What Happens When You Use Expired Makeup

We often don’t take into account that using expired makeup can lad to skin issues, breakouts or infections. Take a look below at all you need to know when it comes to expired makeup plus we have an easy to follow graph showing how long to keep certain products.

Bacteria

Once makeup is exposed to air, it becomes exposed to bacteria and bacteria continues to manifest over time. We tend to forget that every time we dip the applicator into our makeup and apply it to our face, we are actually spreading the bacteria from our makeup onto our face and vice versa.

Makeup breaks down 

Most makeup products we use contain preservatives to help them last longer as well as to help them fight bacteria from both the air and the applicator tools. But with that being said preservatives or not, all makeup will break down at some point.

Unopened makeup can also be problematic. Even if the product has not been opened, the same break down process will occur. So keep this in mind when you decide to stock up on any products especially products like foundation or anything else that is either liquid or cream based.

How do I know if a product is expired?

If you makeup changes in any of these ways it is time to bin it.

• It smells off
• The colour has changed
• The texture/consistency has changed
• It is separating
• When applying it to your skin it feels different

Now that you know about makeup products and their expiration date, maybe it is time to clear out that make up bag and toss that red lipstick from your matric dance or that eyeshadow palette you wore to a friends wedding years ago.

Quick tip the little product with a number followed by the letter m informs us how long we should keep the product for. See our easy to use graph below: