Beauty Gone Old! Your Ultimate Guide To Makeup Expiry Dates

Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:50

Yes, it feels nice to own a makeup kit that's filled with cosmetics of your choice! But, stuffing the vanity drawer with product after product without checking their expiry dates is never a good idea. Using old cosmetics means causing your skin harm, like breakouts, skin irritation, or eye infections. Mold, bacteria, and oxidized ingredients get built up on the moist beauty essentials like cream foundations or mascara. That's why "being aware" of cosmetic shelf life is necessary.

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Read on to understand more about makeup validity and follow a better beauty routine!

Read The Expired Labels

Most beauty products have a small open bottle symbol with a number that reads "6M or "12M". It indicates how many months you can use a particular cosmetic product after its opening. For example, a "12M" label suggests that you should not use it for twelve months once you unseal it. This timeline begins once the cosmetic is exposed to skin, air, and makeup brushes.

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In case no expiry date or symbol is mentioned, it is better to mark the opening date with a pen or sticker. All-natural or preservative-free formulas mostly expire faster and need additional monitoring.

Cosmetics Life Span

Every makeup item has a general usage span that depends on its formulas and packaging. Liquid eyeliner and mascara are typically safe to use for 3-6 months, owing to their wet formulas and nearness to the eyes.

Foundations and beauty concealers last for about 6-12 months, specifically if they include a pump format. Cake-like or powder-based products like bronzer, blush, and eyeshadow can last for 2 years as they have a dry formula and are less exposed to bacteria or mould buildup.

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Lipsticks are usually usable for 1-2 years, whereas lip glosses tend to expire sooner due to the moisture content. Pencils like eyeliner or lip liners can be used up to 2 years if frequently sharpened. Cream-based eyeshadows or blushes have around 6-12 months' life as they are more exposed to microbial growth.

Know The 'End' Signs

Even within the suggested timeline, cosmetics can go bad or expire soon due to contamination or improper storage. A sour smell is one of the defining signs of cosmetic spoilage. Also, changes in texture, like separating, drying, or clumping, suggest it's time to discard the products.

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The change in colour is another prominent clue, as yellowed, faded, or darkened cosmetics may no longer be effective or safe to use. If the cosmetic itches, stings, or leads to irritation during or post its usage, discontinue it right away.

Shelf Life Extension

Handy storage ideas will keep your makeup effective and fresh for longer. For a start, keep the cosmetics in cool, dry places, away from direct sun exposure and humidity. Never store makeup in the bathroom, where temperature fluctuation speeds up the spoilage.

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Ensure that all caps and lids are tightly closed to avoid air exposure. If possible, avoid sharing your makeup, especially lip and eye products to avoid the risk of bacteria passing on. Keep the makeup tools like brushes and sponges clean pre- and post-makeup applications.

Rotate And Organize

To monitor expiry dates, organize the makeup stash frequently or at least every 3 months. Rotate products as per the frequency of their usage, and store frequently or rarely-used cosmetics in separate pouches.

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Label newly bought products with a date so you don't need to guess the expiration date down the line. Simplifying the makeup collection prevents wastage and ensures you use the products at their peak safety and performance. An organized makeup vanity leads to healthier skin and a high-performing beauty routine!

Photo Credit: @freepik