Lipstick holds a special place in the hearts of beauty enthusiasts as a quintessential makeup item.

With a plethora of colors and textures to choose from, it's no wonder lipstick is beloved.

Each lipstick is a cherished cosmetics item that lasts a long time. But once it reaches its expiration date, it's not suitable for application on your lips anymore. Disposing of it might feel wasteful, so what's the best way to handle this situation?

Lipstick is a cosmetic product made up of oils, waxes, colorants, and fragrances.

The oils and waxes, which form the foundation of lipstick, are particularly sensitive to high temperatures and humidity. When exposed to these conditions, they can melt or deteriorate rapidly, leaving you with no time to react.

When applying lipstick, the oils within it can also easily attract dust and airborne particles, which contributes to the degradation of the product. This means that even before lipstick formally expires, it might quietly undergo spoilage and become unusable.

How can you tell if the lipstick has expired and should not be used?

1. "Water droplets"

You might have encountered a situation where, on a hot day, you retrieve your lipstick from your bag to touch up your makeup, only to find inexplicable tiny water droplets on its surface. The lipstick itself remains soft, almost as if it's about to melt.

This occurrence is more common in warmer months and is often the result of high temperatures or rapid temperature changes (such as moving from an air-conditioned space to direct sunlight).

The droplets that form on the lipstick are not water; rather, they are oil. Lipstick contains oils that can seep out and collect on the surface, creating the appearance of "water droplets."

In such cases, placing the lipstick in a cool environment typically restores its usability. However, if this issue persists over time, it's advisable to discontinue using the lipstick.

2. Odor

Here, "odor" specifically refers to the smell of rancid oil. Certain lipsticks on the market contain ingredients like grapeseed oil and jojoba oil, which are susceptible to oxidation when exposed to sunlight and air.

This oxidation can lead to a rancid odor emanating from the lipstick. When this occurs, it's best not to use lipstick.

3. Obvious Deterioration

If lipstick shows noticeable signs of mold or damage, it's crucial not to take any risks and to avoid using it altogether.

Creative Uses for Expired Lipsticks:

Even if your lipstick has expired for various reasons, there are innovative ways to repurpose it so that it continues to serve a purpose in your life.

1. Cleaning Silver Jewelry

By applying lipstick onto a cotton cloth and gently rubbing it on tarnished silver parts, you can effectively restore the shine to your jewelry.

The emulsifying properties of lipstick help lift away the silver sulfide that forms due to the reaction between silver and sulfur in the air. This method is most effective on smooth surfaces, as cleaning intricate designs may prove challenging.

2. DIY Nail Polish

Transform your expired lipstick into a unique nail polish by melting the lipstick and pouring it into a transparent nail polish bottle. After thorough mixing, you'll have a one-of-a-kind nail polish shade that's exclusively yours.

3. DIY Aroma Candle

Combine melted lipstick with soy wax, ensuring a smooth mixture. Add your favorite essential oils and pour the mixture into a container to cool. This creative endeavor results in a customized aroma candle that adds a personal touch to your space.