Don’t forget…

header image provided by Pexels

Since we are a day away from New Year’s eve I thought I add this quick reminder.

Don’t forget to clear out any old or expired products. If you’re like me you tend to either hoard them or they just accumulate over time.

Everything expires

I think we don’t always think of products expiring or going bad but they do. Some you can tell. While others might be a bit harder to notice. Most products have a symbol on them that has a set time period.

Here’s an example of what I mean.

Haircare can expire

The product in the photo above is a bottle of hair serum. Most products have this symbol. Some also have a stamped date code or a number code on the container. Others, however, might not have any indicator. Those are the ones I forget about and forget how long I’ve had them.

This TRESemme product is a good example of this. It has a stamped number code on it but no real expiration date.

I’ve had this hair mask product since 2017. I’ve used it twice. I think it’s time for it to go don’t you?

So when does hair care expire?

When I thought of this post I started to look for a few charts. I’ve found a number of makeup products but no real hair care. But on average you can try to track how long you’ve had the product and check the symbol to see how many months it states.

A quick rule of thumb you can always add a note to your product when you open it such as using a sharpie marker and adding a date.

Another thing to remember is if your product changes color has a strange smell or even seems different in any way. Such as runnier or thicker just throw it out. Sometimes products may change due to weather conditions but still if it’s not smelling like it usually does don’t risk it.

Makeup

As with hair care, makeup expires as well. Again many products have a similar month symbol like the one shown above.

I know if you’re like me you may keep makeup for years. I can’t seem to part with some of my favorite eye shadow palettes or maybe a lipstick. But we should. No one wants to develop a skin infection or have an eye infection due to an old eyeliner or mascara.

Like with hair care if your makeup changes color (Liquid products mainly) has a smell or changes texture throw it out.

Another thing you need to keep in mind of too is to make up tools. If you use blending sponges or blenders remember to wash them regularly and throw out any that are damaged or torn.

Here’s a helpful chart I found via a Real Simple Article

You can also read more about cosmetics and shelf life via the FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/shelf-life-and-expiration-dating-cosmetics

Skincare

Skincare is like makeup for me. I can hang on to it for a long time. As usual, many products have an expiration symbol on it. Others may have a printed expiration date on the package.

Sheet masks have a printed expiration date on them. Make sure to use products before they expire.

Skincare oils can expire as well so check your dates. Again like with the previous items if the product changes color, has a different smell or just looks off throw it away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Other products can expire too

You need to check other products too. Some we might not think about. Many can be in our bathroom medicine cabinets and we can keep them for years. Don’t forget to throw away any old or expired cold meds or antibacterial cream.

Other things that need to be thrown out are shower poufs or loofahs. They can collect bacterial no matter how well you sanitize them. Bath products can go bad as well.

Here’s another chart from Real Simple

So don’t forget

So don’t forget to clean out any old products that need to be thrown away. I know it’s hard to let some products go but it’s better that way. It makes room for something new.