Cracked Lips, No More: Moisturising Lip Balm & Liptint Set
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How to tell a lipstick has gone bad?

Lipsticks are one of the most essential makeup products in a woman’s beauty kit. Maintaining lipstick hygiene is crucial to ensure your lip products remain safe and enjoyable to use. 

6 Steps to Spot Signs of a Lipstick that has Gone Bad:

Let’s dive into step by step to know whether your lipstick is expired!

1. Cracks and Mold on Lipstick

The first step to check whether a lipstick is still good to use is look to at the appearance of the lipstick. Examine the surface of your lipstick for visible cracks or any signs of mold growth. These are clear indicators that the lipstick has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.

Mold can develop on lipsticks due to moisture exposure (make sure your lips are clean when applying lipstick i.e. make sure no water or no food residue), contaminated surfaces, expired or old products and improper storage.

2. Unpleasant Odour

Next, give the lipstick a sniff. If it has an off-putting or rancid smell, it’s definitely time to toss it. A good rule of thumb is that if it smells bad, it is bad. If it smells off, it’s best to avoid using it to prevent potential lip irritation or health concerns.

3. Changes in Texture:

Next, do a swatch test. Swipe a small amount of lipstick on your wrist or inner arm, if the texture is smooth and it glides well, then it’s safe to use.  When your favourite lipstick starts to feel dry, draggy, clumpy, or uneven on your lips, it might be time to bid it farewell. A compromised texture can affect the application and overall wear of the lipstick.

4. Altered Color

Then look at the swatch colour on your wrist or inner arm from the previous step. If the lipstick color appears different, faded, or separated from its original shade, that that is a red flag for spoilage. Discoloration indicates the lipstick’s quality has been compromised.

5. Expired Expiration Date

Always check the expiration date on the lipstick packaging or at the bottom of the tube. An expired lipstick is more likely to harbour harmful bacteria and may no longer deliver the desired performance.

A lot of times, the expiration date on lipstick (and indeed also for many food and cosmetics products) serves as a safe guideline, but if the product is well-preserved and stored properly, it can often remain usable beyond its best before date, depending on the user’s behavior and the product’s storage condition. But if you are unsure, it is always safer to discard expired products. 

If your lipsticks failed any of the steps above, it is time to get yourself a new lipstick! Why not check out our natural lipsticks! We have both ready-made lipsticks and also personalised lipsticks where you can choose from a vast range of casing design, colour, scent and even add name! 

6 Important Tips to Take Care of Your Lipstick

Taking proper care of your lipsticks is the key to keeping them in prime condition and ensuring your pout stays happy and healthy. Here are five essential ways to pamper your lipsticks:

1. Stay cool and dry - do not expose to sunlight

Find a cozy spot in your house, away from direct sunlight and heat. Extreme temperatures can be harsh on your lippies, so avoid leaving them in your car on scorching days. We have seen so many cases of people carelessly leaving lipsticks in their car under hot sun especially for countries with hot weather like Malaysia, the lipsticks would be completely melted.

2. Close the cap tight

Always make sure the lipstick cap is tightly closed after use to lock in their moisturizing magic and prevent your lipsticks from drying out. Exposure to air can indeed have a negative impact on lipstick over time. When lipsticks are frequently exposed to air, they can start to dry out, leading to changes in texture and consistency. For natural lipsticks, the natural oils and moisture in the lipstick can evaporate, making it less smooth and more prone to clumping or becoming crumbly.

3. Do not share your lipsticks

We know sharing is caring, especially when you have a killer lipstick and your best friends are all too excited to try them, but please don’t share when it comes to lipsticks! Sharing lipsticks can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses, including cold sores and herpes. Please resist the temptation to share with others to avoid any unwanted bacteria guests. 

Caption: A lipstick left in the car under hot sun.

4. Make sure your lips are clean

Before applying, make sure your lips are clean and free from any water or food residue for the smoothest application. Maintaining this hygienic habit means not only smoother lipstick application but also keeping your lipsticks in top-notch condition. Bid farewell to any chances of harmful bacteria taking residence on your lipsticks, as you safeguard them from potential contamination

5. Wipe away dirts and debris

Regularly wipe down their surfaces to remove any accumulated buildup or debris, so they keep looking fresh and fabulous. A simple way to clean your lipstick (if it is not too dirty) would be to use a tissue to remove any dirt or debris on the surface of the lipstick. Here are some detailed steps on how to properly clean your lipstick:

  1. Gently dampen a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton pad with a mild makeup remover or rubbing alcohol.
  2. Carefully wipe the surface of your lipsticks, being cautious not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the lipstick bullet.
  3. Remove any accumulated buildup or debris, including any residue from the lip product or other contaminants.
  4. If needed, use a clean cotton swab dipped in the makeup remover or rubbing alcohol to clean around the edges and crevices of the lipstick tube.
  5. Once wiped down, let your lipsticks air dry completely before putting the caps back on.

6. Use within 8 months

For natural-based lipstick, it’s recommended to use your lipstick within 8 months from the date of opening for optimal performance. Over time, lipsticks may undergo subtle changes due to exposure to air and varying temperature. As the months pass, the lipstick’s texture and color may gradually alter, affecting its smoothness and overall appearance.

Using your lipstick within this recommended timeframe ensures that you experience the best results from the product. It ensures the lipstick maintains its intended color payoff, texture, and moisturizing properties, delivering the desired look on your lips.

So don’t keep your lipsticks forever, use them!

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