Signs: Any change in texture or smell means it is time to toss your lip product.
Maintenance Tips: To make your lipstick last longer store it in a cool and dry place (definitely not your hot car). Also, avoid applying lipstick right after eating as this can promote the growth of bacteria.
Eye Products
Mascara
Shelf Life: Three months with everyday use & six months with occasional use.
Expiry Signs: Any funky smell or clumpy texture means it is time to switch your mascara. Also, if you stopped hearing that popping sound when you take your wand out of the tube. This indicates that an excessive amount of air has managed to enter the tube.
Maintenance Tips: Don’t ever share mascara! Don’t pump the wand. Draw it out and twist it against the tube to pick up the product. If mascara dries up, revive with a few drops of baby oil.
Eyeliner
Shelf Life: Three months to three years
Expiry Signs: When it develops a white film that can’t be sharpened off, it is time to toss it.
Maintenance Tips: Clean the tip of your eyeliner after each use. Also, it is important to sanitize your sharpener regularly with cotton wool and alcohol.
Other Products
Nail Polish
Shelf Life: One to two years.
Expiry Signs: Change in color.
Maintenance Tips: Keep out of the heat and direct sunlight. And store it in a cool and dry place.
Fragrance
Shelf Life: Three to five years.
Maintenance Tips: To extend the lifespan of your perfume, it is recommended to store it away from direct sunlight. Some brands even advise storing them in the fridge for optimal preservation.
