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STYLE
Beauty
Your ultimate guide to makeup expiration dates
Spoiler alert: Your go-to beauty products actually expire. Yep, just like food! All makeup and skincare products have a lifespan—which means it's time to toss out that 10-year-old gloss in the bottom of your makeup bag.
Once a product expires, the formula changes and bacteria starts to grow (eww!). Using expired products can result in skin irritation and breakouts which no one wants. This is your sign to give your beauty products a refresh. Here's how long each product can last once you pop it open...
Makeup
Beauty sponge: 1 month
Foundation: 1 year
Concealer: 1 year
Cream blush, bronzer and highlighter: 6-12 months
Powder blush, bronzer and highlighter: 12-18 months
Mascara: 3 months
Eyeliner: 3 months
Lipstick: 1-2 years
Lipgloss: 6-12 months
Skincare
Cleanser: 1 year
Toner: 6-12 months
Moisturizer: 1 year
Sunscreen: 3 years
Lip blam: 1 year
When in doubt?
@emmatainment Some of y’all were today years old when you found out #makeup #science #learnontiktok ♬ Fast - LLusion
All makeup and skincare products have a PAO (aka period after opening) symbol. It looks like an open container with a small number inside. This specifically shows how long it takes a product to expire after it has been unsealed. When cleaning your beauty products, use the PAO to help decide if it's time to say goodbye!
Wanting more beauty tips? Check out these articles:
💄 10 drugstore makeup faves for under $10
💄 All hail the everything shower
💄 The best makeup wipe alternatives
Which beauty product do you re-purchase the most? Let us know on Twitter!
Slider and top image: @maoubymarielle
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