How To Tell If Your Makeup Has Expired

Even though we are supposed too, many of us don't keep up with the expiration dates of our beauty products. It seems to be something that just slips through the cracks! But there's no need to end up using expired makeup just because it still "seems fine." In fact, there are plenty of ways to determine if your makeup has expired without knowing the expiration date at all. It all simply all comes down to appearances. If your product doesn't look right, then it probably isn't.

Makeup is a beautiful tool to enhance our natural features. However, once it expires, makeup can wreak havoc on your skin, eyes, and lips. Expired beauty products can even cause infections and breakouts on your face. Who has time for that nonsense? Keep bacteria at bay by keeping an eye on your makeup. Honestly, it's a lot easier to do that remember all of those specific expiration dates. Just be sure to evaluate your products from time to time. A simple once-over or smell test can do the trick. Wondering what else you do to see if your makeup has gone bad? Here are seven ways to tell if it's time to ditch your makeup.

1. The Color Has Changed

If you've noticed that your makeup has oxidized to a different color (and isn't reverting back), then it's time to toss it. Color changes are a definite sign that your makeup has expired, and has even experienced bacterial growth, according to AllWomensTalk.com.

2. The Texture Is Off

Cream products are meant to be creamy. If you've noticed a product applying poorly or unevenly, it's texture may be off. According to Allure, this means that you're makeup has dried out, and is likely expired. Save yourself from bacterial infections by throwing your dried up cream products away.

3. Smell

Smell is a key indicator that your makeup has gone bad. In an interview with Allure, makeup artist Pati Dubroff mentioned that if mascaras have a "distinct gasoline-like smell", then they have gone bad. The artist also mentions to beware of "stale smelling" products has these are likely to have expired as well.

4. You're Noticing Clumps

Liquid makeup products aren't supposed to be clumpy. If you're noticing any bumps or lumps in your products, then make sure to toss them. Clumps can be a sign of bacterial growth, according to TheLoop.ca.

5. Film Or Chalky Layers

It isn't just cream and liquid products that expire. Powder makeup products are subject to expiration dates as well. A tell-tale sign that your powders need to be replaced is if a grey film or chalky layer has developed over the product. This means that it's time to part with the product.

6. White Spots

If you're eyeliners or lip pencils begin to develop a white spot on their tip that can't be sharpened off, then the product as expired according to Dubroff.

7. Seperation

If you're liquid makeup looks separated, give it a good shake. If the formula hasn't tighten up or blended back together, then it's time to part ways. Makeup formulas are meant to blended. Once the formula has given up, then you should too.

While it may be hard to part with your makeup, it's definitely worth it in the long run. Kiss bacterial infections and breakouts goodbye by regularly replacing your beauty products.

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