People are only just realising that makeup brushes have an expiry date – here’s how to tell if yours have ‘gone off’

BEAUTY professionals have revealed that not only does your makeup have an expiry date – but your brushes also do as well. 

They have explained that using makeup past its expiry date, can cause skin irritation, breakouts and even eye infections. 

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Beauty experts have explained the signs to notice that your makeup brushes are gone off[/caption]

Beauty professionals at cosmetic store Boots explain that “just like expiry dates on your food,” they’re there to keep you from making the most from your products, whilst being safe.

They say that having out of date make-up products will mean that your item, whether it be your bronzer, mascara or powder, will not work to the best of its ability. 

So how can you tell if your make-up has gone off? Well, professionals at Boots believe “it’s pretty easy to spot the signs of expired make-up.” 

On their website, the Boots professional wrote: “Keep an eye on things like the appearance, consistency, colour and smell.

“If anything smells off, the texture looks different or the oil has risen to the top of your liquid products, it’s probably time to say goodbye. 

“You should also look out for a hard rim sitting on your powder products. 

“This is often caused by minerals and bacteria mixing with oils from your skin and then solidifying.”

If you have recently bought a product and notice these signs, they say that chances are it’s not been stored correctly – so you should speak to the shop manager about it. 

They also urge “it’s best to get rid of it to protect your skin.”

Another sign is looking for the small symbol on your product that looks like a tub and a lid which is lifting off from it, which also has a number in it. 

This tells you how many months it will last from opening.

If you have realised the product is out of date, “the best thing to do is to replace them, even if they look okay.” 

Gone off make-up can trap dirt and oils, which can cause your skin to react coming out in rashes, and breakouts. 

The Boots beauty professional said: “The preservatives in some make-up products also have a limited lifespan which means they’re more susceptible to bacterial growth. 

“This is especially prevalent in eye make-up like mascara and eyeliners, as the eyes are a moist environment and therefore a breeding ground for eye infections.”

Makeup brushes 

Boots professionals also revealed that make-up brushes have a shelf life too. 

They believe that brushes need replacing every three to five years, but they can last longer if cared for properly. 

“We’re talking about a weekly wash using soap and water or a make-up brush cleaner,” they wrote.

“If you find your bristles are falling out or they don’t quite work the same as they used to, it’s time to part ways and invest in some new ones.”

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If you notice your makeup products are crumbling or not looking as fresh compared to when you first bought them, they are most likely gone off[/caption]

How to clean your makeup brushes

Firstly, start off by rinsing the tips of your brushes under lukewarm, running water to remove residual makeup.

Next, fill a bowl up with lukewarm water before adding baby shampoo or a gentle shampoo. 

Then swirl your brush in the mixture in the bowl and make sure the makeup is completely rinsed out from the brush under running tap water – repeat if necessary. 

Squeeze out the excess water with a dry paper towel, then lay your brushes flat to dry on a clean paper towel with the tips hanging off the edge of the counter.

How to store your makeup

Ensure lids are on tight and store them in a cool, dry place, whilst avoiding sunlight.