There are actually two expiration timelines to know about. The first is the date stamped on the packaging, which tells you when a product is best used by, regardless of whether it's been opened. The second is the Period After Opening, or PAO—that little open-jar symbol followed by a number and the letter "M" that you'll find on most products. That number tells you how many months a product is considered safe and effective after you've first opened it. Once you break the seal, the clock starts.
To help sort out which is which, we asked two board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Mona Foad, founder of MONA Dermatology, and Dr. Susan Massick, a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Ohio State University.
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Mascara and liquid eyeliners should be replaced every three months after opening, and powder eyeshadow every six to twelve months with proper storage. Eyeliner pencils—because they can be sharpened—have a longer window of about a year, Dr. Massick says.
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Dr. Massick's general guideline for moisturizers and serums is up to one year after opening. Liquid blush, cream foundations and concealers fall in the same range—about a year. Lip gloss is also one year, while lipsticks can last one-to-two years. Powder blush, stored properly, can go one to two years as well. Unopened and sealed makeup can last two-to-three years.
Makeup and Skincare Product Expiration Date Cheat Sheet
Dr. Massick says once a package is opened and the clock starts, proper storage is what helps you get the most out of that window. She offers a quick reference guide based on the date of opening:
Mascara: 3 monthsLiquid eyeliner: 3 monthsPowder eyeshadow: 6-12 months with proper storageEyeliner pencil: 1 year (can be sharpened to extend life)Liquid blush, cream foundation and concealer: 1 yearMoisturizers and serums: up to 1 yearLip gloss: 1 yearLipstick: 1-2 yearsPowder blush: 1-2 years with proper storageUnopened, sealed makeup: 2-3 yearsYou don't always need to check the date. "Changes in color, texture, smell or performance are good indicators that it may be time to replace a product," Dr. Foad says. If a product has separated, thickened, thinned out or developed an off-smell, those are signs it's past its prime—regardless of what the package says.
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Dr. Mona Foad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA DermatologyDr. Susan Massick, board-certified dermatologistHence then, the article about the beauty product expiration dates you should actually follow dermatologists explain was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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