As the weather warms and the days get longer, many of us feel the urge to do some spring cleaning. It’s the perfect time to refresh your space and get organized, but have you thought about spring cleaning your beauty routine? Your cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty tools deserve some attention too! Not only does spring cleaning your beauty items help keep your routine fresh, but it also ensures you're using products that are safe, effective, and hygienic.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to read labels on your cosmetics and skincare products, the importance of knowing their shelf life, and why it’s essential to clean and replace tools regularly. Let's dive into the details!
How to Read Labels on Cosmetics and Skincare Products
Understanding your beauty product labels is crucial to ensure you're using them correctly and safely. Cosmetic and skincare products come with key information that can help you determine when to toss them and when they are still good to use.
1. Use-By Dates & PAO (Period After Opening) Symbols
Many cosmetics and skincare products are marked with a PAO symbol, which stands for Period After Opening. This symbol is usually a small jar icon with a number inside it (e.g., “6M,” “12M,” “24M”), which indicates how long the product is safe to use after opening. For example, “6M” means the product should be used within 6 months after you open it.
Here’s a breakdown of how long various products generally last after opening:
- Concealer: 1 year
- Cream blush: 1 year
- Eyeliner: 2 months
- Eyeliner pencil: 3 years
- Eyeshadow: 1 year
- Foundation: 1 year. Liquid foundations can harbour bacteria after multiple uses, while powder foundations last longer if kept dry.
- Lip balm: 1-5 years
- Lip gloss: 1 year
- Lipstick: 2 years. Lip products often last longer, but it’s still important to look for any changes in consistency, smell, or colour.
- Liquid eyeliner: 3 months
- Mascara: 3 months. Every 3 months. Mascara harbours bacteria quickly due to its exposure to the eye area. Using mascara past the 3-month mark increases the risk of eye infections or irritation.
- Nail polish: 1 year
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Powder blush: 2 years
- Face Creams & Moisturizers: 6 months to 1 year. Creams with active ingredients (like retinol or peptides) may break down faster, while simpler moisturizers can last a bit longer.
- Serums & Treatments: 6 months to 1 year
- Sunscreen: 6 months to 1 year. Sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time, so always check the expiration date, especially if it’s been sitting unused for a while.
- Eye Creams: 6 months
- Shampoo & Conditioner: 1–2 years
Source: Real Simple. (n.d.). Makeup expiration dates: A guide to how long makeup lasts. Real Simple. Retrieved from https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/makeup-expiration-dates-guide
Why the PAO Symbol Matters: Cosmetics and skincare products lose their effectiveness after the PAO time frame. For example, an expired sunscreen won’t provide the protection you need from harmful UV rays, and expired moisturizers may not hydrate your skin as intended. Additionally, using products past their expiration date could lead to irritation or allergic reactions.
2. Expiration Dates
Unlike food, not all beauty products have an expiration date printed on the packaging. However, some products (particularly medications or high-regulation items) may include a printed expiration date. If you see one, be sure to adhere to it! It looks at the length of time the product is safe before opening the bottle.
If there’s no expiration date, rely on the PAO symbol or check for visual clues like changes in consistency, smell, or colour. For instance, if your foundation has separated into oily layers or your mascara smells “off,” it’s time to toss it. It’s always safer to dispose of expired products and replace them with new ones.
3. Signs Your Product Has Gone Bad
Even if your products don’t have a clear expiration date or PAO, you can often tell when they’ve gone bad. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Change in Texture: Creams and lotions that have become lumpy, curdled, or thin should be discarded. If your makeup or skincare products separate into layers (without shaking), it’s a good sign they’re no longer good.
- Smell: If a product starts to smell sour, rancid, or chemically, it’s no longer safe to use. Skincare products with active ingredients (like vitamin C) are especially prone to oxidizing and going bad.
- Colour Change: A foundation, concealer, or serum that’s turned darker or discoloured likely contains ingredients that have degraded.
- Separation: Products that separate into distinct layers (e.g., oil and water) may indicate they’ve expired or their preservatives are no longer effective.
Cleaning & Caring for Beauty Tools
Your beauty tools from makeup brushes and sponges to skincare tools like jade rollers can harbour bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells if not cleaned regularly. This can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation.
1. Makeup Brushes & Sponges: Ideally, you should clean your brushes at least once a week. Brushes used on the eyes, such as eyeliner or eyeshadow brushes, should be cleaned more frequently, as they can accumulate bacteria and germs more quickly.
How to Clean Them:
- Use Gentle Soap or Brush Cleaner: Use a gentle baby shampoo, mild soap, or a specific brush cleanser to remove makeup and buildup. Swirl the brushes in lukewarm water and gently lather the soap in the bristles.
- Rinse and Reshape: After washing, rinse with clean water and reshape the brush bristles. Lay the brushes flat to dry, never standing them upright, as water can seep into the handle and loosen the bristles.
2. Skincare Tools (e.g., Jade Rollers, Gua Sha Tools): Clean your skincare tools after every use, especially if you’re using them to massage your face with oils or serums.
How to Clean Them:
- Wipe with Alcohol or Soap and Water: Wipe your tools down with rubbing alcohol or a mild cleanser and warm water to remove any product residue, dirt, or oils.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to dry your tools completely before storing them to prevent bacteria buildup.
3. Other Tools (Eyelash Curlers, Tweezers): For tools like eyelash curlers and tweezers, you can clean them with a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol to prevent dirt and bacteria buildup. Regular cleaning ensures that these tools are hygienic and don’t cause unnecessary irritation to your eyes or skin.
Why It’s Important to Keep Track of Your Beauty Products
- Prevent Skin Issues: Using expired or contaminated beauty products can lead to skin problems like rashes, pimples, and allergic reactions. Fresh products help avoid these issues and support a healthy skincare routine.
- Maintain Effectiveness: Products like sunscreens, serums, and moisturizers are most effective when used within their recommended time frame. As products expire, their active ingredients lose potency, meaning you’re not getting the full benefits.
- Hygiene: Beauty tools that aren’t cleaned regularly can introduce bacteria and dirt onto your face, leading to skin infections or breakouts. Keeping your tools and products clean ensures that your skincare and makeup routine is hygienic and safe.
Conclusion
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home it’s also an essential part of keeping your beauty routine fresh, effective, and safe. By reading labels, paying attention to expiration dates, and cleaning your beauty tools regularly, you’ll ensure that your skincare and makeup products continue to work for you and not against you. Don’t wait until your products are past their prime; make this spring the season of a refreshed and healthy beauty routine!
