Has My Makeup Expired?

Sleeping in your makeup isn't good for your skin but people do it anyway. So can using expired makeup cause you skin damage just like passing out with smothered skin? Well maybe not, but it can expose you to loads of bacteria and junk you don't want near your epidermis. People do report rashes, blemish breakouts and uneven skin color after using expired products. Makeup isn't produced from plastic; it is a combination of powders, minerals and other ingredients that do have a shelf life. You wouldn't eat food leftover from the 1960's. Why would you rub it on your skin?

Has my makeup expired? There are a few ways you can check for expired makeup. Examine your products regularly and toss out any that don't meet muster.

Does it smell bad? If the product has a funky or sour smell, the makeup is bad. Open the container, take good whiff and toss out accordingly.

Does the color like lighter or darker than the original shade? Examine your product under good light. Look for streaks or spots on the makeup. If it has obvious mold, toss it away. If you suspect the color has changed it should go in the garbage.

Read the packaging. Today's cosmetic manufacturers know you care about your skin. Although it isn't a federal law, yet, many companies assign expiration dates to different items. For example, a mascara will frequently have an expiration date of 60 days after opening. Blush should be tossed after six months.

So what if you don't see obvious changes and want to save your makeup?

• Rub a clean cotton ball over the surface of your powder products to remove some of the collected bacteria.
• Wash makeup brushes frequently and replace sponges and applicators.
• Cut away the tip of a lipstick and keep eyeliners sharpened.

Natural products may not last longer than synthetic blends but they are safer for you. Give them a shot the next time you need a new product.

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