Just like food, skincare and make-up products have an expiry date. Editor Trudi Brewer says keeping old products harbours germs in your beauty bags. So, to start the New Year, decluttering those expired items - here’s a guide to follow and why.
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Concealer & Foundation
The Shelf Life: 12 to 18 months
These are the products most of us use daily, which happen to expire at similar times. If your concealer dries out, changes in texture become lumpy or smells different, it’s time to biff it. As for foundation, water-based formulas are where bacteria can thrive. An unopened foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, ensure it’s not sitting on the bathroom window sill in the sun, and keep them tucked into a drawer away from heat.
Top Tip: There is a small sticker on the label of the product with an open lid; it also has a number inside it. This number relates to its freshness. So, once it’s opened, you generally have 12 to 18 months to use it.
The Product: Lipstick & Lip Gloss
The Shelf Life: 24 Months
First, never leave the lid off lipstick or gloss, and clean it with a baby wipe to remove any top layer of bacteria. Treat lipgloss like mascara – don’t pump the tubes; this forces air into the gloss, increasing the chances of germ contamination and colour change.
Top Tip: Lip products are long-lasting, which is good news if you have a drawer full. As far as lip pencils go, sharpen them to avoid bacteria building up on the tip, and store them in a cool place, too.
The Product: Nail Polish
The Shelf Life: 1 Year
Nail lacquer won’t go off from bacteria but will dry out and become glugy. To lengthen the life of your polish, keep the lid securely fastened and leave it in the fridge to slow discolouration and solvent evaporation.
The Product: Cream Shadows & Blush
The Shelf Life: 6 Months
Creamy make-up products have a short life span, unlike powder formulas. They contain extra moisture for bacteria to thrive on; any smell or colour change means it’s time to bin them.
The Product: Mascara
Shelf Life: 6 Months
This is the one product that can change its consistency overnight. That is because the brush is constantly taken in and out, used and then put back into the tube. This is where it collects air and dust, along with bacteria, are collected. If a mascara has dried out, starts flaking, or has a different texture, colour or scent, it’s time to buy a new one.
The Product: Eyeliner
Shelf Life: 6 Months
Just like mascara, liquid liners or pencil eyeliners should be replaced every six months; sharpening them does shorten their life span but keeps them clean. If pencils start to dry out or break when applying them, it’s time to replace them.
The Product: Make-Up Sponges & Brushes
The Shelf Life: 1 Month to years
Blending sponges need to be washed after every use and replaced monthly. Signs that you need to throw them away are if the sponge starts to disintegrate, won’t rinse clean, or you are getting unexplained breakouts. Meanwhile, brushes are the longest-lasting tools in your beauty arsenal. Some will last years if you take care of them. Use baby shampoo or dishwashing liquid to clean them, then lay them flat to air dry. Standing them up wet rots the glue that holds the bristles in place. Signs they may need replacing include fraying bristles or fallout on your face when applying makeup.
The Product: Fragrance
The Shelf Life: 5 Years
Fragrance is one of the longest-lasting products you will own. Perfumers say the older the scent is, the more its intensity fades, leading to oxidation and colour change. Store your fragrance out of the sunlight or heat. Use it until it’s empty – the oxygen inside half-empty bottles increases the risk of colour change or scent smelling rancid.
The Product: Moisturiser
The Shelf Life: 2 Years
Storing moisturisers away from the sunlight ensures you will get two years from a lotion or a cream. Ingredients are preserved, but it's time for a new one if the consistency separates or won’t absorb into the skin. Where possible, buy airless pumps; open jars carry a higher risk of contamination because fingers dip in and out daily.
The Product: SPF
Shelf Life: 2 Years
Two years seems too long, considering an SPF is your most crucial beauty buy. This is one product where you need to check the expiration date, especially if it’s in your beach bag or your car in the heat. If your sunscreen is clumping or pilling (when it won’t rub in), it’s a sign that it’s time to invest in a new one.
Top Tip: Airelss tubes or pots are ideal with sunscreen, but if it’s in a tube, make sure you tighten the lid after every application.
The Product: Eye Cream
The Shelf Life: 6 - 12 Months
The closer a moisturiser comes to your eye, the shorter its life span. To avoid irritation or conjunctivitis, pay attention to the look and texture of the eye cream. This is one product where airless pumps are invaluable.
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