Expiry Dates You’re Probably Ignoring – And Why It Matters

Are You Keeping Makeup Until It Goes Off? We all do it. That foundation you opened last year but barely used? Still in the drawer. That mascara from Christmas? Hanging on for special occasions. But makeup has an expiry — not just from the date you bought it, but from the moment you open it. That’s what most people miss. What Is “Period After Opening” — And Why Should You Care? Look closely at your product packaging. You’ll see a small jar icon with something like “6M” or “12M” on it. That’s called the PAO (Period After Opening) . It tells you how long a product is safe to use after it’s been opened — regardless of how often you use it or how full it looks. Here’s what that usually means: Product Period After Opening Mascara 3-6 months Liquid eyeliner 3–6 months Foundation 6–12 months Concealer 6–12 months Lipsticks & gloss 12–18 months Pencil eyeliner Up to 2 years (if sharpened regularly) Powders (blush, bronzer, eyeshadow) Up to 2 years Moisturisers, primers, serums 6–12 ...