If you’re like me and you’re unsure of the telltale signs of makeup gone bad, keep these 7 telling signs that your makeup has expired in mind the next time you’re going through your makeup bag.
1. Mascara
The mascara tube is a real shady character because the dark and moist environment is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause a plethora of infections. Aside from keeping tabs on how long you’ve had your tube, sniff your mascara to see if has any foul smells. Toss anything that smells like gas or just plain off and replace mascara every 3-4 months to be on the safe side, it’s hard to look cute with pink eye.
2. Liquid Foundation
Have you ever browsed the makeup section at the dollar store and saw those bottles of foundation that have changed color? That’s definitely a telling sign of makeup expiration as well as changes in texture and smell of the formula. Most water-based foundations last up to a year while oil-based foundations last up to 18 months. If your water-based foundation has dried up after a few months, try adding some drops of an alcohol-free toner to get the creamy texture back.
3. Concealers
Concealers are meant to conceal and disguise but they can’t hide the signs of expired makeup! Look for changes in color and texture when you check out your concealer for any signs of expiration. Most concealers last a year or more depending on whether they are of the liquid or stick variety. Stick concealers should last you up to two years whereas liquids are good for one year. Always apply makeup with clean hands and no matter how much your BFF begs, avoid sharing any beauty products to avoid infection.
4. Lipstick
You would think that spotting expired makeup like lipstick would be easy to recognize but it’s not always easy to tell. One of the best ways to tell if your lipstick has expired is if it is dry and has changed in texture. Lipstick tends to last up to two years and once it’s too old, it won’t go on or look as creamy on your lips. The problem I have is that some lipsticks I buy tend to have a drier formula and don’t exactly glide on my lips so the best way I determine whether it’s too old is to smell it. If it smells stale, it’s time to toss it!
5. Eyeliner
No matter how desperate I am for eyeliner, I never mess around with any eye makeup that could be expired; my eyes are too precious! If you spot a white tip on your pencil liner that you can’t get rid of by sharpening or shaving it, it’s time for it to go. If your liquid liner is starting to get dry or clumpy, toss it in the trash! Old eye makeup doesn’t work well anyway so toss any expired eye makeup and avoid a trip to the doctor’s.
6. Blush
I like to think that blush lasts forever. I have a NARS Orgasm that I’ve had for awhile that I’m not ready to part with yet. At any rate, I know the sure signs of expired blush are a dull gray film on the product or any change in texture. Powder blushes tend to last longer than cream blushes and the best way to keep your blush in tip-top condition is to clean your blush brush after each use and to keep it in a dark area.
7. Eye Shadow
Applying eye shadow is my favorite part of my beauty routine. I love how you can create different looks with the swipe of a brush! In order to see if your eye shadow has gone bad, look for any changes in color and smell. Make it a habit to always use clean hands when applying eye makeup and replace your shadows every 2-3 months.
I know it’s hard to part with your favorite beauty products but old makeup doesn’t work well and it’s definitely not worth an infection! The best way to prolong the life of your makeup is to store your products in a dark and cool environment away from sunlight and moisture. Think of purging your old makeup like a new start and a great excuse to hit up Sephora for some new makeup!