Raise your hand if you’re guilty of holding onto old make-up. We get it — parting with your favourite products is tough, even if they’re not quite finished. But there’s a point where you’ve got to let go and we’re here to tell you why…
Cosmetics come with an expiry date for a reason. That old mascara or foundation could be behind those breakouts or allergic reactions. If you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s time to say goodbye. Here, the low-down on when each type of make-up needs to go.
Make-Up Expiration Date Guide:
Foundation
A good base will carry through six to eight months (yes!), but if your liquid becomes lumpy, causes redness or gets really thick, time’s up. Throw it away or it’ll cause acne or sensitivity. Invest in a new one — for your skin’s sake.
Blush and bronzer
Good ol’ blush can get you through the whole year. Yup, an entire 12 months. Just make sure you keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent colour loss and excess moisture, which can cause bacteria to grow. Tip: Wash your blush brush often.
READ MORE: Exactly How You Should Be Cleaning Your Make-Up Brushes, According To A Make-Up Artist
Mascara
The who’s who of make-up and beauty toss out their old mascaras after three months. Why? Eyelashes already carry bacteria, which gets transferred from your eye to your mascara wand. Don’t be that person who waits until it’s dry or super-clumpy — be the person who doesn’t get eye infections!
Eyeshadow
Powdered eyeshadow can last up to two whole years. We ain’t even joking. But if your eyes are sensitive or you’re afraid of infection (it can happen), investing in new shadows every six months is the way to go.
Lipstick
The chance of bacteria getting into your lipstick is low because it doesn’t contain water, but the essential oils and vitamins in your fave lippie start to break down after a year – which calls for a replacement.
Symbols To Look Out For On Your Beauty Packaging
In 2023, 33% of our readers admitted they don’t pay much attention to beauty labels. No judgment here. Fast forward to 2024, and we found that 52% of people are tossing their products once they’ve expired. Well done!
That’s why we’re here to shine a spotlight on those tiny symbols at the bottom of your favourite make-up products – the ones you’ve probably overlooked. These little icons reveal everything from product lifespan to sustainability efforts. Here’s your need-to-know guide:
Next time you’re grabbing your go-to’s, give these symbols a second glance – they’ve got plenty to say about the product you’re putting on your skin.
