How To Tell If Your Makeup Is Expired!
I think it’s safe to say a majority of us hold onto our makeup longer than we probably should. Whether it’s the foundation we splurged on & only use for special occasions or the limited edition lipstick that we can’t let go of! Or maybe you love the idea of your favorite makeup products lasting forever - saving you money and a trip to Sephora!
I hear you sister… cause that was me too, for many years! Then I learned from a few makeup experts in the field that there’s a lot of cons to holding onto your expired makeup.
We use makeup to cover up our imperfections and enhance the features we love about ourselves - however if you use expired makeup it’s more likely than not that you are CAUSING these imperfections to surface. Just like food - when makeup expires it has negative effects to the body.
In this post I am going to share
What "really” happens when you use expired makeup
4 ways to know when your makeup is expired
3 rules to follow when storing your makeup so it can live out its full shelf life
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU USE EXPIRED MAKEUP
If you are wondering “can makeup be used after expiration date” - Technically…yes. Should it be?…NO!
Here’s why - aside from the product noticeably transferring poorly onto your skin or appearing discolored - using products past their lifespan can cause breakouts, redness, skin irritation, an allergic reaction, or even infections.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY MAKEUP EXPIRES ?
There are 4 ways to keep track of how long your makeup products are safe to use before they expire and it’s time to toss them.
#1 THE “JAR” SYMBOL
Many beauty products feature a small jar with a number and the letter M next to it! The number next to the M indicates how long that product will be good to use after being opened and exposed to air - it’s called “PAO” (point after opening).
For example, 3M means three months, 6M means six months, 12M means a year, etc. After this timeframe, the products will decline in quality and can become a breeding ground for bacteria aka expired!
You might be wondering well if it’s the PAO that’s a guideline then does makeup expire if not opened? The answer is yes it can! So the best rule of thumb to follow is to toss any makeup product that you have had for longer than 3 years (even unopened).
#2 MAKEUP EXPIRATION CHART
Unfortunately it is not mandated by the FDA for cosmetic companies to include the jar feature on the product. In the case that a product doesn’t have a jar, not to worry I’ve got you covered! Here is a guide (rule of thumb) to go by based on each type of beauty product.
PRO TIP: When you open your container write the date with a sharpie on it so you can keep track of the “PAO” shelf life.
#3 USE A COSMETIC CALCULATOR
Another way to figure out when a product will expire is by looking up the product’s batch code.
A batch code is an identification code assigned to a batch of cosmetics and times & linked to information such as production dates. The batch code is printed or stamped on the bottom of the product package ( I have included a picture of how to find the barcode below)
Once you find that code you can go to this site and select the brand of your product then enter the batch code number. The site will pull up two things for you:
The date the batch was produced
The age of the product.
PRO TIP: Earlier in this post I explained that the expiration date starts from the moment you open the product not the day it was produced. However, it’s important to remember I also explained that even when unopened, a product older than 3 years should be tossed. SO this is a great tool to use when you’ve had an unopened product sitting in your makeup collection for a while and you want to double check it’s safety before applying it to your face.
#4 NOTICEABLE CHANGES TO THE PRODUCT
If all else fails use your senses - what do you see, feel, and smell?
Below are 3 signs the product has gone bad (even if the “rule of thumb” timeframe hasn’t surpassed) When in doubt - throw it out!
Liquid product separates
Changes color or texture
Has a foul smell / change in odor
PRO TIP: There’s a lot of advice out there on how to “revamp” your dried out mascara to make it last longer. DON’T DO IT! Your eyes are the most sensitive area and it’s not worth getting an eye infection. I have linked some of my favorite affordable mascaras that won’t break the bank so you can replace them every 2-3 months.
SHOP THESE MASCARAS
SAFEST WAY TO STORE YOUR MAKEUP
Now that you know how to keep track of the shelf life of your products it’s important to know that a product's safety may expire long before the expiration date if the product has not been properly stored.
Here are 3 easy tips to follow when it come to storing your makeup so they live out their entire shelf life!
#1. MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT LIDS ARE CLOSED TIGHT AND AWAY FROM SUNLIGHT
Hot temperatures accelerate the degradation and life span.
#2. STORE PRODUCTS IN A COOL ROOM OR REFRIGERATOR
Cooler temperatures are known to extend shelf life.
#3. AVOID THE BATHROOM VANITY
I know I know - this seems like a silly rule being that the bathroom is where you’re probably used to getting ready. However, your bathroom also consist of steam and humidity from showering & running water which can create mold. So, its best to keep your makeup collection somewhere drier to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold.
PRO TIP: Set up a vanity in your bedroom or organize your makeup in a cosmetic bag that you can move from room to room and apply your makeup in an extra bathroom where the shower is not used.
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