How to Know When to Discard Cosmetics

Time to clean your makeup drawer! I know it’s hard letting go, but products that are old/expired can harbor bacteria leading to dull lifeless skin, or worse–breakouts! They won’t perform like they used to, and the color can change. Plus stream lining your collection to what you really use will save you time in the morning. You might tell Marie Kondo that all of your makeup sparks joy, but if it contains bacteria or isn’t as effective as it used to be—you’re only lying to yourself!

It’s really tough knowing when you should throw away your cosmetics. Especially if you’re a product junkie. (guilty!) This means you often have several containers of a moisturizer (or whatever) going at once. This is something I wanted to write about, though, because there is so much misinformation out there. When I teach makeup lessons, one of the things I always make sure to educate my clients about is this in particular. Many brands have a handy dandy little symbol that they use to tell you exactly how long it will last once opened. Once you see it and know what it means, you will see it everywhere!:

blank PAO symbol

Look for this PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on all of your favorite products.

Although It's not mandatory that beauty brands use this symbol in the US, it is commonly used to indicate how long a product is resistant to bacteria once first opened and exposed to air. It will always be indicated in a measure of months. (6, 12, 18, & 24M are most common) You can also find this on most hair and body products! If your favorite cream is being discontinued and you think about ordering a life-time supply, think again. Even if it hasn't been exposed to air, the ingredients can still degrade with time--a good rule of thumb is 3 times the amount indicated by the PAO symbol.

Although it can be difficult to part with your favorite products (especially those that were pricy), it is important to keep in mind that not only can the product harbor harmful bacteria after this point, it also may lose it's efficacy! Vitamin C, for example, is extremely unstable and has a relatively short life of usually about 6 months. If you keep applying it after that you might not see benefits--or at least not as significant as you did before it expired.

Mascara

I do have some good news, though! If you've always lived with the belief that mascara had to be exchanged for a new one every month or 3 months, you're in luck! If you find the PAO symbol (usually located on the end of the wand) you'll see most last for 6 to 12 months! If you buy inexpensive drug store stuff it might not matter, but if you're unloading the big bucks for some serious lashes, that can really add up!

How to Keep Track of Cosmetic Expiration Dates

It’s almost impossible to remember when you opened something, so you may like to write with a sharpie either the date it expires or the date you opened it (pick one and make sure to be consistent so you don’t get confused). This is super helpful if you have multiples of something open at the same time (3 different colors of gel blush, for example, a volumizing and lengthening mascara, different scents of body lotion, etc.). Most brands try to size their product in such a way that you would finish it by the expiration if you used it routinely/daily. You have to start paying closer attention if you have multiples open (a girl needs options!) or if it’s something you only wear/use occasionally.

What if it Doesn’t have a PAO Symbol?

Since not all products are required to sport this symbol, you may have some favorites without it. Although it can vary from one brand to another, here is my general rule of thumb:

If you've had it longer than _______ throw it away.

2 Years nail polish, perfume

18 Months powder blush, bronzer, powder, eyeshadow, pencil eye liners. lipstick, brow pencil

One Year foundation, mascara, lip liner, nail polish, concealer, primer, sunscreen, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hand/body lotion

6 months liquid eyeliner, gel or cream blush, liquid or cream highlighter, lip balm/ gloss, brow gel/mousse

Lastly, use discretion: If your product changes in color, smell, or consistency, it is best to be safe and pitch it! If you honestly can’t remember the last time you used it, or you forgot you even HAD it, you’re living without it anyway—let go! It’s not sparking joy. Trust me. (You’ll be making room for some NEW things, anyway!!!)

Keep Cosmetics Freshest by:

1. Tightly closing lids on any liquid, gel, or cream to keep it from drying out.

2. Storing away from direct light to prevent oxidation of active ingredients or pigments from fading.

3. Protecting from extreme heat/cold (NEVER store in your car!)

4. Cleaning your brushes regularly.

Discard Properly

Be mindful if your cosmetics have packages that can be up-cycled (could your glass moisturizer jar become a candle, or store bobby pins, barettes, or other knick knacks? It might be able to be recycled (this will vary depending on the packaging and your area’s recycling programs). Last but not least, did you know you can donate your old mascara wands to the Appalachain Wildlife Reserve? Wands that are sent become part of their “Wands for Wildlife” initiative. Before mailing, wash wands in warm soapy water to remove residual mascara. The reserve uses these to remove fly eggs and larvae from fur and feathers of wildlife animals in their care.