9 Signs Your Makeup Might Be Expired
Do you have an eyeshadow palette that’s been on your vanity since middle school? Have you been using the same lipstick for nearly a decade? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who does this. It’s hard to throw away makeup items that we love, but makeup can only last so long.
Few people realize that, on average, makeup products are only good for a year. Some items, like mascara, only last a few months. Longer-lasting products, like lipstick, can be used for a couple of years. But after that, it’s time to replace them. If you’re not sure about certain items, look for these signs of expiration.
1. Weird Smell
If your lipstick, foundation, or any makeup product starts to emit a strange or rancid odor, it’s a clear sign that it may be expired. Fresh makeup should have a pleasant scent, so any icky odor changes indicate that bacteria could be present, making it unsafe for use.
This typically happens with makeup that has not been opened for a long time and may live in a moist or humid environment. You don’t want your face to smell funny anyway, right? Time to toss them.
2. Cracks in Powder
For powder products like eyeshadow and blush, cracks or hardening on the surface suggest they’ve gone bad. This can affect the product’s application and pigmentation.
If you notice these cracks, it’s time to consider replacing your powder makeup to ensure a smooth application. The powders likely won’t stick to your face properly and the colors will be diluted.
3. Crusty Tops
Cream products like concealers and blushes can develop crusty tops over time. We know; it’s super gross to see. This is often due to exposure to air and moisture, leading to bacterial growth. If you see a crust forming, it’s best to discard the product to avoid skin irritation or infection.
Do not just wipe the crust away and keep using the product. We’re guilty of doing this too, but it’s not worth exposing your body to harmful bacteria.
4. Separation of Liquids
Liquid foundations and eyeliners may separate in their containers as they age. If you notice oil pooling on top or a clear separation between layers, this indicates that the product is no longer stable and should be replaced for optimal performance.
This is also common with nail polish and sunscreen. You can shake them up to combine the oils again, and they are typically safe for use, but the quality of the product is substantially compromised.
5. Dry or Flaky Texture
If your mascara or cream eyeshadow feels dry, flaky, or difficult to apply smoothly, it’s likely expired. We all know the feeling of dry mascara, and it’s not something we enjoy.
It can make your eyes itchy and look messy. Fresh formulas should glide on easily; if yours doesn’t, it’s time to toss it and invest in a new one for better results. You deserve a silky-smooth mascara!
6. Loss of Pigmentation
Faded color or lost vibrancy in eyeshadows, lip liners, lipsticks, and similar makeup products are signs of expiration. If you find that the color payoff is significantly diminished or uneven during application, it’s time to replace these products.
The loss of pigmentation is no cause for alarm, as it doesn’t necessarily indicate bacterial growth. However, what’s the point of using bold ruby red lipstick if it’s more like a sad brick red?
7. Irritation Upon Application
If you experience redness, itching, or irritation when using a product that you’ve used before without issues, it may have expired. Changes in formulation over time can lead to adverse reactions.
You also can develop an allergy to an ingredient in the formula. Either way, stop use immediately for your own safety. If irritation persists even after you’ve stopped using the product, see a doctor, preferably a dermatologist.
8. Changes in Consistency
Foundation and concealer should maintain a smooth consistency. If you notice them becoming thicker, grainy, or lumpy, it’s a sign they might be expired.
Yes, you can usually just pick out the lumps or mix them back into the foundation with your fingers, but those are not ideal solutions. Using products with altered textures can lead to uneven application and poor results. And these products are probably not far off from growing bacteria.
9. Visible Mold or Bacteria
Any visible signs of mold or unusual growth on your makeup products are serious red flags. Most people know this, but it bears repeating. If you see any fuzzy spots or discoloration, dispose of the product immediately as these can pose health risks and lead to infections when applied to your skin.
Green, black, red, pink, or orange discoloration is the most common, but any strange color should be treated as mold. Mold might mix with your makeup and become an abnormal color, so assume any discoloration is mold and head to the trash can.
Time to Hit Sephora
Makeup is expensive. If you know, you know. But using expired makeup can be harmful to your skin, and you won’t look as fabulous as you could anyway.
We know it hurts to toss the Naked palette in the trash or say goodbye to your favorite YSL lipstick, but it’s for the best. Do yourself a favor and check all your makeup for these signs they might be expired and refresh your collection with some new goodies.
‘One and Done’ Eyeshadows! Your New Favorite Way To Look Polished With Ease
Some of us put on a full face of makeup every single day, while others go bare-faced. But there is definitely something to be said for a middle of the road approach. Enter the concept of the “one and done” eyeshadow. No need to master blending, eyeshadow placement, or multiple colors. The beauty of this approach is that there are eyeshadows that can be swept across the lid – and that’s it. You will look polished. Like your best you, with minimal effort.
READ: ‘One and Done’ Eyeshadows! Your New Favorite Way To Look Polished With Ease
One Swipe Lipstick: Easy Luscious Lips
Given the popularity of our article on One and Done Eyeshadows, we thought we would put our focus on that other luscious facial feature – lips! Some lipsticks demand careful application and end up with a very made-up look (no shade, just not what we always want). This article is about those one-swipe lipsticks that you can just grab and apply, even without a mirror. No liners or application expertise needed. Want to look polished quickly and easily? These are the lipsticks and lip products you need – and some are less than $5!
READ: One Swipe Lipstick: Easy Luscious Lips
Makeup Brands You Might Not Know, But Should
It used to be that makeup was roughly divided into two worlds: discount brands that you could get at the drugstore, and the high-end brands available at better department stores. Thankfully, for us makeup lovers, the world of makeup has never been more vast or more accessible. From economical to pricy splurges, we have some suggestions for you about brands and specific products that we bet are new-to-you. Which will you try first? Note: We have listed and linked websites, but many of the products are available on Amazon as well – for almost instant gratification! Read the article.
Join Us
Join us on this empowering journey as we explore, celebrate, and elevate “her story.” The Queen Zone is not just a platform; it’s a community where women from all walks of life can come together, share their experiences, and inspire one another. Welcome to a space where the female experience takes center stage. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing, Queen!
