To keep or not to keep…how to know when it’s time to toss your products
Hands up if you own a mascara that’s your holy grail, a lip liner that’s never let you down, or how about a lipstick you’ve been swiping on for a decade?
We all have that one product we can’t bear to part with, and as heartbreaking as it is to throw away the blush you only get out on special occasions, using make-up past its expiry date can trap bacteria which can cause skin irritation, breakouts and eye infections.
Are make-up expiry dates a thing?
Despite many of us thinking we can use a product down to the last drop, make-up expiry dates are very much a thing. Just like the expiry dates on your food, they’re there to keep you safe. Plus, if you’re anything like us, you like your make-up to look flawless too, so it’s best to make sure your products are all in date.
How can I tell if my make-up has expired?
It’s usually pretty easy to spot the signs of expired make-up. Keep an eye on things like the appearance, consistency, colour and smell. If anything smells off, the texture looks different or the oil has risen to the top of your liquid products, it’s probably time to say goodbye. You should also look out for a hard rim sitting on your powder products. This is often caused by minerals and bacteria mixing with oils from your skin and then solidifying.
If you’ve recently brought a product and you notice any of these signs, chances are it’s not been stored correctly, so it’s best to get rid to protect your skin.
Aside from the notable signs mentioned above, it’s also a good idea to look for the small symbol on your product that looks like a little pot with a number in. This tells you how many months it will last from opening, but it’s important to bear in mind that this number depends on how well you store and care for your make-up, which we’ll go into shortly.
What about make-up brushes?
We hate to break it to you, but make-up brushes eventually come to an end. Generally speaking, most brushes need replacing every three to five years, but they can actually last for longer, given they’re cared for properly. We’re talking a weekly wash using soap and water or a make-up brush cleaner – you can refer to our handy guide which tells you everything you need to know. If you find your bristles are falling out or they don’t quite work the same as they used to, it’s time to part ways and invest in some new ones.
What could happen if I used expired make-up?
If you’ve got this far and realised you used your (definitely expired) products recently – don’t panic! Best thing to do is to replace them, even if they look okay.
This is because expired make-up can trap dirt and oils overtime which can clog your pores, cause breakouts, rashes, bumps and burning sensations.
The preservatives in some make-up products also have a limited lifespan which means they’re more susceptible to bacterial growth. This is especially prevalent in eye make-up like mascara and eyeliners, as the eyes are a moist environment and therefore a breeding ground for eye infections.
Make-up expiry dates worth knowing
If you’re not one for keeping track of expiration dates when it comes to your make-up, you’re certainly not alone. Our top tip? Each time you buy something new, write down the month and year on a small sticker and pop this on the base of your product.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a shelf-life guide for every cream, powder and liquid product you own so you know when it’s time to treat yourself to a top-up.
Is there a way to make my make-up last a little longer?
While there’s no way for your favourite beauty products to outlive their shelf-life – and it’s definitely not recommended, there are a couple of tips and tricks you can try to help your make-up go the distance.
Keeping lids on tight and storing them in cool, dark and dry place will help prevent your make-up from going bad – this means moving your make-up out of your bathroom as the humidity can play havoc with your formulas. Using a pump (this is good for foundations), will also help keep the product airtight so it won't be contaminated by any dirt or bacteria. Finally, shaking your liquid products often will help keep the oils, water and make-up particles together.
Ready to have that beauty bag clear out? Explore our range of make-up and replenish your faves.
