Using expired or old makeup and skin care products may sound like no biggie, but all sorts of things can go sideways. Best case scenario? You're using a subpar, less efficacious product. Think crumbly shadow, flaky mascara and serums that do nada.
Using old stuff can also result in skin irritation, redness and breakouts. With expert insight, we're outlining some clear signs your makeup and skin care products are definitely past their prime.
Image via Imaxtree
The Product's Changed Color
When a product changes color, it means it's been exposed to air for too long. Which means it's no longer working at its optimal level.
"When a product oxidizes, it not only changes color, but is at risk of growing bacteria, particularly if it's stored in a bathroom that gets humid," says Jenny Patinkin, celebrity makeup artist, skin care pro and founder of an eponymous beauty line. This can spell skin care disaster, including infection and breakouts.
She does note that if your product changes color on your skin, like when a foundation turns orangey a few hours after application, it's not necessarily because it's gone bad. Instead, she says, it's usually because it's not compatible with your body's pH.
Image via Imaxtree
It Has a New Smell
You should also get suspicious when your products start to smell different. Skin care serums and creams, lip glosses and mascaras are likely to "sour" in this way after they're expired.
"If you notice that your mascara starts to have a weird smell or a change in smell, toss it immediately," warns Natasha Moor, celebrity makeup artist and founder of her own cosmetics line. "Mascara is the cosmetics product that I recommend that you change most frequently to protect the health of your eyes. When you use it for too long, the brush can hold bacteria and dirt from your skin and potentially lead to an eye infection."
She suggests always washing your hands or using sanitizer before applying and reapplying your makeup throughout the day. This helps prevent it from becoming contaminated. And Moor's ideal "keep" time for mascara is a month, tops.
Image via Imaxtree
The Consistency Is Different
Both liquids and powders are apt to change in consistency, though they do so in different ways. Liquids and creams tend to separate or become thicker/thinner. Powder products often get harder, drier and have less color payoff.
"When you see your powder products drying out, it's time to replace," says Moor. "Signs of that are that you can't pick up as much pigment on your brush or sponge and the application is not as smooth as it was previously."
If the product is relatively new and it has a hard "shell" or "coating" on top, this doesn't necessarily mean it's bad adds Patinkin.
"In the case of powder products like blush, bronzer and shadow, when you see a hard, speckled appearance on the surface and it's hard to get any color payoff, it means that oils from makeup brushes have transferred to your product," she explains. "In this case it's an easy fix. Simply use a dull knife to scrape the hardened bits away."
If the product seems super flaky or dry after doing this or has clearly dropped in quality, then move on.
Image via Imaxtree
Makeup Brushes Have Lost Their Shape
We know, makeup brushes are an investment. Higher quality brushes typically last longer, but sometimes they do meet their end.
"When your makeup brush bristles won't go back to their original shape after cleaning, they shed all over your face or when they feel scratchy on the skin, it's time for new ones," Patinkin advises. "And sponges that get little pock marks in them or don't ever look clean after washing should be tossed and replaced."
Image via Imaxtree
