It’s all too common for your bathroom shelves and makeup stash to turn into a chaotic jumble, particularly when you lose sight of when it’s time to swap out certain items amidst the crumbled powders and smudged lipsticks. After all, not all items maintain their quality as effectively as that eyelash curler you’ve had for a decade. Nonetheless, discarding certain products is crucial to avoid harboring bacteria, accumulating dead skin, or dealing with outdated items.
Whether you’ve misplaced the timeline of your foundation’s purchase or can’t discern if your concealer has lost its luster, here’s what you need to know about replacing your facial makeup products.
The fastest method to determine if it’s time to discard certain beauty products is to check for an expiration date on the packaging. Not all facial makeup products are obligated to display an expiration date, but it can be a straightforward clue if present. Look for it in the creases of the packaging, as this is often where it’s found. (Some products may instead feature a “PAO date,” which signifies the product’s shelf-life after opening.)
But here are some tips to help you decide when it’s time to replace your facial makeup.
Essentially, many expired products become less effective. For facial makeup like foundation or concealer, this can result in separation (either on your skin or in the container) and the development of an undesirable pilling effect. If you’re experiencing texture issues with your makeup or it’s separating more quickly than usual, it might be time for a fresh product.
Over time, makeup products can fade in color and vibrancy, and facial makeup, in particular, can become more susceptible to oxidation (turning orange on the skin) as it ages and more oxygen seeps into the bottle.
If your liquid makeup suddenly becomes thick and gloopy, or your face powder gets hard and crumbly, it’s often a sign it’s time for a new one. There’s no quick fix worth the hassle.
Scent changes can also signal that a makeup product is past its prime. If you detect an unfamiliar scent, it’s best to discard it before applying it to your skin.
Shelf-life varies depending on the product formula. For bottled liquid products, aim to replace them after 6 to 12 months. For those with a tube and applicator, like concealer, you can use them for the same duration, but be mindful that the applicator may harbor bacteria and transfer it to the tube. Powder products can last up to two years. Pay attention to texture and pigment changes to know when to replace them.
Although replacing products before they’re completely empty might seem like a financial loss, it’s better to avoid the risk of your makeup working against you rather than for you.
