It’s definitely tempting to use every last drop of your makeup, especially when you paid a lot for it. While it’s totally understandable, are you aware that cosmetic products have a lifespan too?
All makeup items expire eventually, but at the same time it depends on the different types of products you use and if the seal has been opened.
IT’S A TOUGH CALL!
Covid-19 has become a factor for many to not use their makeup products since they began working remotely. For this very reason, some of the items may have reached their longevity. As a result, most of the products may need to be tossed out of your makeup pouch.
We know it’s a tough call to throw away your most favourite lipstick or foundation. However, there’s a good reason why abiding to expiration dates is important. Using expired makeup could lead to unnecessary skin conditions such as:
- Breakouts
- Skin irritation and redness
- Eye infection and stye (swelling on the edge of an eyelid)
NOTE: If you’re experiencing any reaction from your makeup, see a dermatologist immediately for treatment.
EXPIRY DATES
It’s highly recommended for you to take note of the expiration date of makeup items before using it to avoid any skin allergies. With that being said, below are a few types of cosmetics and the duration of each products you would want to know of:
Makeup products: Expiry date
- Eye liner: 3 to 6 months
- Lipstick: 18 to 24 months
- Mascara: 3 to 6 months
- Foundation and concealer: 12 to18 months
- Cream-based products: 12–18 months
- Powder-based products: 12–18 months
HOW TO TELL YOUR PRODUCTS EXPIRY DATES?
The shelf lives of cosmetics are indefinite and at times you might miss the expiration date especially when it’s printed on the packaging. All cosmetic products are stamped with an image of an open jar with the number of months printed on it. This symbol signifies how many months you can use the product after opening it. For instance, a mascara will have 6M printed on the symbol. (‘M’ represents how many months you can use the products for). Some products may have the symbol printed on the packaging, so be sure to check and take note of its duration before tossing it away.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PRODUCTS HAVE EXPIRED?
There are a few indications that warn you it’s time to toss out those makeup items you have lying on your shelves. Some of which are:
- Smell the makeup. If anything smells different than what it should be, toss it!
- Look for changes in colours. For instance, if your cream products used to be white and have already turned into a lighter yellow, they’re likely not good for your skin.
- Pay attention to the texture, especially when it feels different on your skin.
KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU OWN
“When did I buy this lipstick?” or “When did I open that tube of mascara?” Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind?
At that moment, you might not have the slightest clue, especially when it’s been way too long since you last touched your makeup. On top of that, there’s way too many things to keep track of and knowing when you bought your makeup items would most probably be at the bottom of the list.
As true as this may be, the bottom line of not keeping track of what you own could affect your skin and we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want that.
In the future, if you’re going on a cosmetic shopping spree here’s how you can keep track of the expiration dates:
- Have a makeup expiration chart printed out and place it somewhere visible. Don’t forget to include the purchase date too.
- Make it a habit to add a piece of masking tape or other labels on your makeup bottles or packages and write down the date you began using it.
Do this every time you purchase a new product and there won’t be any guessing work necessary. Instead you’ll be able to figure out if something should be tossed out.
Sources: Byrdie, Healthline
