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The ingredients used in makeup products don’t last forever. Like the milk in your fridge, cosmetics have an expiration date.
Understanding when to replace makeup products and how to store them properly is essential to prevent unwanted reactions caused by their chemical components.
How to check the expiration date of cosmetics
In most cases, you can find the expiration date on the back of the packaging.
- PAO (Period After Opening):
- Indicated by the open jar icon with a number and the letter “M” (e.g., 12M means 12 months after opening).
- You can find this icon on the packaging or directly on the product.
- Expiration Date:
- Some products (especially those with active ingredients like sunscreen) have an expiration date printed on the packaging.
- Look for mentions such as “Expiration,” “Best before,” or “Use by.” If you can’t find it, refer to the next point.
- Batch Code:
- Some manufacturers use batch codes to indicate the manufacturing date.
- You can often check these codes on the manufacturer’s website or use online tools to decode them.
When should I throw makeup away?
To know when it’s time to replace your products, an easy way to track how long you’ve been using them is to note the date of purchase.
Analyzing the different products of well-known cosmetic brands, here are the expiration times for the most used makeup products.
Lifespan of cosmetics
Water-based products (e.g., cream eyeshadow, liquid foundation):
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- PAO: approximately 6 months to 1 year
- These products are more prone to developing bacteria and mould.
Powder products (e.g., eyeshadows, face powders):
PAO: around 2 years
Less prone to bacterial contamination but can lose pigmentation and texture over time.
Lipsticks and glosses:
PAO: about 1 year
Lipsticks may dry out and glosses can become sticky or develop an off smell.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner:
PAO: approximately 3 months
These products can quickly become contaminated due to moisture and contact with the eyes.
Store makeup correctly
Cosmetics are sensitive to humidity and heat, making the bathroom (where most people usually store them) an unsuitable place for keeping beauty products. It is better to store products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Keep it fresh: makeup in the fridge
With the arrival of summer, a practical solution is to set aside a small space in the fridge to store cosmetics (using a dedicated box). The fridge is a good place to store:
- Nail polishes: the cold keeps the nail polish more fluid and easier to apply
- Lipsticks: they do not melt and the application lasts longer
- Masks, serums, eye contour products: preserve better and become more effective, thanks to the cooling effect that helps decongest.
However, if you decide to take your products out of the fridge after summer, be mindful of temperature fluctuations, as they can alter the quality of your cosmetics. Once you start storing your products in a cool place, it’s best to continue doing so until they are fully used.
What NOT to store in the fridge
Powder makeup: sensitive to both heat and cold, it’s best to store it in a dry environment at room temperature, such as in makeup vanity drawers.
In general, water-resistant cosmetics hold up better to heat, so there is no need to store them in the fridge.
Hygiene rules for makeup products to avoid infections
Safety & Hygiene: makeup is applied to the skin on the face, eyes and lips. In particular, the lips and eyes are “entry points” for bacteria. Therefore, regular maintenance includes pencils and sticks, as well as brushes and other tools.
- Lipstick can be cleaned by removing a thin layer with an alcohol-soaked wipe.
- Sharpening pencils after use is already a form of cleaning; you can also clean them, like lipstick, with an alcohol-soaked wipe.
- Wash hands before using jar products and avoid sharing cosmetics, to prevent contamination.
- Wash sponges and brushes once a week with soap and/or alcohol (without wetting the handle). Remove excess alcohol and/or water with a wipe and allow them to air dry thoroughly (never upright with the tip facing up).
- Regularly clean makeup bags and other containers.
- Tightly close product tubes and lids.
- Choose pump dispenser to minimize contact with your fingers (carriers of bacteria)
As a rule of thumb, get rid of any product at the first sign of a change in color, texture or smell, and replace brushes once they start losing their flexibility.
Set up your makeup corner in the bedroom
For the reasons mentioned above, it’s better to set up your makeup area in the bedroom, where the temperature is more stable and the air is generally drier, compared to the bathroom.
Choosing high-quality equipment, such as a lighted mirror and a makeup vanity, impacts the quality of your beauty sessions. Even better if you can integrate them seamlessly into the decor, matching the style of your room.
For professional makeup artists
Avoid displaying makeup products on the shelves of your salon, as temperature fluctuations between day and night could lead to their deterioration. Store them in a makeup case that will keep them at a constant temperature.
If your work as a makeup artist involves frequent travel, use a trolley with thermal pockets. This will help you keep your makeup products at the right temperature in any situation. Your work will be much more appreciated if you use high-quality products that are well-preserved and well-organized!
Read also our article: Makeup vanity: the modern dressing table with Hollywood mirror
