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Cosmetics Expiration Dates

Cosmetics Expiration Dates

Cosmetics
By Viroon on 05 Oct 2019
Senior Creative Editor
Passionate about fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Junk Food Junkie | When she’s not writing, you can find her at the pantry munching on snacks.

We know that food goes bad, but what about stuff like our cosmetics? We used them daily but do you know that they have expiration dates too? Most of us probably have a tube of mascara that's been knocking around in our makeup bag for a year now. Or how about a lipstick you've been swiping on for a decade?

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Unless you set aside time to go through your cosmetics stash, you could easily have expired products and still be using them. The reason these dates are important is that they are a breeding ground for bacteria as the products can decompose which will cause problems with the skin. Such as burns and irritation from old products. Here’s what you need to know. 

Lipstick: 2 years

LipsticksPhoto from Pinterest

Change in color, texture or smell are all big warning signs that your lipstick has expired.

Sunscreen: 2 years

SunscreenPhoto from Pinterest

Sunscreen becomes less effective over time and expired sunscreen should be replaced. Store it away from the sun, perhaps a cooler place to prevent the formula from becoming unstable.

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Foundation: 6 months to 2 years

FoundationsPhoto from Pinterest

Foundation packaged in a pot expires in about 6 months, whereas a pump formula can last one to two years. Bacteria can grow in the foundation and cause acne breakouts or skin irritation. If it develops an off-smell, discard sooner.

Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months

MascaraPhoto from Pinterest

Bacteria can build up on the wand and cause eye irritation. Discard sooner if the mascara or liquid eyeliner develops an off smell or becomes clumpy.

Blush, Eye Shadow & Other Powder Cosmetics: 1-2 years

BlushPhoto from Pinterest

Powder lasts longer than wet formulas if it smells and the colour goes out of style, toss it! However, you get an eye infection it is recommended to toss eye shadow sooner than other powders as it is in close contact with your eyes.

Do note the shelf life of cosmetics depends on the period after opening and production date. When in doubt, toss anything that has changed in smell, colour or texture.

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Text by: GirlStyle SG

 

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