Did you know that your makeup and skincare products expire? Our makeup and skincare products tend to last for quite some time, so if you aren’t paying attention, you might be using a product that is past its expiration date. Using expired products can put your skin and in particular, your eyes, at risk of getting irritated or even infected. How long is too long? Here are a few tips to understanding your makeup expiration dates and when it’s time to toss products.
Dates on the Package
Most makeup and skincare products have a little symbol on them that indicates how long the product will last once opened. It is often on the bottom or printed in small type on the packaging, and usually gives a number with an ‘m’ after it. This stands for the number of months the product is good for before it expires. You may see a marking with ‘24m’ or ‘9m’ for example. This is the company’s makeup expiration mark and it is your indicator for product shelf life.
It Smells Funny
You may not remember when you purchased your makeup or skin care product. Just like with other things that expire (namely food), expired makeup and skincare products will often smell different when they have gone bad. This is especially true for liquid products, like foundations, mascara, and liquid lipsticks. Even if the product hasn’t reached the expiration marked on the packaging, if it smells off-putting, you should toss it.
No Longer Performing As It Used To
Makeup and skincare product expirations can also be determined by evaluating whether or not the product is working like it used to. If your product is dried out, separating, or just not performing the way it should, it is probably time to toss it. Rehydrating dried out products is never a good idea, as it can encourage more bacteria to grow in the product, particularly in mascaras.
Let’s talk product! Schedule a consultation with a skincare expert at North Scottsdale Laser and Skin Care Center. Call (480) 513-2888, or book an appointment online.
