Makeup expiry date
When it comes to makeup, it’s hard to tell what your cosmetic expiration date is because it’s not quite clear as it is for food products that typically have a “best before” date printed on them. Sometimes makeup products don’t suggest any best usage date or years. And the makeup expiry dates you see on the product may often be guidelines for after the product has been opened. So, what about the sealed, unopened makeup? Hear us out! Generally, if makeup is stored in a cool, dry place, most sealed makeup products should ideally last for up to two to three years. However, creamier beauty products that contain oils or butter like cream concealers and liquid blush could get spoilt earlier because of the oil present in them. Products with natural formulations, without strong preservatives, can also go bad, even if sealed. So, look for signs like 3M, 6M or 18M on the package, as they indicate that the product in question will probably expire after three months, six months or 18 months.
Skincare expiry date
Skincare products that come in a jar or with a dropper-like serum, are exposed to air and bacteria and should be thrown out after the mentioned date. Products that come in pump packaging may last longer than those that come in jars or droppers. After your skincare products expire, the active ingredients present in them won’t work well. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful, especially with your sunscreen expiry date.
How to determine your cosmetic expiration date?
So, to figure out what can stay and what needs to go, start by smelling the product. If anything seems off, discard it. You can also check the colour or any kind of oxidization and pay attention to the texture. Test it on your hands, and if the product feels different on your skin, throw it away. Expired products may become dry, or crumbly and mixing water or any other liquid to moisten them can prove to be a terrible idea. The colour pigments of the product may also seem less vibrant if it has expired.
Summary: The preservatives and actives in makeup and skincare products break down over time. So, even if it is unopened, you should never keep any product for more than three years.
Shelf-life of makeup products
The cosmetic expiration date can vary based on the type of product. Here’s a brief recommended shelf-life for makeup products:
- Foundation expiry date –
A foundation can be kept for one to two years, depending on its formulation. A liquid foundation works well for 18 months whereas a powdered one can be kept for two years.
- Concealer expiry date –
Most concealers are made with a liquid or cream formula. Hence, concealers should ideally not be kept for more than a year.
- Blush expiry date –
Again, if your blush is a powdered one, you can easily use it for up to two years. On the other hand, cream blushes should be tossed out after a year.
- Eyeliner expiry date –
You need to be extra careful when it comes to eye makeup products as expired eye makeup products have higher chances of causing damage to your delicate eye area. If you’ve got a liquid liner, don’t keep it for more than three months. A pencil eyeliner can be kept for about two years and a gel eyeliner can be used for nine months approximately.
- Eyeshadow makeup expiry date –
While powdered eyeshadow can last for more than two years, cream ones should be thrown out after nine months. Again, be careful as this product is used around your eyes.
- Mascara expiry date –
A mascara should be used only for three months.
- Lipstick expiry date –
Lipsticks can last for one to two years before going bad.
Shelf-life of skincare products
The skincare products you use play a huge role in the look and feel of your skin. Here’s a brief recommended shelf-life for skincare products:
- Face wash expiry date –
A facewash works for a longer period in comparison to other skincare products as its formulation is typically very sturdy. Most face washes work well for a year.
- Serum expiry date –
The shelf life of serums is not as much as other products, especially once they are opened. They don’t necessarily go bad but lose the good in them. Generally, they last for about eight to twelve months.
- Face cream expiry date –
Most creams last up to a year. However, if you notice a difference in the colour, texture or smell even before a year, it’s time to bid adieu to it.
- Sunscreen expiry date –
Sunscreens tend to have a long shelf life and should be effective for about two years. However, it all depends on how you store it and how you use it. Crossing the sunscreen expiry date is more likely to get you overexposed to the harsh rays of the sun and cause further damage.
- Sheet mask expiry date –
Sheet masks last for up to one to three years, depending on the active ingredients present in them.
Summary: Make sure to find the expiration date or the PAO (period-after-opening) symbol stamped on the product before using it directly.
Using cosmetic products before their expiry date will not only help you get the most out of them but also keep skin problems at bay and pave the way for healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin with ease. So, keep the above-mentioned makeup expiry dates in mind and browse through our wide range of L’Oréal Paris skincare and L’Oréal Paris makeup products to flaunt the look of your dreams!
