How to tell if lipstick is expired?
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Lipstick is a must-have product for many people’s daily makeup, but it also has a shelf life. If you use expired lipstick, it may not only affect the makeup effect, but also cause harm to your skin and body health. Therefore, it is very important to know how to tell if lipstick is expired. Below, we will teach you how to tell if lipstick is expired from the aspects of shelf life label, appearance, smell, texture and usage experience.
Understand the shelf life of lipstick
Shelf life label on product packaging
Each lipstick will be marked with a shelf life when it is produced, which is usually expressed in two forms:
- Unopened shelf life: The production date and expiration date will be clearly stated on the product packaging, such as “Production date: 2023-01-01, expiration date: 2026-01-01”. This means that the product can be stored for 3 years in an unopened state.
- Shelf life after opening: Internationally, a small can-shaped icon is often used to indicate the “shelf life after opening”, such as “6M” or “12M”, which means that the best effect is achieved within 6 months or 12 months after opening.
Pay attention to the opening time
If you can’t remember when a lipstick was opened, you can mark the opening date by labeling or recording it, so that you can easily determine whether it has exceeded the expiration date in the future.
Determine whether it is expired by appearance
Color change
- Fresh lipsticks are usually bright and uniform in color. If you find that the color of the lipstick has become dull or significantly different from the original, such as whitening or yellowing, it is likely due to oxidation or deterioration of the ingredients.
- If white particles or frosty substances appear on the surface of the lipstick, this may be due to the separation of oil components, or it may be related to expiration.
Changes in surface texture
A normal lipstick has a smooth and delicate surface, while a spoiled lipstick may have cracks, a rough feel, or a sticky surface.
Determine if it is expired by smell
Smell to see if the smell is normal
- Fresh lipsticks usually have a specific fragrance or no obvious odor.
- If the lipstick smells pungent, sour, or like spoiled oil (similar to rancid smell), it is likely expired.
Pay attention to the problem of fragrance coverage
Some lipsticks contain strong fragrance smells, and may retain their fragrance even after expiration, but the overall smell may have a sour or chemical smell, which requires special attention.
Determine if it is expired by texture
Changes in touch
- Fresh lipsticks have a delicate texture and are smooth and soft when applied.
- Spoiled lipsticks may become dry and hard, difficult to apply, and may even have a grainy feel.
Melting or delamination
If the lipstick appears to be melting or delaminating at room temperature, this may be a sign of improper storage or expiration.
Judging whether it is expired through usage experience
Abnormal irritation
If your lips feel tingling, dryness or discomfort after applying lipstick, it may be that the ingredients in the product have changed and are no longer suitable for use.
Decreased makeup lasting effect
Fresh lipsticks usually have good color rendering and lasting power, while expired lipsticks may have uneven color rendering, easy to remove makeup, and even clump on the lips.
How to avoid lipstick expiration?
Proper storage
- Avoid heat and humidity: Store lipstick in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or near high temperature areas (such as heaters or electrical appliances).
- Keep the lid sealed: Make sure the lid is closed tightly after each use to prevent air and bacteria from entering.
Buy reasonably
- Account within your means: Avoid buying too many lipsticks at one time, especially products of similar colors, and make sure they are used up within the shelf life.
- Use old products first: When using lipstick, you can follow the “first in, first out” principle and use products that have been opened earlier first.
Check regularly
Check your cosmetics every few months, especially lipsticks that have not been used for a long time, to see if there are any changes in appearance, smell or texture.
Dealing with expired lipstick
If it is confirmed that the lipstick has expired, stop using it as soon as possible and dispose of it properly. Here are some tips for dealing with expired lipstick:
DIY tools: You can use clean expired lipstick tubes to transform them into small makeup brush tubes or storage boxes.
Art creation: If you are not allergic to chemicals, you can use expired lipstick for hand-painting or creation.
But be careful not to let expired lipstick come into contact with your skin as much as possible to avoid allergies or infections.
The harm of using expired lipstick
Using expired lipstick may cause the following problems:
Skin allergy: Expired ingredients may irritate the skin, causing redness and rashes on the lips.
Bacterial infection: Expired lipstick is prone to breeding bacteria and may cause infection after use.
Health risk: Long-term use of spoiled lipstick may cause the body to absorb harmful substances and affect health.
Summary
Determining whether lipstick is expired is an important part of protecting skin health. We can judge the status of lipstick by observing the expiration date label, appearance, smell, texture and usage experience. At the same time, paying attention to the correct storage method and usage habits can effectively extend the service life of lipstick and avoid waste. If you find that the lipstick has expired, you should stop using it immediately to reduce health risks.
While loving beauty, don’t forget safety first!
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