Your makeup collection is an investment. A timeless lipstick, a perfectly color-matched foundation, the eyeshadow palate that seems to go well with everything you own… When you discover cosmetics that enhance your natural beauty, it’s hard to imagine that you may one day have to part with them. Unfortunately, your makeup does have an expiration date. While it can be difficult to toss out your favorites, products past their expiration don’t work as well, and they could cause issues with your skin.
So, when’s it time to say goodbye?
Check the Labels
You may have noticed that many of the skin and beauty products you have in your arsenal have a small, open-jar symbol with a number on it. The number on the jar shows how many months after opening the product you should toss it out.
Here’s how long most of your makeup will last after opening:
- Facial products, like foundations, BB cremes, and primers: 2 years
- Lipstick, glosses, and lip liners: 1 year
- Mascaras and liquid liners: 3 months
- Blush: 2 years
- Eyeshadow: 2 years
Expired Products Aren’t Worth the Risk
Like vitamins or medication, your makeup contains active ingredients that you’re counting on to work. Past the expiration date, though, there’s no guarantee that will be the case. Take, for example, your foundation with SPF. Once it’s expired, the sun protection isn’t going to work as well, which can expose you to harmful UV rays. Eye makeups are notoriously dangerous when they’re out of date because our eyes are so sensitive to bacteria. Out-of-date mascara and eyeliner can harbor nasty germs that could cause irritation and infection.
A good tip to make sure you’re weeding out products as they expire is to label them with the date that you open them. It’s hard to remember exactly how many months ago you opened your body lotion or lip gloss, which can ensure that it sits around far past its best before date. A quick label can ensure that you’re helping your skin stay healthy, radiant, and beautiful.
Once you’ve cleaned out your vanity, it might be time to restock. If that’s the case, check out Advanced Skin Therapeutic’s range of skin-loving cosmetics from your favorite brands, like Jane Iredale and St. Tropez. You can order online or stop by the shop, where our skincare experts can help you find the products that are going to nourish and enhance your skin.
