Some women do not pay attention to such an important indicator as the expiration date of cosmetics. Many people feel sorry for throwing away barely started eyeshadow, even if they were opened 5 years ago. What happens to expired cosmetics? Is it possible to apply such products on your eyelids without fear for your health?
How long do shadows last?
When buying a cosmetic product, be sure to pay attention to its expiration date. Some companies encrypt the date by replacing the day, month and year with a specific code. In this case, contact the seller for advice.
Sealed eyeshadows usually last up to 3 years.
The shelf life of the started product is reduced and is about 18 months. Water-based eyeshadows have the shortest shelf life. The liquid in their composition promotes the rapid growth of various microbes. Shades with almost no water last much longer, since there is no favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms.
The shelf life of products made from natural ingredients is significantly reduced. They do not add preservatives that could protect the shadows from the influence of harmful microorganisms. The packaging of natural cosmetics must indicate how long it is recommended to use it after opening.
Why is the quality of cosmetics decreasing?
Even modern, expensive eye shadows begin to deteriorate over time. An open product is constantly in contact with a non-sterile environment in which many viruses and microbes live. The quality of the shadows is reduced even if a special applicator is used.
In addition, the reaction of the product with air leads to oxidation and disruption of the activity of some components.
The shelf life of the product is also affected by its packaging. The wider its neck, the faster the cosmetics lose their quality and effect. For example, liquid eye shadow in a tube is more protected from contact with air, fingers, and pathogens.
Signs of an expired product
Spoiled cosmetics do not necessarily have to become covered with a layer of mold, turn sour or emit a nasty aroma. The following signs indicate that it is time to throw out the shadows:
- their shade changes or becomes discolored;
- the consistency deteriorates (becomes slimy, separates, lumps appear);
- an unpleasant odor appears;
- packaging swells;
- The shadows do not apply well and are shaded.
What are the dangers of expired shadows?
British scientists, as a result of a number of scientific works, have revealed that expired cosmetics are dangerous to health. Expired eye shadows are especially harmful because they come into direct contact with the sensitive eye area. In old cosmetics, pathogenic bacteria and toxins multiply quickly and can cause various diseases.
The use of expired shadows can lead to conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, and blepharitis.
Even if eye diseases can be avoided, the risk of exacerbation of existing or the appearance of new skin problems increases: rash, irritation, redness, itching. The danger after the expiration date is fraught not only with cheap, but also with the most expensive and effective products.
Increasing the shelf life of cosmetics
To prevent eye shadows from deteriorating during their shelf life, follow important rules for storage and use:
- Keep cosmetics in a place where there is no direct sunlight, moisture, or sudden temperature changes. Most modern eyelid products are perfectly preserved in room conditions;
- Do not throw away the paper or layer of polyethylene that can be found under the lid of a new product: this is additional protection for the shadows from germs and air;
- Even if the manufacturer allows applying cosmetics to the eyelids with your fingers, it is better to do this with special devices: a brush, a brush, a sponge. This way you will not introduce germs into the product. If you are used to applying makeup with your fingertips, make sure that your hands are always clean;
- Wash brushes and sponges regularly with soap and air dry;
- Do not dilute the shadows with water, much less saliva;
- Do not let others use your cosmetics;
- If you drop a package of product on the floor, be sure to wipe it with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol;
- Buy eyeshadow only in specialized stores. This way you will receive a guarantee that the product was stored in compliance with the necessary conditions.
Now you know everything you need to know about eye shadow and its safe use and proper storage.
Answers (16):
I generally don’t keep track of the expiration date of shadows, I wear makeup and that’s it, but see for yourself if the eyelids don’t turn red after these shadows, then they are not harmful to your eyes and continue applying makeup with them!
I wouldn't risk my health and eyelid skin. I think it’s better for you to buy new eyeshadows and throw out the old ones without regret, than to then spend a lot of money on remedies for allergies and rashes.
Of course I would wear makeup. In general, dry cosmetic products have a very relative shelf life. I never pay attention to it, I go by its appearance and smell.
It would be a shame to throw it away, but it’s also not particularly pleasant to use. Especially if you have allergies or very sensitive skin. Therefore, I think that palettes are more profitable for makeup artists, or it is better to buy an empty palette and buy only the necessary “spare parts”.
I wear makeup, my shadows are expensive, and since I wear makeup extremely rarely, my shadows last for three or four years, I wear makeup and don’t throw it away, despite the expiration date.
No. For what? You can buy new shadows, a set of 5-10 primary colors that you often use. Shadows are not something that needs to be bought every month, they last for a long time, I don’t see the point in saving so much. Why risk your eyes?)
I have expired eyeshadows, since I use them a couple of times a year, everything was fine. But if you often apply eye shadow, then it’s better not to risk it, as there may be irritation.
If the period is short, then you can use it. After all, the expiration date is always indicated with a reserve. You also need to consider whether you have allergies. I used the old shadows several times, everything was fine.
If the period is just about to expire, but has not yet expired, I think you can use it without much fear. If the deadline has definitely passed, it’s better not to take risks, you never know what could happen from such shadows.
If there are shadows there that are not touched at all, then you are not using these colors. When the expiration date expires, it is better to throw it away and buy a set with your favorite colors, even if it is smaller.
I have never noticed any harm from old eyeshadows that were stored indefinitely, so I use them without any fear. There is practically no liquid in which bacteria could grow in the shadows. The substances they are made of do not seem to decompose. But if the shadows are not stored carefully, they can become filled with dust and dirt - I don’t use these.
It’s not very pleasant to use such shadows, because then the treatment, if something happens, will definitely be more expensive than a new set of shadows. And they last a long time, so I’d rather buy new ones.
I don’t even understand why I would buy such a large eyeshadow palette! After all, they will be endless! I understand when professional makeup artists buy such a palette, but for ordinary girls I think it is of no use. And my shadows never ran out of shelf life. When I reach the bottom of the shadows, they usually start to crumble and I throw them away.
9 chosen
Last time I wrote about storing cosmetics for personal care - about creams, masks, scrubs... Now it's time for a short review of decorative cosmetics. More precisely, its shelf life.
Each of us probably has at least five different mascaras, several eyeshadow palettes, and many lipsticks in different shades in our makeup bag, bathroom, dressing table or bedside table drawer.
Not to mention the rest of the set of products without which we cannot imagine makeup. And there is always one favorite mascara, lipstick or eyeliner. How long can we keep them, not using them every day, when there are so many other means around that we will never stop experimenting with?
Concealer
Liquid foundation is good for six months from the moment of first use, after which its effectiveness noticeably deteriorates, and it may begin to clog pores.
It should be stored in a dark place protected from moisture.
Corrector
Treatment and base corrector is stored one year. After this period, it begins to deteriorate and melt very quickly.
If you apply it with your fingers, close the tube first to prevent air from getting inside.
Powder
Compact powder is stored from six months to a year. After this, even if its structure and smell have not changed, you should still not use the powder. Loose powder without preservatives is stored six months. But if it still contains preservatives (for example, talc), its shelf life increases to two to three years.
To make it serve you even longer, close the box as tightly as possible, protect from heat and moisture, and use brushes or sponges for application.
Eyeshadow
Cream eyeshadows have a limited lifespan one year. But with dry shadows the situation is more joyful - they can last you a whole three years. After all, the “drier” the composition, the longer their life expectancy. It is important to remember that dry eyeshadows are less susceptible to heat than oily ones.
It is best to store them in a place well protected from moisture.
Eye and lip pencils
Pencil shelf life: one year from the moment of first use. And be careful how you store it: a dark, cool place, such as a refrigerator, will help prevent it from deteriorating. You should also try to sharpen it more often.
Remember: if the pencil is no longer suitable for use, you will only be able to notice it when it already causes irritation to the contour of the eyes or lips or even provokes the appearance of acne.
Eyeliner
Due to its liquid consistency, the eyeliner dries very quickly.
If this eyeliner has a thin brush, its expiration date is six months. If this is a practical eye contour pen, it dries twice as fast. But dry eyeliner, on the contrary, lasts up to 9 months.
Mascara
Unfortunately, it dries too quickly: for 6, maximum – 9 months. You yourself will quickly understand that it has dried out: the mascara simply will not adhere to the eyelashes, in addition, it can begin to crumble and even cause irritation of the skin of the eyelids.
Compact, frequently used mascara will generally last only two months. So, it’s probably better to use it - it’s effective, it’s not a waste, and most importantly, it can be changed often.
There is no special way to store the carcass - it is already perfectly protected from light and air, no matter where it lies.
Lipstick, lip gloss
You can store them 9-12 months. These cosmetics are photosensitive. Therefore, to extend their lifespan, try to hide them at least in a cosmetic bag, and if they are in transparent packaging, also in a case.
In addition, close the lid tightly - after some time, lipstick and gloss may simply begin to dry out. And under no circumstances store them in the refrigerator: low temperatures can change the composition of the lipstick - destroy the molecules responsible for caring for your lips.
Makeup removers
If you remove makeup with two-phase products that contain essential oils, they will last from 6 to 9 months. But if you use milk or water, consider yourself lucky: they will be “alive” whole year.
But both are best stored in a dark place.
Nail polish
It becomes too sticky and viscous already in a year, so after this period it is better to throw it away in order to avoid unsuccessful attempts to get a manicure quickly and beautifully. The varnish should not be stored in the refrigerator because at low temperatures it becomes too liquid. But it’s better to avoid heat as well – at high temperatures it dries out faster. To ensure the bottle cap closes tightly, periodically clean the neck with nail polish remover.
By the way, nail polish remover also stored one year. After this it becomes less effective. And try to avoid cheap solvents: along with the varnish, they also remove the protective layer of the nails themselves.
Cosmetics safety, questions and answers, expiration date.
There is an opinion that makeup products can last quite a long time if you keep them tightly closed and store them in a cool and dry place, but unfortunately this is not entirely true...
The shelf life of cosmetics decreases sharply as soon as the product is opened - conditions are created for increased bacterial activity. The shelf life of cosmetics used in the eye area is more limited in terms of time of use than for other areas of the body, this is primarily due to the possibility of catching an eye infection.
The manufacturer is required to indicate this information about the expiration date of a cosmetic product, so strictly adhere to the recommendations on the packaging.
Fulfilling these requirements may not be very convenient for us, but we must take into account that sunlight and heat lead to the decomposition of preservatives that help fight microbes.
Also, never wear makeup if you have an eye infection. Bacteria can spread and fester, infecting everything you touch. Strictly follow the rules: never use other people's makeup products. And finally, most importantly, do not use makeup products if you notice a change in color or smell.
The date of manufacture is indicated on its packaging.
Shelf life is the time during which a cosmetic product is suitable for use. The date on the package is 09/19, which means that it can be used until September 2019; in case of labeling, if the date on the package is 06/18/2019, then the cream can be used until June 18, 2019.
The expiration date of cosmetics is after opening the packaging (jar, bottle, tube). The packaging bears the “open can” symbol 6M, which means that after opening the product it can be used for six months.
Expiration dates after opening
It is always necessary to take into account that the shelf life of cosmetics depends on the manufacturer and what is used as the basis for this product.
Below is a summary list of the suitability of cosmetic products:
The sponge for cosmetic makeup must be washed after each procedure and stopped using it after a month of use.
What to do if the expiration date is not indicated? Real cosmetics have a longer shelf life and can be used for even more than 30 months. 
Does your foundation smell like motor oil, but your mascara makes you cry? So it's time to update your makeup bag.
All cosmetics contain preservatives, but even these eventually have an expiration date. And expired cosmetics can become a source of bacteria that can cause eye infections, acne and other unpleasant complications.
Liquid foundation
Shelf life - up to two years.
Experts recommend that if your foundation has a strange or strong smell, part with it immediately without regret.
What is inside?
Water-based cosmetics usually stored no more than a year: Water evaporates over time and bacteria can begin to multiply in the product. Alcohol-containing components significantly extend the “life” of cosmetics. And here natural ingredients(oils, extracts), which are both useful and effective, shorten its service life and require special storage conditions - in a dark and cool place.
Solid cream foundations.
Shelf life is two to three years. Pay close attention to changes in the texture of the product. Sometimes, as a result of long-term storage, foundation begins to bubble, and the solid base cracks and becomes dry. If the product does not apply evenly to the skin, it is time to throw it away. Foundation should be stored at room temperature. 
The shelf life of lipstick is up to three years. If your lipstick is dry and no longer glides on your lips, it's time to find a replacement!
Another “telling” sign is an unpleasant sticky feeling on the lips, or an unusual strong smell.
It is better to store lipstick in the refrigerator - this way it will last you longer.
Powder, blush, eye shadow
Shelf life - up to three years. Compact cosmetics gradually become “greasy” when they come into contact with the skin of the face, so before using eye shadow or blush, it is recommended to remove the greasy film from the surface. Compact eye shadows are the most durable because there are no sebaceous glands on the eyelids that secrete sebum, which contaminates compact cosmetics. 
The shelf life of the mascara is three months and no exceptions!
Mascara is often a breeding ground for bacteria that cause eye infections. If you develop an eye infection, stop using mascara immediately.
Contour pencils
Shelf life is indefinite, up to several years. Remember to always clean your pencil every time before sharpening it. It is recommended to wipe the pencil sharpener with alcohol after each use. Get rid of the pencil as soon as you notice a change in its texture or smell, advises interlinks.ru
Care products
Creams, gels and lotions are also cosmetic items. If you use expired cosmetics, various allergic reactions are possible: itching, redness and even the development of dermatitis.
Therefore, do not use cosmetics for more than 6 months after opening the package;
- choose products with a dispenser so as not to put your hands into the tube;
- store cosmetics in a dry and cool place, the bathroom is not suitable for this;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor, separation of the cream, changes in viscosity, consistency and density of the mass, and in some cases, a change in the color of the product should alert you and make you think about its further use.
Most likely, the cosmetic product has become unusable and needs to be thrown away.
Labeling of cosmetics
Relatively recently, a new international labeling for perfumery and cosmetic products was introduced. In the photo you can see the open cap of the tube and the number, and next to it the letter “M”, for example, 12M - the period of use after opening is twelve months.
To enlarge the image click on the picture
The manufacturer may indicate a code on the packaging that determines the batch number and production date. The expiration date may not be indicated if it is more than 30 months (according to the European Cosmetics Directive, etc.), in which case the expiration date after opening the product is indicated.
If the expiration date is less than 30 months, then the expiration date is indicated, for example, Exp 06/2014 - use until June 2014 (Expiry translated from English as “expire”). In German you can find the phrase “Verwendbar bis” - use before, although this applies primarily to medicines.
Cosmetic hygiene
According to statistics, women suffer from eyelid diseases more often than men. Wearing makeup inevitably puts you in contact with your eyelids and eyelashes, so having bacteria on your fingers or makeup brushes greatly increases the risk of infection in the delicate eye area. To prevent this from happening:
Do not forget to wash all brushes and sponges once a week with warm water and soap; do not touch your eyes unless necessary. use someone else's eyeshadow or mascara.
- - Try to store your cosmetics in a dark and cool place, this could be a case, box, suitcase, closet, bedside table, desk drawer, etc.
- - Wash your hands before using cosmetics.
- - For long-term storage, try to close tightly and tighten the lid after use.
- - Do not forget to mark the date of opening of cosmetics, this can be a marker or pencil.
- - In case of an eye infection or allergy, be sure to replace the cosmetics with high-quality ones with a recent release date.
- - Don’t take risks and don’t buy cosmetics in jars, even if you like their appearance (this will eliminate the possibility of buying a product with bacteria brought in by hand).
- - Avoid storing cosmetics in sunlight and in the bathroom (humid place).
- - Strictly use only your own cosmetic bag.
- - Do not “pump air” into the bottle of mascara.
- - Try not to purchase cosmetics with opened (broken) packaging.
- - Always remember that increased temperature and humidity reduce the shelf life of cosmetics.
- - Do not dilute cosmetic products (for example, by stirring mascara with water).
How can you tell if the expiration date has expired?
The general rule for expired cosmetics, or the product has already deteriorated, is quite simple:
- if you notice changes in your cosmetics, and this is primarily the appearance of a smell;
- change in appearance, liquid has passed away, granules have appeared, gases have appeared in the tube;
- nail polish has become thicker or hardened.
What happens if you continue to use mascara or lipstick after its expiration date? Let's figure out what this practice threatens our body with, and also find out whether it is possible to extend the life of cosmetics.
The type of product, the type of packaging, as well as the conditions of its storage are of great importance in this matter. Eye shadow, blush and lipstick can be stored for a long time, while foundation and skincare products can only be used for a limited period.
Expiration date after opening
On the cardboard packaging or bottle of many cosmetic products there is an icon with an image of an open can, in which a number and the letter M are indicated. This number indicates the number of months during which the product can be used after opening the package.
In order not to forget exactly when you started using this or that cosmetics, write down the dates. For example, you can make a corresponding note on the packaging using a marker or keep a separate notebook for these purposes. It is especially important to record the dates you started using skin care products. This is explained by the fact that these drugs usually contain antioxidants and other active ingredients, which after a certain time lose their beneficial properties.
How to determine if a product has gone bad
A change in the smell, color or texture of the product indicates that the product has no place in your cosmetic bag. In addition, when applied, cosmetics can cause discomfort on the skin. The appearance of mold also indicates unsuitability.
Products with a soft and liquid texture deteriorate most quickly. In addition, cosmetics that are marked “without preservatives” have a short shelf life, since bacteria quickly begin to multiply in them.
Mascara deserves special mention, which makeup artists recommend changing every 3 months. Unfortunately, despite the danger of expired cosmetics, the vast majority of women do not follow this rule. A study conducted several years ago found that 70% of women use expired mascara, which contains harmful bacteria and fungi.
One of the most common mistakes made by women who don’t want to part with old mascara is adding water to the cosmetic product. Trying to revive dried mascara in this way, a woman creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
How long can you use cosmetics?
Decorative cosmetics
- mascara and eyeliner - 3–4 months;
- cream and liquid concealers and foundations - from 6 months to a year;
- products in powder form (eye shadows, bronzers, blush) - 2–3 years;
- glosses, pencils, lipsticks - 2–3 years.
Care products
- tonics - from 6-12 months;
- serums and creams that provide facial skin care - from 6-12 months;
- cleansers - 12 months;
- products with AHA and BHA acids - from 6-12 months;
- lip balms -12 months.
These rules apply to cosmetics such as cosmetics, glosses and lipsticks that were not used during illness. It is recommended to discard contaminated cuttings after recovery.
How to extend the life of cosmetics
Cosmetics will last much longer if you keep them clean. During use, try not to touch the products themselves with your fingers, which will prevent bacteria from entering them. To disinfect decorative cosmetics, use a special disinfectant spray.
In addition, the period of use of cosmetics can be extended by following the following rules:
- do not store cosmetics in the bathroom;
- Before using cosmetics, wash your hands thoroughly with soap;
- screw the cap tightly after each use;
- refuse to buy cosmetics in jars - this is the most unhygienic type of packaging;
- do not store skincare cosmetics in the refrigerator, as long-term exposure to low temperatures leads to deterioration in the quality of the product;
- Avoid storing cosmetics in direct sunlight;
- cosmetic products that ensure the restoration of damaged eyelashes, as well as other care products, should only be used by one person;
- Do not try to soften the dried product with saliva or water, by doing this you create an environment conducive to the proliferation of microbes.
Part with spoiled cosmetics without regret, as your health depends on it. If you feel sorry for throwing away this or that drug, use it for household purposes.
