Signs that your cosmetics are out of date

At your own risk, take a peek into someone's makeup bag and you may discover a horrifying hoard of cosmetics from years ago. Whether they were swept away by a beauty counter salesperson or (like me) they are a cosmetics hoarder, they may have created a beauty graveyard with several bottles of foundation or potions of primer that they have only used once. Not to mention the eyeshadow palette, of which I only use two colors. It's hard to tell the end of makeup from just the obvious signs of expiration, such as dry mascara or crumbling eyeshadow.

In a perfect world, our favorite makeup products would last forever and save us many trips to Sephora. In reality, however, beauty products, whether brand new or on their last legs, deteriorate. Worse yet, if not disposed of at the right time, they can be harmful to our skin and health.

"Like food, cosmetics have an expiration date, and over time, harmful bacteria can grow and lead to infection," Dr. David Schlesinger, board certified oculoplastic surgeon and ophthalmologist and medical director of Schlesinger Eye & Face, Inc. states. Sharing these products among friends doubles the risk."

How can we purify and store products that are gathering dust?

Surprisingly, U.S. labeling regulations do not require most cosmetics to list an expiration date (open in new tab), making it more difficult to determine their longevity. However, there are some telltale signs that your makeup is going bad. Generally, the easiest way to determine if a product has properly served its time is to observe visual and olfactory changes. If the product separates, changes color or texture, or smells off, odds are it is far past its expiration date.

From the time the product is first opened, the following rules of thumb should generally be followed:

1. Make sure the product is tightly closed and not exposed to sunlight.

This is the most basic tip for prolonging the life of the product. Direct sunlight will accelerate the aging of the product and break down the active ingredients in the skin care product.

2. Store products in a cool place.

Refrigerators do not need to store only kombucha and midnight snacks. It can also hold your favorite cosmetics and skin care products! Skin care products, especially those containing vitamin C and retinol, will deteriorate and age faster at higher temperatures. Serums, moisturizers, and oils should all be kept in the refrigerator. Nail polish should also be kept in a cool place to avoid lumps and ensure smooth application.

3. Avoid bathroom sinks.

Bathrooms may have the best lighting in the morning for makeup time, but the steam and humidity from showers can cause mold to build up. It is highly recommended that compacts, eyeshadows, sponge applicators, and other poorly sealed items be moved to a dry area to prevent bacteria buildup and mold growth.

4. Tools should be cleaned regularly.

Makeup brushes should be cleaned weekly with a mild detergent. Makeup sponges should be cleaned weekly (yes, weekly!) or ideally, replace the sponge when it is soiled.

Once you have acquired the knowledge, leave the makeup collection to Marie Kondo.

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