Published: 18 August 2017
Shrewsbury spa blog: make-up 'use by' dates
There is often confusion on this subject as we are faced with terms such as 'shelf life', 'use by date' and 'best before' but how long do our cosmetics really last before they go off?
We all know that we shouldn't keep our cosmetics for years but when is the point they actually reach their 'use by date' after we've opened them?
Hopefully the following info from our Shrewsbury spa therapists will bring some clarification.
1. Not all cosmetics will have a ‘use by’ date
That's not to say your cosmetics will last indefinitely.
A use by date is not obligatory for products formulated to last less than 30 months once they've been opened. However, if they last more than 30 months you'll find a use by date such as 'once opened, use by February 2018' or similar.
What's more, products that don't deteriorate such as single use samples, those that are fully protected (e.g aerosols) or products that won't go off when opened won't feature a use by date.
So don't worry if you can't find a use by date on a treatment!
2. Does it matter if you use a product after the ‘use by’ date?
What if you apply a product after its use by date?
Well, it won't do you any harm, but the product may be less effective or pleasant to use - perfumes may smell a bit stagnant or creams may harden.
So, even though there's no health risk, it's still worth using up your products before the stated date.
3. Pay attention to more than just the ‘use by’ date
Keeping an eye on the use by date is useful, but there are other ways to extend your product's 'shelf life'.
• Always close your products after using them - if they come into contact with the air their perfume or texture, for example, could change.
• Don't expose your products to direct sunlight
• Keep them in a cool place, away from radiators and other sources of heat.
4. Products with an expiry date can still be kept for 36 months before being opened
If your product is kept unopened and stored correctly (see above) it can stay in its drawer for 36 months.
If you can't remember when you bought it, you can call the manufacturer's helpline - the product code contains information on when the product was made.
No need to open that sunscreen after purchase until you need it despite it having a 6month use by date once opened. As the saying goes, waste not, want not!
Now you know how best to keep your make-up at its prime, why not treat yourself to a make-up Application/Lesson with our beauty therapists at Imagine Spa Shrewsbury for only £33 for a 30 minute session? Alternatively you can just relax and have your make-up applied for you, perfect after a luxurious facial.
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Published: 18 August 2017