Declaration Expiration.

Did you know that pretty much all the makeup that you own has an expiration date? It does. A lot of people will buy makeup and keep it for years and years, here's why you shouldn't...

Just like anything else, makeup can acquire different types of bacteria after it's opened. (Actually, a lot of makeup already has a little bacteria it it before it's even opened.) The more a product is exposed to air, touched, & used, the more bacteria that enters the container.

Most makeup is usually formulated with some type of preservative in it to kill the basic bacteria that may happen to get into it on a daily basis. However, after a general amount of time those preservatives become ineffective which is why makeup has an expiration date. It's usually labeled on or near the bottom of the container. It will look like a small, opened container with a number on it. For example:

This MAC foundation has it labeled on the bottom of the container.

This is the actual expiration date for the product:

So, that foundation is good for 24 months, meaning that 24 months after you open the product, you should throw it out. The expiration date is not exactly specific. Sometimes a product will expire well before it's labeled date so be sure to keep an eye on it.
Using expired makeup can cause breakouts, rashes, & has been known to cause eye infections. Obviously, nobody wants that so please throw out any makeup you have that you think may be expired!

Some makeup may not have the expiration date labeled, so as a rule of thumb here's a list to tell you how long makeup will usually last.

Foundations: 1-2 years.
Cream Products (Eyeshadows, eyeliners, concealers, etc...): 1 year.
Eyeshadows: 2-3 years.
Lipstick/Lipliners: 1 year.
Mascara: 3-5 months.

It's unavoidable but there are a few ways to reduce the amount of bacteria that gets into your makeup.
1. When you're not using a product, be sure to close & store it.
2. Never touch anything with dirty hands. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer around where you do your makeup.
3. NEVER add water to any product (unless directed by the manufacturer's instructions).

If you notice any changes in the texture or color of your makeup be sure to throw it out. Better to be safe than sorry!
I hope this post was of some help. Thanks for reading!
Lauren.

*Quick Tip: Do you have a problem with your mascara drying out super fast? Try to never pump your mascara. Contrary to popular belief, it DOES NOT put more product onto the brush, it just lets in ten times more bacteria that it normally would.*