By Funke Babs Kufeji
Makeup has expiry dates, just like food or any other product, but unlike most other products, some makeups don’t have a clear ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date on the packaging. This lack of visible shelf life, combined with the fact that makeup can be expensive, means that many of us are guilty of holding onto our makeup for far longer than we should. A recent survey found that almost 80% of women keep their makeup for longer than the recommended period, with the worst culprits being lipsticks, with 81% holding onto them for over a year.
While holding onto makeup for longer may seem harmless, it can have nasty consequences. We should all have a makeup clear-out at least once a year. If you can’t remember when you last had one, then today is the day! If you need clarification on what you should throw away, keep reading because this will guide you through the process.
Expiry Dates
If you can’t find the symbol, here’s a general guide for how long you should keep certain products: mascara (3-6 months), liquid eyeliner (6 months), foundation (6-12 months), concealer (6-12 months), powder (1-2 years), blush and bronzer (1-2 years), eyeshadow (1-2 years), lipstick and lip gloss (1-2 years), and nail polish (1-2 years).
Decoding Shelf Life
All cosmetic products have a symbol on their packaging that indicates the product’s lifetime after opening. This is known as the PAO (period after opening) symbol and is shown as an open jar with a number and the letter ‘M’, indicating the number of months the product is safe to use after the packaging has been unsealed. It is important to take note of this symbol, as using products beyond their shelf life reduces their effectiveness and may also cause irritation, infection, or bacterial contamination.
Items To Throw Out
Several items of makeup have shorter lifespans after opening that should be checked. If you notice any change in how the product applies, looks, or smells, throw it away. Additionally, you should throw away your related products if you’ve had a lip or eye infection. Also, powdered products have a longer lifespan than cream products due to their lack of water content.
Unsafe Cosmetics
It’s important to be aware of expired or unsafe cosmetics signs to prevent any adverse effects if used. Of course, not all cosmetics have a set expiration date, but it is still important to recognise when they are no longer safe to use. Here are some ways to help determine if your makeup is expired or unsafe:
– If the texture, colour, or odour has changed.
– If the product has dried out or started to crack.
– If water has accumulated on top of the product.
– If you have used the product after an infection.
– If the product has been exposed to high temperatures, which can occur during storage or if left in a car.
Keep Your Collections Fresh and Tidy
It’s okay to love makeup and have an extensive collection but keeping it clean and organised is important. Take some time to review your products and be honest with yourself about what you are using, which may be old and expired. Look at what you have and realistically consider if you are using all these products. If you last used a product six to eight months ago, chances are you won’t be using it again. Keep your makeup stored in a cool, dry place, as humidity can damage products and cause them to break down faster.
