However, the reality is that many of us have a beloved lipstick that’s way beyond the recommended year mark or an eye shadow palette that could probably pass as vintage. ??Not keeping on top of your beauty products’ shelf life can have a serious impact on your skin, eyes and body health. Below we have a checklist of recommended shelf lives, as well as tips on tell-tale signs your beauty products are past their best, and how to ensure you are using up your products within date.
Mascara And Eyeliner
These eye products have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting three to six months. Since they are applied close to the eyes, bacteria can accumulate quickly, leading to potential infections.?
Foundation And Concealer (Liquid Formulas)
These last around nine to 12 months. Over time, liquid formulas can separate or change in consistency, making them less effective.?
Lipsticks And Lip Gloss
These generally last around a year. If you notice a change in texture, taste, or smell, it’s time to replace them.?
Powder-Based Products (Compacts, Blush, Eyeshadow, Bronzer)
These can last one to two years, as they don’t harbour bacteria as quickly as liquid products.?
Skincare Products (Moisturisers, Serums, Cleansers, Sunscreen, Etc.)
Most skincare products last six to 12 months, depending on their ingredients. Natural or preservative-free products tend to have a shorter lifespan.
Perfumes And Fragrances
These have a longer shelf life, generally two to three years, but exposure to heat and sunlight can alter their scent.
Makeup Brushes And Beauty Sponges
Brushes should be replaced every one to two years, but proper cleaning can prolong their usability. Beauty sponges, however, should be replaced every three to six months3 due to bacterial buildup.?
Knowing When It’s Time To Ditch Your Products
Even if you haven’t kept track of the PAO symbol on your beauty items, there are some tell-tale signs that a product has expired and should be discarded. A notable change in texture, smell, or colour is a clear indication that your item is past its best.
Texture Changes
If your foundation becomes thick and clumpy, your lipstick feels dry and stiff, or your mascara gets too flaky, it’s time to replace them.?
Unpleasant Or Unusual Smell
If your skincare or makeup products develop a rancid, chemical, or off-putting odour, they’ve likely gone bad.?
Separation
Liquid products like foundation, concealers, or creams that have separated into oil and pigment should no longer be used.?
Mould Or Discolouration
Any visible mould or drastic colour changes in your powders, creams, or liquid products indicate bacterial growth.
What’s the Harm in Using Old Beauty Products?
Using expired beauty products may seem harmless, but it can actually cause a range of skin and health issues. Over time, bacteria accumulate in skincare and makeup products, leading to potential infections and irritations. Some of the risks include:
Skin Irritation And Breakouts
Expired skincare products may lose their effectiveness, leading to clogged pores, acne, or allergic reactions.?
Eye Infections
Old mascara, eyeliner, or eye creams can introduce bacteria to your eyes, potentially causing redness, irritation, or conjunctivitis.?
Reduced Efficacy
Active ingredients in skincare products, such as vitamin C, retinol, or sunscreen, degrade over time, making them ineffective and reducing their benefits.?
Tips to Ensure You Don’t Waste Your Beauty Buys
To get the most out of your beauty products and minimise waste, follow these tips for organised storage and savvy shopping:
Invest In Clear Storage
Using transparent organisers helps you keep track of all your beauty items so nothing gets lost at the back of a drawer. This prevents you from forgetting about products until they’ve expired.?
Categorise Your Beauty Products
Organising your items by type (skincare, makeup, fragrances) allows you to see exactly what you have and avoid unnecessary duplicates.?
Opt For Multi-Use Products
Look out for clever formulas that serve more than one purpose, such as a tinted moisturiser with SPF or a bath and body oil. These will ensure that you use up the product at a faster rate before expiration.
Don’t Stockpile Beauty Products
With next-day delivery and easy online shopping, there’s no need to over-purchase beauty products. Only buy what you need when you need it to maximise its shelf life.
Choose The Right Size
While larger or value-sized products may seem like a good deal, consider whether you’ll realistically use them up before they expire. If you’re trying a new product, consider purchasing a travel-size version to test it out first.
Store Products Properly
Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can break down ingredients and shorten a product’s lifespan. Keep makeup and skincare products in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. Keeping fragrance in a cool, dark place can also help to prolong its scent life.
Clean Your Tools Regularly
Makeup brushes, sponges, and applicators can harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly. Wash brushes weekly and replace beauty sponges every few months to maintain hygiene.?
