Chances are, you have several makeup products that have been lingering in your drawer for quite some time. You may be wondering if it’s time to toss them or if they’re still safe to use. You’re not the only one asking these questions, which is why we spoke with professional celebrity artist Thynna Wagenblast to find out.
How can I tell if makeup is expired?
Are you asking, “does makeup expire?” The short answer is yes, according to Wagenblast.
Similar to food and medication, makeup has expiration dates. Using expired makeup can cause irritation and wreak havoc on your skin. Even if old makeup doesn’t seem to affect your skin, expired formulas will perform differently than intended, especially those containing active ingredients.
“A good rule of thumb is to check the packaging for the PAO symbol, which looks like an open jar and indicates the product’s shelf life after opening,” she explains. “You’ll typically see 6M, 12M, or 24M, with the ‘M’ standing for months.”
Beyond that, Wagenblast advises paying attention to changes in smell, texture, color, or performance. “If a product smells different, feels different, doesn’t apply the way it used to, or has changed color, those are signs it may be expired.”
And of course, if a product causes any skin irritation, stop using it and throw it away immediately.
