There are things you could look for if your makeup isn’t stamped with an expiration date. If a product is discolored, smells funny, runny, lumpy, has a strange color, looks dry when it’s not supposed to or your skin has a reaction to it, more than likely it’s expired.
Products that contain water as one of the first ingredients listed in the back have the shortest life span after opening. Water encourages bacteria to grow and if you have plant extracts, those are more likely to go bad sooner.
According to PaulasChoice.com, these are the rules of thumb for these products:
Makeup
- Mascara (regular or waterproof), liquid, pencil or gel eyeliners: 4 to 6 months (always toss out dry mascara—never add water to extend its life)
- Cream, Liquid or Stick Foundations or Concealers: 6 months to 1 year
- Powder-based products (including mineral makeup): 2-3 years
- Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, & Lip Pencils: 2-3 years
Skincare
- Cleansers: 1 year
- Toners: 6 months to 1 year
- BHA or AHA Exfoliants: 1 year
- Facial or Body Moisturizers and Serums: 6 months to 1 year
- Lip Balms: 1 year
Make sure you practice good hygiene with your makeup products. This means storing your makeup in a clean place, washing your hands, tightening caps, etc. You may also want to write the date of purchase on your makeup, or send yourself reminders on your phone in order to know when you should throw away these products. Also, be mindful of humidity and heat because these can cause your beauty products to go bad quicker. If you develop any type of reaction, use common sense and just throw it away!
