Seamus Hammond
Knowing when to throw away makeup and perfume can be tricky, but it's important for both your health and hygiene. Makeup does expire, and the general rule is that if it's unopened and sealed, it should last for 2 to 3 years. However, some products, like mascara, should be discarded every six months to reduce the risk of eye infection. Similarly, perfume can last for up to five years if stored correctly, but it can also expire sooner. So, how can you tell if your cosmetics have gone bad? There are a few key signs to look out for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Makeup Expiry | Check the package for an expiration date. If there is no expiry date, the makeup should be thrown away if it has changed in texture, colour, smell or general appearance. |
| Makeup Types | Face lotion, eyeliner, mascara, treatments, lip products, nail polish, sunscreen, foundation, eye makeup, concealer, fragrance, serums, products in a pump, skincare, powder |
| Makeup Lifespan | Face lotion (18 months), eyeliner (6 months), mascara (6 months), treatments (depends on usage), lip products (2 years), nail polish (2-3 years), sunscreen (3 years), foundation (depends on usage), eye makeup (6 months), concealer (12 months), fragrance (5 years), serums (9 months), products in a pump (1 year), skincare (depends on usage), powder (long time) |
| Perfume Expiry | Check if the perfume smells flat/dull, sour or metallic. Also, check if the perfume has changed colour or if your skin is irritated after wearing it. |
| Perfume Lifespan | 1-5 years |
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What You'll Learn
- Changes in smell, colour, and texture can indicate bad perfume or makeup
- Makeup products with water are more prone to bacterial contamination
- Makeup products with natural formulations may expire faster, even if sealed
- Proper storage can extend the lifespan of perfume and makeup
- Check the packaging for Period After Opening (PAO) symbols to determine shelf life
Changes in smell, colour, and texture can indicate bad perfume or makeup
Makeup does expire, and it is important to be vigilant about checking the expiration dates and condition of your products. Face lotion, for example, should be thrown away if it is more than 18 months old. Water-based liquid eyeliners can pick up bacteria, leading to eye infections, so these should be tossed after six months. Mascara should also be replaced every six months as the wand collects dirt, pollen, and bacteria. Lip products, such as lipstick, gloss, and balm, generally last up to two years as they typically don't contain water, resulting in less bacterial contamination. Nail polish can be used for two to three years, after which the solvents evaporate, causing the colour to collect at the bottom and making it difficult to achieve a smooth, even coat.
Perfumes also have a shelf life, typically lasting between three to five years if stored properly. However, some perfumes can expire in less than a year, while others can last upwards of ten years. One of the most obvious ways to detect a change in perfume is through its fragrance. If the perfume has a rancid smell, sour or sharp notes, or smells like vinegar, it has likely gone bad. Additionally, if the concentration of the original scent has faded or changed significantly, this is another indication of expiration.
Changes in colour and texture can also indicate that a perfume has gone bad. If the perfume has become cloudy, murky, or if there is sediment in the bottle, it is a sign of contamination or instability. A darker colour, especially if the original liquid was clear or translucent, could mean that the perfume has gone bad. If the perfume has become thicker, oilier, or stickier, it indicates that the ingredients have reacted with oxygen and coagulated.
Therefore, it is important to regularly check your makeup and perfume products for any changes in smell, colour, or texture to ensure they are still safe and effective to use.
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Makeup products with water are more prone to bacterial contamination
Cosmetics are important vehicles for transmitting pathogens in our daily lives. Makeup products with water are more prone to bacterial contamination because they provide a good substrate for the survival of a variety of microorganisms. The microbial contamination of cosmetics and the survival of microorganisms deteriorate the quality of the cosmetic and seriously affect human health.
Cosmetic products can become harmful to consumers if they are contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Bacterial and fungal isolates are identified by morphological and microscopic techniques, and confirmed by molecular methods. Results show that most cosmetics are contaminated with microorganisms. In low-quality cosmetics, the frequency of microbial growth is higher and more diverse than in high-quality cosmetics. Lip gloss and lipstick recorded the highest numbers for bacterial isolates, while fungal isolates recorded a lower percentage number of less than 10.
The transfer of cosmetics to new containers during the production process is a significant risk factor for cross-contamination, and heat treatment is crucial for reducing the number of microorganisms in the products. Cosmetics made with heat and with no transfer showed relatively low microbial counts ranging from not detected to 440 CFU/ml. To combat bacterial contamination and growth in cosmetics, the microbiological stability and durability of commercial cosmetics are tested before launch.
Firms are responsible for ensuring their cosmetic products are safe. Some ways cosmetic products may become contaminated are: contaminated raw materials, water, or other ingredients; ineffective preservation systems, especially for ingredients that encourage the growth of microorganisms; and packaging that doesn't adequately protect the product. Consumers should also take precautions, such as not sharing cosmetic products with others and washing hands before applying cosmetic products, especially if dipping fingers into the container.
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Makeup products with natural formulations may expire faster, even if sealed
Makeup does have an expiration date, and its lifespan may be shorter than you think. The exact time it takes for makeup to expire depends on the specific cosmetic, how it's stored, and whether it's sealed or open. Generally, if stored in a cool, dry place, most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years. However, makeup products with natural formulations may expire faster, even if they are sealed.
Natural makeup and skincare products may be formulated without preservatives and may have a shorter shelf life. Preservatives in makeup do break down over time, even if the product is unopened, so you should never keep any product for more than 3 years. The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol printed on the makeup (an open jar with a number and an "M") will indicate how many months you have between the day you open it and the day it expires.
To prolong the life of your makeup, it is important to store it correctly. Cosmetic chemist and founder of Beauty Stat, Ron Robinson, suggests that all makeup should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. The bathroom is often not ideal for makeup storage because it can get warm and damp, unless you have a tightly secured medicine cabinet that keeps the shower steam out.
To determine if your makeup has expired, you can look for certain signs. Expired makeup may become dry or crumbly, and you should never use water or saliva to moisten it as this can introduce bacteria. The colour pigments may not look as vibrant, and powders may seem packed down and hard to use. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the product.
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Proper storage can extend the lifespan of perfume and makeup
Additionally, always ensure that the cap is securely fastened after each use to prevent unnecessary air exposure. Avoid shaking the perfume bottle, as this mixes oxygen with the fragrance, accelerating oxidation. It is also important to avoid touching the nozzle directly with your fingers to prevent introducing oils or bacteria that can alter the scent.
For travel perfumes, use a temperature-controlled bag or case to protect the fragrance from extreme temperatures. Transferring your fragrance into a travel-sized bottle is also advisable to reduce the risk of exposing your main bottle to unfavorable conditions.
Similarly, makeup products should be stored properly to extend their lifespan. Makeup is also sensitive to light and temperature fluctuations, so it is best to store it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep products in their original packaging or airtight containers whenever possible to maintain their integrity and protect them from environmental factors.
Proper storage of both perfume and makeup can help maintain their quality and longevity, ensuring that each use is as delightful as the first.
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Check the packaging for Period After Opening (PAO) symbols to determine shelf life
The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol is a useful indicator of the shelf life of a cosmetic product. It is depicted as an open cosmetics pot, accompanied by a number of months or years. For instance, "36M" indicates a period of 36 months.
The PAO symbol is particularly relevant for products with a shelf life of 30 months or more. In the European Union, cosmetics with a shelf life below 30 months are required to carry a "best used before the end of..." date. However, for products with a longer shelf life, the PAO symbol is used to indicate the period of time the product remains suitable for use after opening.
When it comes to perfume, the PAO symbol can provide guidance on its shelf life. Perfumes generally have a shelf life of up to three years, although high-end fragrances can last much longer if stored properly.
In addition to checking the PAO symbol, there are other signs that your perfume or makeup may have expired. Changes in colour, opacity, or scent can indicate that a product has gone bad. Skin irritation can also be a sign that a product is no longer suitable for use.
By paying attention to the PAO symbol and being mindful of any changes in the product, you can ensure that your perfume and makeup are safe and effective to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Makeup does have an expiration date, but how long it lasts depends on certain factors. Generally, if unopened and stored in a cool, dry place, makeup should last for 2 to 3 years. Water-based liquid eyeliners, for example, can pick up bacteria, so they should be tossed after six months. Mascara should also be discarded every six months as the wand may collect dirt, pollen, and bacteria. If there is no expiry date, look out for changes in texture, colour, smell, and general appearance.
Perfumes can last up to five years if stored in the right conditions. A well-made perfume can get better with age, but if it starts to smell sour or metallic, then it has likely gone bad. Other signs include a change in opacity, skin irritation, and a strong smell of alcohol.
If your makeup or perfume has gone bad, it is important to dispose of it properly. For makeup, you should be able to throw it away with your regular garbage. For perfume, pour the contents out into a sink and rinse the drain with hot water and soap to remove the oils. Then, recycle the bottle.
