How to Know if Your Beauty Products Have Gone Bad
We’ve all opened a moisturizer or applied a lip gloss and had that feeling that something doesn’t look quite right. The color has changed, the consistency is off, or you actually find your skin being irritated after you apply it.
But you can’t bear to throw it away!
The jar is still half-full, or it’s your favorite lipstick, and even though your intuition is telling you something’s off, you dismiss that thought.
Surely it’s better to keep using this product until it’s finished instead of wasting it?
So, do makeup products actually have an expiry date? How do you know if your beauty products have gone bad? Do unopened makeup products expire? How can you check the expiry dates of your products? And is there any harm in using an expired product?
All great questions, and we’ll be answering them all in this article!
Here’s everything you need to know about makeup expiry dates.
How long do beauty products last?
There is no definitive blanket answer, but here’s a general guide for how long different types of beauty products last.
Makeup that you use around your eyes
Mascaras and liquid liners have the shortest shelf life and will generally last between three and six months before they need replacing. It’s really important you adhere to this to avoid any nasty eye infections.
Pencil eyeliners have a longer shelf life and can last up to a year. Sharpening your liners regularly will shave off any bacteria that has built up and help you avoid eye infections.
Liquid foundation
Water-based foundations can last up to a year while oil-based foundations have a slightly longer shelf-life lasting up to 18 months.
Moisturizers
Depending on how fresh the ingredients are, moisturizers can last between six months to a year after being opened.
Eye creams, face masks & serums
These will all last between six months and a year.
Lip products
A solid lipstick texture will last between one and two years, while liquid lipstick and lip gloss will generally last between six months to a year.
A lip liner can last up to a year and should be regularly sharpened the same way as an eyeliner.
Cream-based makeup
Cream concealers and blushes can usually last between six months to a year.
Powder products
Bronzers, powder blushes, powder foundations, and setting powder can all last up to two years.
Nail polish
Nail polish will last indefinitely if it’s unopened. But once opened, it will usually have a shelf life of two years. Around this time (or sooner) certain ingredients will begin to evaporate which will cause it to thicken.
Makeup brushes
Brushes can last a long time as long as they’re properly looked after. That means washing them every month to remove bacteria and build up.
How to check the expiry date of cosmetics
The best way to figure out if a beauty product is expired is to use your common sense.
Ask yourself the following questions: Does it look right? Does it smell right? Has the texture changed?
And check the expiration date—every tube or jar will have this clearly written on it.
What you’re looking for is the “period after opening” number. This will be written as “6M” or “12M” on the product somewhere. This essentially tells you how long you can use this product safely after you open it.
Usually, it will be fairly obvious if a product has gone off. For example, mascara will clog. Pencils will dry out. Creams and moisturizers will change in consistency or color and may even change in smell.
What to do with expired beauty products: If in doubt, throw it out!
Do unopened makeup products expire, or is this just an urban myth?
Most products on the market have a shelf life of over 30 months when left unopened. But this really depends on the product in question. As mentioned already, some products have active, unstable ingredients in them that go off quicker than other ingredients.
So you’d be wise to still practice caution before going ahead and using any product that has been hanging around in your beauty drawer for a while.
How to extend the shelf life of your beauty products
Did you know that the way you store your beauty products can actually extend their shelf life?
Yes!
So, are you storing and looking after them the right way?
Here’s what NOT to do:
- Keep your makeup products somewhere humid (i.e. on a shelf in the bathroom)
- Keep them somewhere warm or in direct sunlight (on a windowsill)
- Dip dirty fingers, brushes, and sponges into your makeup pots
- Share your makeup with anyone else
This will encourage bacteria and mold to thrive, and wreak havoc with formulas.
Here’s what you should be doing to extend the life of your makeup:
- Keep your products somewhere cool, dark, and dry (not in the fridge though!)
- Clean your makeup tools regularly
- Use a tool to scoop out product instead of your fingers
- Wipe your lipstick after each use to remove bacteria
- Close lids and tops securely after using them
- Go for smaller product sizes if you find you’re not getting through them
How to keep your beauty products organized
As discussed, the period after opening symbol (PAO) is a great indication of how long a product will last before going bad. But sometimes, this will be located on a box and not on the actual product. On top of this, it’s difficult to remember when you bought and opened all your products!
To stay on top of things, add a small sticker to each product with a date on it for when you probably need to throw it out and replace it.
Can I still use expired beauty products?
What happens if you use expired makeup?
You might think there’s no harm in using an expired product, but you’d be wrong.
But the worst-case scenario is you can break out in spots, have an allergic reaction, or give yourself an infection.
A 2013 study found 70% of women used some type of expired product in their makeup routine—mostly eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow). The researchers sampled the eye makeup for contamination, and found that 67% of the products were contaminated!
Yikes.
It’s really not worth the risk ladies. Set aside a budget for investing in makeup as and when you need it and release the guilt of throwing away a half-used product.
Need a handy reminder when it’s time to replace your makeup?
Let’s be honest, life is hectic. In a perfect world, we’d all add expiry dates to our makeup products, and we’d always remember to replace them.
But most of us have so much going on that best practices like this get forgotten. That’s why we’ve created a handy subscribe and save makeup subscription option for all our products. You’ll save money on our makeup, and we’ll deliver a replacement product automatically at the time increments you choose!
In French beauty, the skin is always the star. French women rarely cover their faces with more than a sheer tinted moisturizer. Instead, they focus on achieving healthy skin with great skincare and an invigorating daily facial massage. While the hands are the traditional tool of French aestheticians, facial rollers have been a welcomed addition to French women’s daily skin care routines. If you’d like to add a face roller to your beauty routine, as well, keep reading! We’ll help you learn everything you need to know about how to use a face roller for maximum effects. The benefits of face roller massage Using a face roller on a regular basis has immense wellness benefits. It goes beyond just the skin — the effects of a facial massage have physical impacts below the epidermis. The rolling motion of a facial roller exerts less pressure on the skin than a traditional face massage, so it yields results quicker and is more gentle. Face rollers are inherently cool, so they have a soothing effect on the skin. You can boost this effect by keeping your face roller in the fridge. They tone the face and eliminate puffiness by moving and draining lymphatic fluid. They give facial muscles a relaxing massage that helps to drive away tension, especially from the jaw and temples. The massage improves blood circulation to the skin, which gives a youthful glow and may have long-term anti-sagging effects. The gentle massage helps skincare products penetrate into the skin more quickly and deeply. How to choose the best face roller When selecting the best face roller for you, consider what kind of features you’re especially interested in. Some stones do a better job of staying cold, while others have a smoother surface that’s more gentle on the skin. In general, we recommend purchasing a double-sided roller, with a large side for rolling over the face and a smaller one for around the eyes. Jade rollers are the classic choice, as they were the first facial rollers available on the market, and they’re quite affordable. They’re lightweight compared to other stones, but they’re also a hint quicker to lose their smoothness. Rose quartz facial rollers have become more popular in recent years. They’re a little heavier than jade rollers so they can exert more pressure on the skin, but they also stay cold for longer and are generally more durable. Amethyst rollers are the new thing in the facial roller scene. They’re structurally similar to rose quartz, but they’re quite expensive. The companies producing them often put more effort into manufacturing, so they’re usually smoother and less likely to make noise. Finally, there are ice rollers. They have a liquid core that turns to ice if you put them in the freezer. Using one is like getting an ice facial that rapidly cools the skin. They soothe irritation and reduce puffiness, but the cold shock can be too intense for daily use. How to use a face roller When not in use, keep your facial roller in the fridge, especially in the summer when the cold can be very refreshing. Always start with clean skin. The face roller will glide more easily if it’s also covered in a thin layer of moisturizer or face oil. If you’re a fan of sheet masks, you can use your facial roller on top of the sheet mask to allow the essence to soak in more thoroughly. Once you’re ready to roll over the face, remember this basic principle: Always start in the middle and work outwards and upwards, mirroring your motions on both sides of your face. You can roll along each area as many times as you like. Start at the neck, rolling upwards towards the jawline. Next, starting at the point of your chin, roll outwards following the curve of your jawline. Bring the roller up a bit, and roll in the same way over the chin and above the curve of the jawline. Then, roll along the cheeks, starting near the nose and going outwards. Roll over the forehead in upward lines, from above the brows up to the hairline. Flip your roller over to use the smaller side above the upper lip, along the sides, and up the bridge of the nose. To roll around the eyes, start below the eye’s inner corner and move outwards in a circular motion following the orbital bone. How to take care of your face roller As with anything that comes in contact with your skin, you should thoroughly clean your face roller after each use. Since it’s a non-invasive tool, you can simply wash it in warm water with a bit of soap or detergent. Then, towel-dry gently or place it somewhere safe to air-dry. How often should you use a facial roller? A massage with a face roller is a safe daily habit that’s incredibly gentle on the skin. Some women swear by using their jade roller twice a day, but once a day or week will also give you satisfying results. Even if you don’t have the time to use it every day, keep it around for the days when you feel like your skin needs that extra cooling, firming touch. Savoring the ritual French beauty practices are steeped in history, but we love updating them with new tools. A jade roller’s relaxing touch is the perfect upgrade, boosting your skin care practice and soothing the skin. That daily French ritual of facial massage becomes quicker and easier, and amidst your long, busy days, what more could we want?
Do you love Parisian style and want to know how to create the perfect French fashion statement? French women are known for their impeccable, timeless style. Paris street style is effortless, chic, classic, and subtly sexy. The French have mastered the balance between looking dressed up while remaining laid back. Basics are mixed with one statement piece, so nobody ends up looking overdressed. Fashion in France is about clean lines and simplicity. Want to know the best thing about Parisian style? It values comfort. We don’t mean heading out the door in sweatpants and sneakers, but French women will never wear something that isn’t comfortable. For example, ballet flats are still chic and look great — comfort and quality are just as important as a piece’s aesthetics. Don’t you love that? Ditch those heels you can’t walk in and those jeans that are so tight you feel like your circulation is cut off. It’s time to do what the French women do and get comfortable while perfecting the Paris look. Here are twelve French fashion statements that Parisians love. 1. Sophisticated sunglasses No Paris look is complete without the addition of a sophisticated pair of sunglasses. Parisians favor big, bold style frames over slim ones. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or it’s the middle of winter — sunglasses are a must. They add cool points and help you channel the strut that Paris fashion week is renowned for. When in Paris, always wear sunglasses. Forget about what others may think; after all, French women never worry about such thoughts. 2. Mindful minimalism Nobody knows Parisian style quite like Coco Chanel does. When it comes to any outfit, minimalism is key. Less is always more. That means build most of your outfit up with simple basics: a plain white t-shirt, a tailored pair of black trousers, a white button-down shirt, a strappy camisole top, a classic trench coat or blazer. “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” - Coco Chanel If you want to wear a statement piece, then stick to one, like an amazing scarf, handbag, or a pair of shoes. This will help streamline your look and keep it refined and elegant. When it comes to jewelry, the rule is to keep it simple and don’t wear more than three delicate pieces. Minimalism is the secret to everyday Paris street style. 3. Casual glam Paris outfits are renowned for being sophisticated with a hint of imperfection. And the secret to this is mixing casual pieces with more glamorous evening pieces. A pair of jeans can be mixed with a silky, lace camisole top or a pair of jewel-encrusted sandals. A lovely printed dress might be paired with some old biker boots. A pencil skirt paired with ballet flats instead of traditional heels. Fashion in France isn’t about perfection, whether it’s your outfit or your hair and makeup. So when in doubt, mix things up. 4. The I-woke-up-like-this look When it comes to makeup, French women are all about highlighting their natural beauty. A good face cream, some SPF, a touch of brow gel, a coat of mascara, a pinch of blusher, some tinted lip balm, and you’re Paris ready. Remember to keep things relaxed. Go for simple eyeliner looks. Instead of perfectly straightening your hair, try for a natural wave and add a little texture. Classic colors are preferred over anything “in-your-face.” And opt for dewy, matte textures instead of shiny ones. 5. Hardly-there handbags No Parisian wardrobe is complete without a good quality leather handbag. This can be a quality faux leather too. French women strive to look chic rather than rich, which means avoiding big, recognizable logos. It’s okay to keep it subtle. Work with your budget, and invest in something that is small enough it can be hand-held but not too small that you can’t fit anything in it! 6. Have your cake and eat it: style & comfort French-style clothing prioritizes comfort but doesn’t compromise on style. It’s the best of both worlds. So, if you can’t walk in heels all day without hurting your feet, leave them at home! Most Parisian women prefer classic loafers and ballet shoes as their footwear of choice, or a low block heel. Cardigans are another French wardrobe staple, in a neutral color and high-quality fabric like wool, cashmere, or angora. Pair over a basic t-shirt or silk cami — you’ll feel oh-so toasty and comfy. A plain t-shirt in white or light gray is also a must-have item. Pair with a blazer or some high-rise straight jeans for an effortlessly chic look. Be sure to choose t-shirts made from 100% cotton (organic is best) — it will feel soft against your skin, and the quality will show. 7. The modern vintage look View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabina Socol (@sabinasocol) If you don’t yet have a classic tailored blazer, you’ll want to add one to your wardrobe to perfect the Paris look. The great thing about a blazer is it goes with just about everything. Wear it with a basic t-shirt, a pair of jeans or tailored trousers, and even a mini dress. French women prefer an oversized blazer that looks like it came out of a man’s closet. Better yet, raid your partner’s wardrobe and see if there’s one you can borrow! 8. Laidback silhouettes Leave your skinny jeans and body-con dresses at home, ladies. Parisian style is centered on a more relaxed silhouette. Think A-line dresses, straight leg jeans, and oversized outerwear. If you opt for a tight pencil skirt, then pair it with a loose-fitting top to balance your look out. French women express femininity with masculine-inspired silhouettes and laid back shapes. Nothing should ever be too tight or fitted. 9. Timeless outerwear Always inspired by the philosophy that less is more, Parisians splash their cash wisely. They’ll save up and make investments in key pieces that can be worn over and over again. One of the most important pieces for any Parisian wardrobe is timeless outerwear: trench coats, biker jackets, bombers, and blazers. If there’s one item you must own, it’s a chic long beige trench coat. And given the unpredictable weather in Paris, you’ll certainly make the most out of it. Before making any purchase, ask yourself if this will be something you wear for the next few years. If the answer is yes, you’re thinking like a Parisian. 10. From day to night: the little black dress The little black dress is a classic piece for any woman’s wardrobe worldwide. But Parisians love wearing that LBD day or night. In the day, they’ll pair it with sneakers or some ballet flats with a loose blazer on top, and at night they swipe on some bold red lipstick and some voluminous mascara for a sexier look. When it comes to the shape, stick to what is most flattering for your figure and something you feel comfortable in. It can be short or long, and with or without sleeves or straps. 11. Head to toe neutral tones When it comes to color, neutral tones are your friend. Head to toe monochrome looks are part of everyday Paris street style — it’s all about discretion. Neutral tones include white, black, beige, camel, navy blue, gray, and khaki. The great thing about neutral colors is they can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe. As a general rule, no French outfit will have more than three colors. 12. It’s not what you wear; it’s how you wear it There’s a reason why Parisian style is so simple yet chic. It’s less about the actual clothing you wear and much more about how you wear it. French style is all about how you mix and layer pieces together, the way you carry your handbag, your posture, and the way you smile. So the secret to French beauty isn’t about being a slave to the latest trends, but more about finding your unique style and wearing pieces that flatter your figure. And the most important thing to remember about making a French fashion statement? Have fun with it!
Welcome to the first post in our brand new series: Learn French phrases! Each post in this series will be centered around a different theme, so you can walk away a Parisian pro when it comes to French culture and cosmetics. Don’t worry; this isn’t going to be like the French classes you remember from your school days. Forget the boring phrases — we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about French beauty, from la crème solaire to les lingettes démaquillantes. Next time you’re looking at a product and notice the label or tag is entirely in French, you won’t be phased. You’ll feel right in your comfort zone! This post is all about learning French phrases relating to morning and evening beauty routines. Are you ready to learn some fabulous French with us? Learn French Phrases: Morning Skincare Routine What you put on your face first thing in the morning matters. The main focus? Protection and preservation. And while some skincare experts swear by 12-step routines, most of us just don’t have time for that. The good news? Follow these steps, and you can say hello to a flawless face. La crème solaire: Sunscreen La crème solaire is a must, and no French woman leaves home without it. Try and find a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, but 30 is best. Make sure you apply it to your face, neck, and décolletage. Un sérum: A lightweight moisturizer A serum is a thin moisturizer that helps to smooth out imperfections and reduce the appearance of pores. This will protect your face from bacteria, pollution, and your dirty phone screen. When it comes to un sérum, a little goes a long way. L’huile: Oil L’huile helps hydrate your skin, replenish it with vital vitamins and nutrients, and leaves your skin glowing and firm. Just a couple drops of oil will be more than enough. Une crème hydratante: Moisturizer There are so many moisturizers on the market, so your best bet is to pick one that works with your skin type (sensitive, dry, or combination). Moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated all day long. But remember, it’s not a replacement for drinking water! Une crème mains: Hand cream While we’re pampering our skin, let’s not forget our hands — they age as quickly as your face does. Regularly applying hand cream throughout the day (after washing your hands) can improve elasticity and lock the moisture in. We hope you’re enjoying learning French phrases with us! Ready for some more? Learn French Phrases: Nighttime Skincare Routine Your night skincare game is just as important as your daytime one. When you sleep, your skin has a chance to repair and recover from the damage done throughout the day. So the products you put on your skin before bed matter. This is the optimum time for the ingredients to work their magic because your skin is most receptive at night. Les lingettes démaquillantes: Makeup remover wipes L’huile démaquillante: Makeup remover Boules de coton: cotton balls Leaving your makeup on when you go to sleep is like committing a crime... against yourself. No matter how tired or hungover you are, always remove your makeup! Remember to be gentle as you do it, especially around the eye area. Une mousse nettoyante: Cleansing foam Using a cleanser is vital for getting rid of dead cells and any residual damaging agents at the end of the day. Like most beauty products, the best cleanser for you will depend on your skin type. Une lotion / Une crème de corps: Body lotion After you’ve showered, you want to lock in your skin's moisture with a nourishing body lotion. This will help your skin stay hydrated and elastic, and prevent it from becoming dry or flaky. Une crème de nuit: Night cream Applying a night cream is a must before going to sleep. This is the one thing that will keep your skin barrier healthy, and keep your skin looking radiant. Tip: use a special eye cream for your delicate eye area, and apply gently. Une masque de nuit / une masque de sommeil: Night mask Sleep masks are a brilliant invention. You cover your face with the mask before bed, it absorbs into your skin, and the ingredients gradually release through the night. The best part? All you have to do is pop the mask on, and your work is done. Do this once or twice a week instead of your regular crème de nuit. A night mask can reduce dullness and improve hydration, plus so much more! High five ladies — you are now a pro with French phrases about morning and evening beauty routines.
