Period After Opening symbol on makeup items that ALL women should know about

Like the food you eat, makeup products have expiry dates too.

But when was the last time you cleaned out your overflowing cosmetic bag, beauty draw or bathroom cabinet?

Here, FEMAIL has compiled the ultimate guide on exactly when to throw out your beauty items – and the symbol all women should know about.

So how do we figure out the makeup expiration dates? Most labels have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol – it’s the tiny jar with a figure indicating how many months the product will last.

Like the food you eat, makeup products have expiry dates too. But when was the last time you cleaned out your overflowing cosmetic bag, beauty draw or bathroom cabinet? (stock image)

Can you spot the expiry date? Most beauty products have a shelf life symbol on the label

Lipstick: 18 months to two years

Lipsticks can last between 18 months to two years after opening – as long as you look after them well.

Change in colour, texture or smell are warning signs that it’s time to toss out your lipstick – or risk contracting a nasty infection.

Never leave them without a lid on and occasionally clean them with makeup wipes to remove any top layer of bacteria growth.

Foundation: Six to 12 months

Liquids and cream foundations last between six to 12 months after opening – as they contain water, oils and other hydrating agents, which decreases the shelf life.

Also, liquid-based products are more likely to grow bacteria.

Whereas, powders can last up to two years because it’s harder for bacteria to grow in products that are solid, dry texture.

It’s important to remember to occasionally clean the tools you use to apply foundation.

Makeup products have a tiny jar with a figure indicating how many months the product will last

Makeup products have a tiny jar with a figure indicating how many months the product will last

Each product comes with a tiny jar with a figure indicating the months the product will last

Each product comes with a tiny jar with a figure indicating the months the product will last

Mascara: Four to six months

Mascara has a short shelf life because the product is applied close to your eyes – and can be jam-packed with bacteria if you don’t look after them well.

Avoid pumping your mascara wand in and out, as this pushes air into the tube, which can dry out the mascara and cause bacterial contamination.

Bin the product once it dries out, has a different texture, colour or smell – and if you get an eye infection, throw it away immediately and buy a new one.

Most mascara comes with a shelf life of four to six months.

Eyeliner: Six months to one year

Liquid eyeliner lasts around four to six months – as it’s another cosmetic product likely to create bacteria.

Pencil eyeliners (same applies to lip liners) can last up to two years but the cap should be kept tightly closed.

When was the last time you cleaned out your overflowing cosmetic bag, beauty draw or bathroom cabinet? (stock image)

When was the last time you cleaned out your overflowing cosmetic bag, beauty draw or bathroom cabinet? (stock image)

You might know the life span of your mascaras, but what about your foundation, powder and concealer? (stock image)

You might know the life span of your mascaras, but what about your foundation, powder and concealer? (stock image)

Blusher, bronzer and eye shadow: 18 months to two years

Most blusher, bronzer and eye shadows have a shelf life of 18 months to two years. 

Powder lasts longer than wet-based products – as it’s harder for bacteria to grow in cosmetic items that are solid, dry texture.

But like any other product, make sure you look after them well – and once the powder starts to change in colour, texture or smell – it’s time to throw them away.

Concealer: 12 to 18 months

Most concealers last between 12 to 18 months.

Change in colour, texture or smell are warning signs that it’s time to ditch your concealer – or risk getting bad breakouts or a blotchy patch on your face.

Nail polish: One year

Surprisingly, nail polish has an expiry date too.

After opening, the bottles can last up to one year, as the ingredients can evaporate, causing it to thicken and separate.



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk