When most of us buy beauty products, that is, cosmetics, we don't think much about the expiration date, do we? Sometimes a lipstick or eye shadow that we really like can sit on our desk for years. But is using these for so long really good for your skin? Can this cause skin problems? Let's talk about all this today.
How long does makeup stay good for?
The first thing to understand is that when makeup "goes bad" it doesn't mean it's dangerous. It just means it loses its quality. Simply put, the "shelf life" or the amount of time it remains in good condition is the amount of time the product will last at the quality level the manufacturer expects it to.
After the expiration date, your foundation may change color, your lipstick may smell different, or your mascara may become dry and unappealing. These things happen because the chemicals in it break down over time.
What are the reasons why makeup goes bad quickly?
How long your makeup lasts is often determined by how you use and store it. With proper care, these can last much longer.
Using fingers
Many people use their fingers to apply foundation and creams. However, bacteria and fungi on our hands can enter the makeup bottle/tube this way. These microorganisms can cause the preservatives in the makeup to deteriorate quickly, causing the entire product to expire faster. So, use a sponge or brush that is as clean as possible.
Keeping brushes and other equipment clean
Every time you apply makeup, bacteria on your skin are transferred to your brush, and from your brush to your makeup. It's like a cycle. That's why it's essential to wash and dry your makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week . If you don't, bacteria and fungi can grow on them, leading to skin infections and acne.
Proper storage
The main reason makeup goes bad quickly is because it's stored incorrectly. Makeup will go bad quickly if it's exposed to these things:
- Direct sunlight
- Temperature
- Air (bottles that are not properly sealed)
- Frequent changes in temperature (e.g., leaving it in a car)
- Humidity (e.g. in the bathroom)
So, store your precious makeup in a cool, dry place out of sunlight, such as a drawer or cupboard . Otherwise, the oil in things like foundation that contain oil and water can separate. Creams can dry out.
How do I find out the exact expiration date?
There are two ways to find this.
1. Printed Expiry Date: Some products have a clearly marked "EXP" date. By that date, it will expire, whether you use it or not.
2. Period After Opening (PAO): This is the most important. Almost every makeup product has a little symbol on it. It looks like a small jar with an open lid. Inside it is a number like "6M", "12M", "24M". "M" stands for "Months". This means that the product is good to use for that number of months from the day you opened it. Imagine, you bought a new mascara today, and it says "6M". This means that you should use it up within 6 months from today.
Here are the typical PAO times for different types of makeup:
| Product type | Normal shelf life after opening |
|---|---|
| Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner | 2 to 4 months |
| Liquid Foundation and Concealer | 6 months to a year |
| Cream Blush and Cream Eye Shadow | 6 months to a year |
| Powders (Face powder, blush, eye shadow) | Up to 2 years |
| Lipstick and Lip Gloss | Up to a year |
| Pencil Eyeliner and Lip Liner | Up to a year (can be kept clean by frequent sharpening) |
Some more makeup tips for healthy skin
Remember these things to keep your skin healthy.
1. Be aware of changes
If you notice that the color, smell, or texture of your makeup has changed, throw it away without hesitation. For example, if your mascara has dried out and is flaky, don't try to use it with water or oil. Doing so can lead to serious eye infections.
2. Don't share makeup with others.
There are times when you want to try on a friend's lipstick or eyeshadow. But that's a risky move. Sharing makeup can easily spread infectious diseases like herpes and conjunctivitis. If you're using testers in stores, ask for a brand-new applicator and test it on the back of your hand before applying it to your face.
3. Don't buy second-hand makeup.
Sometimes you see cheap makeup online or at flea markets and you want to buy it. But it can be very harmful to your health. You don't know how old the makeup is, whether it was used by someone else, or how it was stored. Also, it could be a knock-off product.
The most important thing is your skin, so it's wise to get rid of expired, questionable products rather than damaging your skin by using them.
Take-Home Message
- Check the expiration date (EXP date) and the best before date (PAO symbol) on every cosmetic product you buy.
- Always store makeup products in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying makeup. Always keep makeup brushes and sponges clean.
- Never share your makeup, especially eye and lip products, with others.
- If the product has changed color, odor, or texture, discard it immediately.
- If you experience skin allergies, itching, increased acne, or other problems after using a makeup product, stop using it immediately and see your doctor.
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