We've all been there. The cream you bought years ago has been in the closet for a while now. But still you think it's a shame to throw away that last leftover. Still, you'd better do that.

IHave you noticed that one logo on the back of a product? It is more important than you think! Beauty products also have an expiration date, so start 2021 and update your skin care products when needed.

Almost all cosmetic products contain preservatives (If not, be extra careful!), after opening the product, the effect of these products will stop after a while. When this happens, depends on when you first opened the product and how the product is packed and stored.

Each product is different. For example, products that contain water or plant extracts generally have the shortest shelf life. And products that do not contain water, such as powders, will last much longer.

10 COMMANDMENTS TO ENSURE SHELF LIFE

1. Preferably use a pump bottle.

2. Avoid direct contact with the face.

3. Choose a spatula or spoon to 
remove the product from the pot.

4. Use a brush for lip balm, for example.

5. Disinfect lip products regularly: 
Drop some disinfectant alcohol on a cloth 
and rub it over the product and the tube.

6. Wash your hands before applying 
the product to your face.

7. If you use a brush, always use a clean brush 
and wash it at least once a week.

8. Do not share your products with others.

9. Store your products in a cool, dark place.

10. Always close the packaging very well 
so that no air can reach the product.

HOW LONG CAN YOU STORE THE PRODUCTS?

That 'one logo on the back of the product' is also called the PAO (Period After Opening). It consists of an open jar, the letter M and a number. The letter M stands for month and the number refers to the number of months. For example, the symbol with an open jar and 12M means that you have to throw away the product 12 months after opening.

This logo is mandatory on every cosmetic product sold in Europe. Although it is not 100% accurate, it still gives you a good indication of when you should throw away a product after opening it. Everyone handles their products differently and how they are stored.

That's why it's even more important to use your senses. Does your product suddenly smell strange or very chemical, does it feel different, does it start to clump, is it remarkably liquid, does it suddenly have a harder layer on it or does it have a different color? Then you'd better throw it away.

CHECKLIST:

Average shelf life 
of your care products:

» cleanser: up to 1 year
» toner: 6 months to 1 year
» cream & serum: 6 months to 1 year
» exfoliant: up to 1 year
» lip balm: up to 1 year
» sample: 1 day

Average shelf life 
of your makeup:

» foundation: 1 to 1,5 years
» concealer: up to 1 year
» powder: up to 2 years
» eyeshadow: 2 to 3 years
» lipstick: 1 to 2 years
» lipgloss: up to 1,5 years
» mascara: up to 3 months