Makeup has expiry date too

As women, many of us buy makeup products with regularity, accumulating many products over time; sometimes we think this makeup in which we invested will take years to expire, but reality it's not like this.

All makeup have a caducity date, so it’s important to stay alert and know products’ expiration date, at least for the ones you use with regularity. Failing to have control over this can lead to skin irritations, allergic reactions and infections with nefarious consequences.

Why makeup expires?

In general, makeup has an approximate lifespan between 6 and 36 months depending on its composition, this is because most of them contain antioxidant agents, bactericides and fungicides that preserves it. When these products are opened and have contact with air and other factors their components start to deteriorate, therefore some care is to be taken in their conservation.

How to identify expiry dates in my makeup products?

Currently most brands found in market have incorporated a logo in products which indicates its duration. Frequently we can find an open container symbol with a number and a letter which indicate for how many months the product should last after opened, although sometimes it can last longer depending on how good you handled your makeup products. It is very important to have in mind that you must discard immediately your makeup products if the color and texture has changed, even if the expiry date is less than indicated.

Average lifespan of common makeup products

Facial cream and primer: 12 months.
Foundation: 12-18 months.
Concealer: 6-12 months.
Blush, bronzer and pressed powder: 12-18 months.  
Eyeshadows: 3 years.
Lipstick: 12-18 months
Lip Gloss: 12 months.
Cream eyeshadows and blush: 12-18 months.  
Mascara: 4-6 months.
Liquid eyeliner: 6 months.

How should I handle my makeup products?

In order for your makeup to be safe for your skin keep in mind how you handle it. Here are some care tips for your makeup products to last much longer and be safe for you.

• It's not recommended to store your makeup products in bathrooms or wet areas. Changes of temperature and humidity can affect their composition.
• Be sure to always store your makeup products firmly closed.
• If containers are transparent prefer to store them in their original box so that the light does not affect them.
• Don't expose makeup products directly to sun and high temperature, that could increase spoilage risk and mascara can dry faster.
• Never mix an old makeup with a new one in the same container.
• Brushes and sponges used to apply makeup always have to stay dry and clean so moist and dirt doesn’t make it to the product.
• Occasionally, you can spray some alcohol in your products and clean them on the outside with a lightly alcohol moistened tissue to avoid bacteria spreading.