Do Beauty Products Really Expire

Eye makeup is perhaps the most important product of all to consider when it comes to makeup expiry dates. If you're wanting to refresh your mascara try Lash Idole Mascara for a fluttery feathery lifted lash or Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara, our best-selling mascara for extra voluminous lashes. Liquid eyeliners typically have a similar recommended expiry date as mascara whereas eyeshadow is dependent on if the formula is a cream or powder.

Have you ever wondered how long to keep that mascara you used a few times? How about that one lipstick or night cream that you're saving for a different season? We usually mind the expiration dates on our food down to the day, but what about our beauty products? Keep reading for the scoop on the actual shelf life of your favorite beauty and skincare products so that you can avoid a crucial skincare mistake. We know it's a tough call throwing away your favorite blush or lipstick, but abiding by makeup expiration dates is actually incredibly important.

Cosmetics can trap bacteria, which means replacing them regularly is necessary to try to avoid skin irritation, breakouts, eye infections, and styes. Generally speaking, most items that we put onto our skin, be it makeup or skin care products like cleansers and moisturizers, and should have markings on them with expiration or "best by" dates. Sometimes there are actual batch numbers, with a "best by date". These may be affixed with a sticker or printed onto the bottom or side or back of a container.

Another symbol appearing more and more these days is the international "open container" sign. It looks like a picture of an opened cosmetic container, with numbers like "6 months" written on it. When you see the international open container sign with a 9 on it, it means nine months.

This means that after you have opened the container, it should be used up within 6 months. That being said, cosmetics and skin care in particular, do not have an open ended expiration. If you purchase a face cream in January, and it has a shelf life of about a year, and you open it in December, you may already be gambling with the open container expiration date of 6 months. Here are some additional tips and information you can use to identify what is "off". When in doubt, toss anything that has changed in smell, color or texture. Also know that all natural products have a more limited life span and can go bad much sooner than products that include preservatives.

If water is the first ingredient, it generally has the shortest shelf life after opening because the water encourages bacteria to grow—which, when it comes to toiletries, is enemy #1. The shelf life on foundations and cover up sticks and creams can vary, and it all depends upon how you use it. If you use clean hands, apply your foundation liquid directly onto your hands, and use a clean makeup sponge, a foundation may remain uncontaminated and fill out a full one year expiration date. Many people, however, apply their sponge directly to the bottle, then use the sponge and toss it onto their counter to use again tomorrow.

Does Meaningful Beauty Products Expire While they are off at work, or grabbing a latte, bacteria is beginning to grow. Likewise with foam applicators that we use to apply cover up on top of a blemish. Most blemishes will have bacteria from acne, which is then transferred to the foam applicator, and then dunked back into the applicator tube. In this way, bacteria are introduced not only to the tip, but to the bottle. Most preservatives will fight off the bacteria for a certain period of time, but keep an eye on how you are using your products, and you can safely extend the time in which you use them.

Spring is the perfect time to take stock of your beauty product collection and toss any expired makeup. Whilst you're tossing any old products do a quick check to make sure the colors in your collection are still working for you. Perhaps it's time to try a new lipstick shade or a darker foundation. So when exactly is your cue to clean out your makeup bag? If your cosmetics are starting to smell funky, nix them. If your liquids are starting to turn a different color, discard them.

And if your mascara consistency is starting to resemble that of dry raisins, discard it. "If the product starts to dry out, it's definitely time to replace it. In foundation, watch if the product is separating in the container.

For lipstick or gloss, if the color starts to change tone or you notice a change in the way it smells," says Mae. As long as you are applying your skincare and makeup products in a clean and efficient manner, your products will not expire so easily. Using applicators and brushes that are regularly cleaned is a safe way to ensure your products are not getting contaminated from any germs.

However, if you dip your finger in creams, foundations, and eyeshadows, this can cause bacteria from your fingers to deteriorate the makeup or skincare product over time. An expiration date is the biggest sign and easiest way to indicate if a product is expired or not. Most skincare and makeup products have a small, expiration date on the label or at the bottom of the packaging. It appears to be an icon resembling an open-lid jar with a number in front of the letter "M," in the middle of it. That number is how many months that product can last from the day it is opened. Make sure to dispose of any products that have gone over the date written on the label.

Even if the product seems fine and does not show any signs of discoloration or odor, it is not safe to use it on your skin if the expiration date states it is no longer good to use. The expiration date does not always mean that is the date the product will go bad, it also can mean that the product is useless at that point and does not work anymore. This proves there is no point in using any expired product, whether it be harmful or not, there is no benefit to using it. As long as you're not touching powder-based makeup with dirty hands or brushes, it runs a lower risk of feeding bacteria as there is no water to aid their growth. However, with time, they start drying out, crumbling and become clumpy, making application difficult.

Some also contain botanical ingredients, like aloe or essential oils, and these can harbour infections. So, keep an eye out for any kind of growth or change in consistency and toss out immediately if that happens. If you start to notice a visual change of color, texture, or consistency in your products, it is time to dispose of them.

This indicates that they are expired and you do not want to risk putting them on your face if they are no longer of beneficial use. For instance, you might realize that your foundation color has changed or became more dry than creamy. Eyeshadows and Lipsticks become dry and flaky which are key indicators that they are not okay to use anymore. Other powders, such as blush, bronzer, and highlighter tend to form a "chalky" texture. Your sense of smell can also help you figure out which products to ditch. If you use fragrance-free lotions, cleansers, or creams, and start to notice a developing smell or strong odor, it is safe to say those products are not safe to use anymore.

There are a lot of women out there that are doing the current Kon Marie trend in minimizing and throwing out or giving away excess in their homes, but what about makeup, skin care and shower products? When are they too old to be safely used, and when should they just be pitched into the trash or recycling? Using products that have expired can mean exposing your skin to bacteria, mold and yeast, which can result in eye or skin reactions, infections and worse. Let's look at what you may have hiding in your makeup drawers, cosmetic zippered bags, and lurking under your bathroom sinks, and see what can be tossed now to keep you safe.

If you notice any change in your makeup products it's time to toss them! Cream and liquid formulas separating mascaras drying out or lipsticks smelling bad are all indicators of makeup that has gone bad. Now that you understand a bit about how and why expiration dates are imprinted on your beauty products, it's time to understand how those dates impact you. Keep reading to find out how you can know for sure if your expired unopened beauty products are safe for you to use. Kelli adds, "When it comes to mascara, try the smell test.

You can really tell when it's gone bad because you'll notice a hint of something funky in the smell. You'll probably also be able to tell by the way the mascara goes onto your eyelashes. If it starts flaking or just doesn't last throughout the day, it's another sign you need a new tube. For blush and bronzers in both creams and powders, you'll notice a kind of a film on the top to indicate they've expired." Next, learn how to clean your makeup brushes so they last.

People like to say that beauty doesn't last forever, but the only time that's really true is when you're talking about your beauty products. Most skincare and makeup items have a shelf life because the preservatives in the formulas degrade over time. Take a look around your fridge and within a few seconds, you could probably tell at first glance what should be thrown out. Your veggies and spices start to wilt and dry up, while prepared meals start to form oil at the top of the plastic containers.

But what about when you look in your makeup bag, your shower or medicine cabinet? It's not always clear if your foundation or shampoo is okay to use, or if it's time to toss it out and replace the goods. Using expired products is not only a little gross, but it can also be troublesome for your skin. Whether moisturiser or mascara, preservatives in products only last so long after opening, and the stability of ingredients have a shelf life as well. The tricky thing is that only products regulated as over-the-counter drugs (i.e., sunscreens and anti-acne treatments) have official expiration dates stamped or printed on their packaging. The average beauty product's expiration date depends on when you first use them and how the product is packaged and stored.

One of the longest lasting products in your bathroom is your powdered eye shadows, blushes and mineral powdered makeup. The trick to keeping these lasting for years is using only clean brushes to apply them. As long as no water from the tap sits on them, or oils from the skin change the powdered look, color or texture, you can do this cleaning method and keep your powders for 3-5 years. Keep your brushes clean by washing them with soap and water, and placing in the sun, or use a brush cleanser, and dry them before use. We all have that one product that we refuse to part with. Whether it's the perfect shade of red lipstick that's been used down to a mere nub, or the eyeshadow you've used down to the bottom of the pan, it breaks your heart to think about parting ways.

Or, it may be a fully unused product that you've been saving for the perfect occasion! But that "perfect" product could be harboring some yucky bacteria that can cause infections. Just like the food in your fridge, your beauty products have an expiration date.

As you perfect your base with foundations concealers and cheek products like blushes and bronzers make sure you're not clogging up your pores with expired makeup. Expired makeup can cause a number of skin issues including allergic reactions acne and skin irritation. Once perfected create a rosy glow with Blush Subtil our silky oil-free powder blush. In an ideal world, all beauty products would be labeled with a "sell-by" date and instructions for how long to use them after opening. Unfortunately, we're not quite there yet, and with so many variations of products and formulas, it's not always easy to define a clear shelf life. Lipstick tends to fare better than other types of makeup products.

Even when it's expired, it can still last for about a year after opening it from the original packaging. When a tube of lipstick looks and feels dried out, is cracked, or you notice the color doesn't look the same as when you first started using it, it's time for it to go. 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 unwelcome bacteria (which thrive in damp environments-aka makeup sponges and lipstick tubes) can lead to things like skin infection and blood poisoning, at worst.

There are two major reasons why you should avoid using skincare that has gone bad. First, old products areprone to harboring bacteria, which can lead to irritation and infections like acne and dermatitis. Over time, a product loses its efficacy—making it worth tossing, anyways. Spring is here—and the change in season may have you switching up your skincare routine.

But if you're digging out last year's lightweight moisturizer, check the expiration date. Most opened products lose their effectiveness after one year and some even sooner, according to cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. Expired products may not only lack potency, but could also cause an adverse skin reaction. To be completely sure it's time to let go, here's a complete list of how long to keep your skincare products.

As cosmetics and skincare age, their formula changes consistency. "You'll begin to see separation in creams because the water and oil molecules will break apart over time, causing the oil to rise to the surface," explains Dell'Acqua. Mascara will become clumpy and dry, while lipstick may develop tiny holes or start feeling gooey or rubbery. Using a product after its prime might not seem like a big deal, but expired beauty products are less effective and can even cause health issues like infections and irritation. So TODAY Style consulted a range of beauty experts to get the scoop on the actual shelf life of your favorite beauty products. Even the most expensive skincare creams, serums, oils, tinctures, and ointments eventually go bad enough that you're probably going to want to throw them away.

Sure, you can use them, but there are some consequences for utilizing certain types of expired skincare products. Another thing to keep in mind is where you are storing your products. People assume the best place to store their skincare products is in the bathroom or shower. However, this is where a lot of heat and moisture may affect the consistency of your lotions and cleansers.

It is best to store all of your skincare products, as well as your makeup products, in a dry and cool space with a consistent temperature. We all buy skincare products to create a routine that will improve our skin to be more healthy and hydrated. Similarly, makeup is used to enhance our beauty and make us feel flawless. If we use expired skincare and makeup products that would jeopardize our skin and undo the hard work we put into making it look smooth and clear of any blemishes. Unlike say, food, cosmetic companies aren't required to put expiration dates on beauty products, but a few brands list them anyway, so start by taking a look at the package.

Like food labels, some cosmetics have the month, date, and year printed on the package. Others have a symbol of a jar with an open lid, number, and letter. The open lid means the expiration date applies once the product is opened or the seal is removed. The letter is usually an "M" for month or "Y" for year.

So if you see "12 M" on the symbol that means the product will last up to 12 months after it has been opened. You may also find that if any water makes its way into the formula it will develop a breeding ground for bacteria. Not only will you find your skin erupts with imperfections, but products containing any face acids will also cause the skin to become irritated, sore, red and dry! I would suggest avoiding using any product that is expired and instead go bare faced for the day. This will not only save your skin from unwanted irritation but will keep the balance of the skin's health and overall appearance. Mascara should be no longer than 3 months and foundations usually between 6-12 months.