Do makeup products expire?
We all have that one foundation or mascara in our makeup bag that we’ve had for what seems like ages. All good and all, but the chances of them being expired are pretty high. Yes, makeup has a best before date! Here’s an overview of product expiration dates.
Foundations – 6-12 Months
With foundations, this is a tricky thing. I mean, if you’re like me, you probably have more than one foundation. My skin gets darker as the weather warms up, so I switch up my foundations accordingly, which usually means my foundations last a lot longer than a year… (gulp) But to save myself from putting expired products on my face, I take a close look at what’s in my collection as the seasons change. Here are some things to look for when checking your foundation.
Has the product changed color?
Has it been exposed to direct sunlight for a long time?
Does it give off a weird or unpleasant odor?
Is there any sign of mold?
If the answer to all of these questions is “no,” then you can safely use the product for a few months after the expiration date, at your discretion of course.
Concealer – 6-12 Months
You’ll notice that concealer has a similar shelf life to foundation. The only difference is that some concealers, especially those with a sponge applicator, are used. Since some concealers are meant to cover blemishes and spots, it’s no surprise that the concealer picks up some bacteria in the process. Transferring these bacteria from your face back into the tube usually contaminates the product, which then expires faster.
To avoid this, apply some product to the back of your hand and then use a clean brush to cover the area or blemish.
Lipstick – 2 Years
Lipstick seems to age the most of all the products. Still, it’s best to store lipstick away from direct sunlight and heat. Yes, lipstick may last the longest, but it’s in constant contact with your mouth, and let’s face it: your mouth is full of bacteria, no matter how often you floss.
It’s best to be hygienic by cleaning your lipstick after every use, but understandably, not everyone has that much time!
To keep your lipstick looking nice and performing well, keep it sanitary by giving it a quick spray with a small amount of rubbing alcohol once a month. Keep an eye out for discoloration, color changes, and odors, as this means it’s time to throw it out.
Mascara 3-6 Months
The problem with mascara is that it’s the product that spreads infection the fastest. The brush can contaminate the product in the tube and create a nest of bacteria. This is of course why professional makeup artists use a separate disposable mascara brush for each eye. Personally, I think respecting the expiration date on your mascara is of the utmost importance. To ensure your mascara lasts the full 6 months, try not to pump the brush into the tube if possible. It’s a habit many of us have, but when you do this you’re forcing air into the case and the mascara will dry out faster!
Powdered Products (Blush, Eyeshadow, etc.) 1-2 Years
You’ll find that powder formulas have a longer shelf life than cream or liquid products. Honestly, of all the makeup products on the market, they’re pretty low maintenance. Keeping them in a drawer or on your dresser is a good place to start. If the formula changes in any way, starts to smell, or changes consistency, it’s time to throw it out.
If you have particularly oily skin, you may notice that powder products like blush can form a rough film on the surface, which can change the color. To avoid this, blot your makeup brush with a cloth to remove any oils from your cheeks that may have been left behind by the product.
Cream formulas (cream blush, etc.) – 1 year
Just like foundation, you’ll want to make sure you store these products away from sunlight and protect them from overheating to prevent the formula, color, and texture from changing or developing an unpleasant odor. Cream blushes are easier to apply with your fingers, but can easily spread bacteria. Always wash your hands before using cream products, or spray them with alcohol once a week to keep bacteria away!
Natural Products 3-6 Months
I know I’ve got a rough idea of the lifespan of natural products, but it’s hard to keep them for more than 6 months, especially if you’re not super careful with them! Being natural means they don’t contain preservatives like other makeup products. The best place to store these products is in the fridge, but be aware that even storing them there won’t make them “go bad” any faster. If you want to try natural products, it’s best to buy smaller sizes so you have a chance to use up all of the product before it expires.
So there you have it, a little guide to the shelf life of makeup. I hear you all already running, grabbing your makeup bag and starting to clean up! If you can’t tell if a product that looks good, smells good and works well is approaching its expiration date, you can also look at the back of the packaging. There you will see an icon of a small jar with a removable lid and a number in the middle. The number indicates how many months the product can be used before it expires after opening.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
