Keep it or Kick it? A Makeup Lover’s Guide to Makeup Expiration Dates
only difference is that your makeup’s shelf-life is dependent on when you open it, referred to as the PAO, or Period After Opening. You may have noticed the PAO on your beauty products: Like the contents of your fridge, your makeup can go bad, too. The only difference is that your makeup’s shelf-life is dependent on when you open it, referred to as the PAO, or Period After Opening. You may have noticed the PAO on your beauty products: As indicated above, you could probably guess that the “M” stands for months. This acts as a guideline for when you should toss out a product post-opening. Can’t find the symbol? Keep calm, keep reading for helpful tips on how long you should keep or replace your makeup, as well as extending their shelf-life! Before we get started, we should talk about why you should toss out your expired makeup. We all do so much to beautify our face and skin, so making sure the things that go onto it are in good condition make for the best results. Cosmetics can trap bacteria, which means the more you use them, the more exposure they get to air and contamination. Continued use of expired products can lead to skin irritation, eye infections, styes, and breakouts, so you definitely want to ditch your products when their time is up to avoid any unnecessary inconveniences. Onto the guide!! Let’s do them in application order: 
Moisturizer: 1-3 Years
Many products’ shelf-lives also are dependent on their packaging. For example, a moisturizer in a jar has more exposure to air and bacteria as opposed to those with a pump orin a tube. Another helpful tip is to pay attention to the ingredients: the more active ingredients (such as SPF) your product has, the more quickly it will expire. This affects how well your product works whether it be sun protection or hydrating the skin. “Natural” ingredients also shorten their shelf life, as well as their desired function. There are preservatives in many skincare products, but all things lose their effectiveness over time.
Eye and Face Primer: 1-2 Years
These products tend to be silicone based, so if their texture or color starts to turn, toss them!
Foundation: 6 Months-2 Years
Cream/liquid foundations tend to last for about 6 months, as these products contain water and/or oils that increase the risk of bacterial growth. Powder foundati on lasts longer as the texture makes it harder for bacteria to grow. A helpful tip to keep in mind when purchasing foundation, or any cosmetic product, is to be mindful of the package it comes in. Foundation with a pump versus a jar decreases its risk of oxidizing as well as decreasing exposure to bacteria.
Concealer/Cream Face Products: 1 Year
It is ideal for concealers to be extra blendable while still maintaining coverage, which means they would have to contain oils and hydrating agents. As explained above, anything with a creamier or liquid consistency (concealer/ color correctors/ cream contour, highlight, or blush) will have a shorter shelf-life. If your concealer
dries out, becomes lumpy, or starts to smell different, toss it ASAP!
Powder Cosmetic Products: 2 Years
Powders (eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc) last longer than other formulas, but that doesn’t make them invincible to germs! If your powders start to change color or texture, replace them.
Mascara and Eyeliner: 3-6 Months
First of all, stop pumping your mascara! The more mascarayou pump it, the more air gets into the tube which not only dries it out quicker, but also increases bacterial growth. Instead, insert the wand and slowly swirl it in the tube for more product. DO NOT add more water or oil to your mascara if it dries out- you definitely want to ditch these products or you’ll run the risk of developing styes and eye irritation.
Lip Products: 1-2 Years
Lipliners can last up to 2 years if you sharpen them regularly! Lipsticks can last up to 2 years, too, if you keep the lid on after you use them to prevent unnecessary exposure to air that can dry them out and harbor bacteria. Make sure you store these in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life as well. As for lipglosses, think about your mascara and the same logic applies, no pumping!
Clean your brushes and Makeup Tools: After Every Use!
We know, it’s a lot of work. But 9 times out of 10, your brushes and sponges are the culprit to your breakouts. Luckily, Luxie’s brushes are made of synthetic fibers, meaning they’re less absorbent of products and more gentle on sensitive skin overall. We understand that it is not ideal to wash your brushes after EVERY use, but try to spot clean after each use and deep clean once a week. Beauty sponges need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use, as their texture allows for an increased risk of bacterial growth if not cleaned well and often, as well as stored in a dry, open space.
