Cosmetics will age over time, though with some it is more obvious than others - some will dry out (mascara, nail polish and liquid eye-liner) while others stay seemingly the same (face powder and powder eye shadow). And of course the brushes and sponges you use to apply products also contain these deteriorating products. There is no evidence on any health risks (principally providing a source for spreading germs), but it is sensible to keep your make-up, brushes and sponges clean and tidy and get rid of very old products.
There is no law requiring a use-by date to be on the packaging, but some brands now include it. On the product container they either (a) print actual expiry dates or
(b) print the symbol of a jar with an open lid plus a number and a letter (M or Y). (12M means product
will last up to 12 months after opening.)
If you don't see either of these guides, then it is suggested that you use the following guidelines.
- 3-4 months: Liquid eye-liner.
- 3-6 months: Mascara.
- 1 year: Eye/Lip pencils; Lipstick and Lip gloss; Nail polish.
- 1-3 years: Powders, including Eye shadow.
