Throw out your makeup: 11 beauty product expiry dates
Say bye-bye to these beauty products before their expiry date to prevent them from harming your skincare health
Text: Hoi Han. L
Like ghosting an old friend, you might find it difficult to ditch your favourite serum or that expensive tube of mascara that has been sitting idle on your vanity table. But while using expired makeup should not usually result in any serious health complications, products that are past their sell-by date can have some disastrous effects on your skin. For this reason, it’s important to stick to beauty product expiry dates and to know when to throw away makeup.
In general, unopened makeup can last for two to three years if stored in proper conditions and it’s best to keep to the stated expiry or Period After Opening (PAO) date to prevent skin irritations. However, makeup can often ‘go bad’ before expiring so read on to find out when to say bye-bye and prevent a potential breakout.
Sunscreen
When to throw out: Once it expires
Why you should: Expired sunscreen doesn’t protect you as well from UV rays, putting you at risk of premature aging or skin cancer
How to preserve: Store in a cool, dry place
Eyeliner
When to throw out: Liquid eyeliners last for at most for six months but you should throw it out if it starts to thicken or smell, and if the tip produces an oily substance or forms a white film. Eye pencils on the other hand can last for one year
Why you should: Bacteria can breed quickly because the eyeliner tip is in constant contact with the moisture in your eyes
How to preserve it: Sharpen eye pencils before each use to remove lingering germs
Liquid foundation
When to throw out: Six months to one year. However, dump your liquid foundation if the liquids starts to separate, and your compact foundation once it starts to smell rubbery
Why you should: Preservatives will no longer be effective and bacteria growth can lead to skin infections
How to preserve:
1) Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
2) Use a cotton swab, sponge, or brush when dipping into your foundation, and wash them every few weeks
Concealer
When to throw out: After one year. Or dispose of your concealer once its colour changes or if the liquid separates, turns oily, and/or smells bad
Why you should: Skin irritations may arise from bacteria breeding
How to preserve: Screw the lid on tightly after use and do not dip your fingers into the product
Mascara
When to throw out: After two to six months of use, or once it clumps up and smells like burning plastic
Why you should: Mascara is liquid-based which tends to promote bacteria growth that can cause eye infections and irritations e.g. sties. Your eye area is very sensitive so it’s important to be careful
How to preserve it:
1) Gently twist the wand in circular motions inside the tube. Do not pump the wand — this pushes air into the tube and dries the mascara out faster, causing clumping and flaking
2) Reduce the number of times you re-insert the wand. Multi-dipping increases the risk of eye infections
3) Screw the tip on tightly after use
4) Never share your mascara
Lipstick
When to throw out: After six to eight months. Dispose if it changes colour, smells rubbery, turns gooey, grows mould, or if it no longer applies well
Why you should: Lipsticks that are no longer fresh can become hard and crumbly, making it difficult to apply well. Lip infections such as cold sores or acne may also form
How to preserve: Use sparingly and avoid sharing with others
Powder products
When to throw out: Two years. Replace your blush or eye shadow if they begin to crumble or grow a white crust
Why you should: Although powder products are less likely to breed bacteria and mould, they can still
How to preserve: The good thing about powder products is that they lack moisture and have longer shelf lives. Avoid storing them in a hot place and opt for a non-humid environment away from heat and sunlight. Additionally, use cotton swabs to prevent contamination
Nail polish
When to throw out: After approximately one year. Do not use past expiry date and throw out if there are signs of substance separation or if polish looks corroded or rusty
Why you should: Bacterial and fungal infections (bacteria and germs) could develop
How to preserve: Screw lids on tightly and store in a cool, dry place
Spot cream
When to throw out: Once it expires
Why you should: Though expired, pimple cream can still be applied but it won’t be as effective and may expose you to bacteria and other germs. Opt for a plant-based concoction which will be even better for your skin
How to preserve: Store in a cool, dry place
Razor
When to throw out: Every one or two weeks, or if it becomes rusty and corroded
Why you should: Old blades can breed bacteria which may lead to the formation of red bumps, and other skin infections. There’s also a higher tendency for you to cut yourself
How to preserve: Take your razor out of the shower and make sure that it dries fully
