Keep or Toss? A Makeup Expiration Guide

Hi Makeup Geeks! Have you ever wondered how to tell if your makeup is still good to use? Just like any other beauty product, makeup also has an expiration date. Using expired makeup can lead to bacterial infections, skin irritation, breakouts, and can even create severe long term damage to your skin.

 Here are a few tips on how to decide if you should  “Keep It or Toss It Out!”

A FEW WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR MAKEUP EXPIRED ARE:

• The liquid begins to separate
• It smells odd
• Looks discolored
• Begins to clump, or dry out

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn’t require cosmetic companies to label makeup with an expiration date. However, some beauty products are labeled with a symbol that looks like an open jar. This symbol contains a number and the letter “m” (month) or “Y” (Year) in the center, which tells you approximately how many months or years your makeup is good for (after you have opened the product and removed the seal). Keep in mind that this is only an approximation.

A quick tip to easily remember how long it’s been since you first opened a makeup product, is to grab a sharpie and simply write the date opened on the product itself. Next, follow this guide to help you determine when it’s time to toss it out.

We hope this was helpful information for all of you looking to clean out your makeup bag. As always, we hope you are happy and healthy!

All the best,

The Makeup Geek Team