Is It Bad to Use Expired Makeup?
We know we probably shouldn’t eat foods when they are past their expiration date , but what about makeup? Using expired products may not be a good habit, but whether or not it is really that bad for you depends on the specific product.
In the worst case, some expired foods can cause unwanted breakouts, redness, swelling, infections, and other roughness. In most cases, the consistency of the foods changes, so they still don’t work. Things like foundations and lipstick dry out, mascara can get clumpy, and creams lose their uniform texture.
However, it is sometimes difficult to find an expiration date on cosmetics. Wise Bread notes that if you don’t see it anywhere on the package or container, check to see if there is a picture of the container with a number followed by the letter “M” which indicates the number of months the product is good for.
So in the picture above, “18M” means 18 months. If you’re not sure, most products change color and consistency over time, they just don’t apply as smoothly or, worse, smell strange. As Refinery29 teases , here are some tips on when to throw away some of your regular products:
- Lipstick: The wax layer on the lipstick stays in place for up to a year before it starts to dry. If it smells rancid, it’s definitely time to toss it. Lipstick hard wax also tends to trap and trap bacteria, so sharing your old lipstick or someone else’s is not the best option.
- Lip gloss: If you brush your lip gloss daily, it can last longer, according to some experts, up to a year . If your lip gloss is cloudy or smells, ditch it.
- Mascara: In general, ink should not be stored for more than three months because the dark container is the primary breeding ground for bacteria. The longer this time, the higher the risk of eye infections such as blepharitis and pink eye (which are highly contagious). Plus, if you do try to use it, it will still get awkward.
- Eyeshadow: Similar to mascara, the longer the eyeshadow, the more likely it is to contaminate your eyes. Just in case, we recommend storing the eyeshadow for no more than six months.
- Blush & Foundation: Cream-based products don’t last as long as powder. Usually six months instead of a year. Common signs are when it starts to smell strange, cracks, or its color has changed.
It is hygienic to use clean makeup brushes and sponges and wash the brushes with shampoo every week. Also, do not use your fingers to remove food from the container. And even if you might be tempted to share your makeup with a friend or family member, it’s best to keep it with you to avoid contamination.