Makeup can be expensive, so it's frustrating when products expire before you've had a chance to use them. Experts share their best advice for preserving the life of your cosmetics and reducing the chance they end up in a landfill.
Label Your Products After Opening
Multiple experts suggest labeling items after opening so you know how long you have to use them before they expire. Kim Chang, an aesthetician at Baylor University, recommends storing permanent markers in your makeup drawer to write the date you opened each item.
To track how long you should use a product, check its PAO (period after opening), commonly found on the back of packaging. Look for an icon of an open jar with a number next to it – that indicates the number of months the product is good for after opening, according to Dr Leyte Winfield, a chemist and director of Spelman's Cosmetic Science Program.
Storage and Contamination Tips
Storing products in the bathroom is common for ease of access, but Winfield advises keeping them in another room, and some may need refrigeration. A decorative basket or two can serve as a functional storage solution without needing a fancy skincare fridge.
Bacteria can decrease the longevity of cosmetics, especially when dipping fingers into moisturizer or lip gloss. Winfield notes that contaminants enter the product due to repeated application, even with an application tool. Chang suggests opting for packaging that reduces finger contact, like push-top moisturizers, and reminds users to wash makeup brushes.
Think Before You Buy
With new beauty products entering the market daily, it's easy to be tempted by the latest launches. However, being intentional with purchasing power can help. Yujiao Wang, who researched consumer attitudes on expired cosmetics, says it's useful to consider shelf life at the point of purchase. If someone only uses a product occasionally, buying a very large size or opening several similar products at once may make it harder to use them within the recommended period.
For special events, Chang advises getting makeup done professionally rather than purchasing new items.
