Cosmetics Have Expiration Dates!
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It might be time to part with your favorite lipstick. I know. I know. Don’t hate me for pointing it out. You probably already know that cosmetics have expiration dates, but do we really think about them? Well, let me be the first to tell you that you should! Not only are all those expired products taking up valuable space in your bathroom cabinet or makeup bag; using old makeup can actually result in nasty skin and eye irritations. Yes, it’s so easy to keep makeup, toiletries, and grooming tools long after their expiration dates. We are all guilty of it. But it’s time to make a change that will benefit your body.
Cosmetics Expiration Dates You Need to Know
Generally speaking, if properly stored, unopened makeup should last 2 to 3 years. However, preservatives in makeup do eventually break down overtime, so you should never keep makeup beyond three years. When you open new items, write the month and year when you first open them on a small sticker and affix it to the bottom of the tube or jar.
Want to know the shelf-life of every item in your bathroom? Gather your items together and use this chart to determine whether or not to keep an item. Be sure to check the dates on the original packaging, take note if anything has become dry or crumbly, has faded pigments, powders that are packed down and hard to use, has an odor (trust your nose!) or has separated, and dispose of anything else that you’re unsure about. Then treat yourself to some new stuff.
Want a printable PDF cheat sheet with the full list of what to keep and for how long? Send us an email and we’ll send one to you!
1 MONTH
makeup sponge
3 MONTHS
eyeliner pencil | liquid eyeliner | mascara | toothbrush
6 MONTHS
loofah
1 YEAR
concealer | cream blush | eye shadow | face cleanser | foundation | lip balm | lip gloss | moisturizer | nail polish
1 – 2 YEARS
bar soap | deodorant | perfume
2 YEARS
bath towels | brow pencil | lip liner pencil | lipstick |powder blush | shaving cream | toothpaste
2 – 3 YEARS
conditioner | hair gel | hair spray | shampoo
3 YEARS
body wash | mouthwash | sunscreen
The Final Word
I don’t know about you, but the cosmetic items that I use regularly don’t actually last that long. But sometimes we splurge on something expensive, and only use it occasionally to make it last longer. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a good idea. Bacteria can grow on the items making them unusable due to contamination, bad odors, oil separation and more. So, go ahead and splurge on something special, and be sure that you use it regularly and enjoy it!
PS: Don’t forget to wash your makeup brushes every week and let them dry completely before using them again.