Be honest, when was the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag? If you're still hanging onto that mascara from "before COVID," we need to have a little chat.
Have you ever noticed the tiny little jar icon on your makeup or skincare products with something like 6M, 12M, or 24M printed inside? Most of us ignore it, but that tiny symbol can make a big difference for your skin.
It's not technically an expiration date. That little jar is called the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, and it tells you how long the product is designed to stay fresh, safe, and effective after you've opened it.
Here's what those numbers mean:
- 6M = Good for 6 months after opening.
- 12M = Good for 12 months after opening.
- 24M = Good for 24 months after opening.
Why should you care?
Because makeup doesn't age like fine wine.
Over time, makeup and skincare products collect bacteria, lose their effectiveness, and can even change in texture, smell, and performance. Using old products can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, or even eye infections, especially when it comes to mascara and eyeliner.
A few good rules to follow:
- Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: Replace every 3–6 months. I can never remember when I opened mine, so I replace it every time I have a dental cleaning. Easy to remember, and my eyes thank me!
- Foundation & Concealer: Usually 6–12 months after opening.
- Lipstick & Lip Gloss: Around 12–24 months.
- Powders (Blush, Bronzer & Eyeshadow): Typically 12–24 months if stored properly.
- Skincare Products: Follow the PAO symbol. Many active ingredients lose their effectiveness over time, so even if the product looks fine, it may not be doing much for your skin anymore. Especially important for sunscreens.
Glam Camp TX Pro Tip
When you open a new product, grab a permanent marker and write the date on the bottom of the container. Future you will be so glad you did.
Every few months, give your makeup bag a quick clean-out. Toss anything that's expired, smells funny, has changed texture, or just looks questionable. Your skin deserves products that work with you, not against you.
Sometimes the best beauty upgrade isn't buying something new, it's finally saying goodbye to that mascara you've been "saving" for way too long.
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