Beauty expiration

I had a rude awakening recently when I received a couple of rather dated cosmetic products, an eyeshadow palette and a lip gloss from a particular UK brand.  Whilst i’m not always the most vigilant about expiration dates, and often keep products in my stash far longer than i should, it really bothered me when the brand distributor and the distributor that sent me those items insisted their shelf lives were 5 years (2 years more than the usual recommended 3 year).  I mean, come on, lip gloss are made to be ingested…would you eat a bag of chips that has been stored away in goodness-knows-where for that long a period??  And if, the products really were made to outlast their competitors by 2 whole years, I wonder how much preservatives & parabens it contains?  Not to mention, who wants to sport a look from 3 years ago?!

Anyway, I did some research, and here is a list of suggested expiration dates for those of you who care!

• Anti-aging and acne treatments: Three months to a year. Antioxidants are easily oxidized, so be on the lookout for any changes in color.
• Body lotion: Two to three years, particularly if it’s in a pump container.
• Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel: About three years.
• Bath oil: One year.
• Sunscreen: Check the package for an expiration date.
• Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Three to four months. Make sure you’re diligent about replacing these items to prevent contamination and infections.
• Eye and lip pencils: Three to five years. Sharpen them before each use as a way to preserve them and keep them clean.
• Lipstick and lip gloss: Two to three years.
• Foundation: About two years. Most bottles are designed to last that long. And if you don’t use it, chances are you didn’t love it to begin with.
• Perfume: About two years. To get more mileage out of a perfume, resist the temptation to display a pretty bottle on your vanity. Instead, stash it away in a cool, dark place.
• Nail polish: One year.
• Hairstyling products: Three to five years. Most are alcohol-based, which helps preserve the formula.
• Bar soap: Up to three years.
• Shaving cream: About two years.
• Deodorant: Up to two years.

Using expired cosmetics can result in quite sad consequences: skin irritation, dermatitis, allergic reactions and infection…none of us need that!  This can be caused by microorganisms and dirt which can get into the cosmetic product once it has been opened, or due to using the product after specified “Use by” date.  At the very best, the products lose their pigmentation and staying ability which can be very frustrating to use.  Do note that most products contain a symbol of an opened jar bearing a number followed by the letter M, which indicates the period you can keep the product after opening.  Do junk those that have been left open too long too!