You have invested in the best foundation ever and want to use it till its last drop. Or that specific mascara is your favorite and an emotional attachment to that lipstick you have held for years. And how can you forget your go-to blusher that you cannot imagine your life without? But now it’s about time to get rid of them and throw your makeup away. Because using the product past its expiry or POA (period after opening) may expose your skin to harmful chemicals and toxins, leading to some serious health hazards or skin irritations.
When to Throw Your Makeup?
It is imperative to know when to throw the expired product or when to replace them. It would be best to keep an eye on the dates mentioned on the product, either expiry or best before date. Some products are no longer helpful past their mentioned date, whether you have opened them or not.
Whenever you buy any product, there is always POA (Period after Opening) mentioned at the back of the packaging. It is a symbol of an opened jar with a number mentioned. The number indicates the number of months; the product should be used after opening the seal. Sometimes you may notice no expiry date mentioned but only the POA. It shows that it’s best to throw that product away if it has passed that specific period since its opening.
Why Throw Your Makeup?
The main reason you should throw away expired makeup is Makeup deteriorates. It breaks over time. The pigments and the formula don’t last forever. The ingredients may change their consistency or dissolve. The product may lose its efficiency after a specific period. It will not be able to produce desirable results. It may vary in look or color and can even smell different. Therefore, if the product is even unopened and has passed the specific date, it’s not a good idea to use it.
As there are a lot of chemicals present in the formulation of cosmetic products, it’s going to turn harmful for the skin after a specific period. Bacteria can start to grow in the product, making the product highly unsafe for use. If you continue using the expired product, you may come across specific skin issues, such as clogged pores, skin irritation, pimples, breakouts, or skin infections in some severe cases.
Let’s find out the shelf life of Makeup Products.
Foundation & Concealer
The life span of a foundation depends upon its ingredients and type. Liquid foundation usually lasts up to 12 – 18 months, depending upon the formulation of the foundation. A water-based foundation can last for 12 months, while an oil-based foundation can last up to 18 months because of oil in it, as it is a natural preservative. Upon its expiry, oil starts to separate from the product and form a layer on the top surface. You will know it’s about time to get rid of the product. On the other hand, a powder foundation can last 24 months.
Concealers last from 12 to 18 months, depending on whether the formula is a liquid or cream-based concealer. Powder formula concealers usually last longer for about 18 to 24 months.
Face Powder, Blush & Bronzer
Powders have a bit longer life span than liquid or cream-based products. Face powders, setting powder, or loose powders, usually last from 18 to 24 months.
The life span of blushes also depends upon their type. Cream blushes last for about 6 to 12 months, while a powder can last up to 12 to 24 months.
Powder bronzers last for about 24 months, while cream ones for about 12 months.
Powders last longer because they don’t have oil in them. But they can get exposed to the skin oils through the bristles of the brush you might be using, causing bacteria to grow, resulting in a stiff rim formed on the product.
Eye shadow
Eye shadow’s formula can last for about 24 to 36 months, or even more if taken care of nicely. However, cream shadows may not last that long and will likely expire in 12 to 18 months.
Mascara
Replace mascara at the earliest is very important, as it is applied very close to the eye. Mascara should be replaced in about 3 to 6 months at the earliest. If mascara is used daily, three months is the best time to replace it. And if used occasionally, throw it in 6 months.
Eyeliner
Eyeliner lasts a bit longer, depending upon its formulation. It can last from 3 to 24 months. Liquid liners last from 3 to 6 months, while pencil liners stay longer as they are sharpened easily, which removes the bacteria from the surface. Gel liners last from 6 to 12 months.
Lipstick & Lip Gloss
A bullet lipstick may last from 12 to 18 months, but a liquid lipstick and a gloss may last less than a year because of its ingredients. It consists of essential oils, vitamins, and certain preservatives, which break down after a certain period.
It is essential to keep a close check on your makeup products, as they come in contact with your skin directly. Read the labels before buying about the ingredients of the product you will apply. Remember to throw it away after its PAO time limit is over. Throw the old one, and buy that new product you have been eyeing on for days!
-Images from Google
By Siddie F.Kay
Also Read:
https://fashonation.com/secret-to-flawless-makeup/
https://fashonation.com/color-correct-your-perfect-imperfections/
https://fashonation.com/abaya-game-strong/
https://fashonation.com/its-all-in-your-jeans/
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