When do origins products expire

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Really, it's easy to become obsessed with all the delectable offerings promising smooth, glowing skin. But there is a downside to having a robust skincare arsenal: the products don't last forever. Time is ticking on that jar of La Mer collecting dust in your beauty cabinet.

So, how long do skincare products really last? We spoke with Teresa Stenzel, esthetician and director of education at Bioelements , for more on the ins and outs of product shelf life.

Meet the Expert. Teresa Stenzel is an esthetician and the director of education for skincare company Biolements, where she helps develop new facial and body treatment techniques. Figuring out when you should throw away your beauty products is simple: Look at the packaging.

There's a tiny symbol on the label that most people don't even notice, which tells you how long your products will last after you've opened them. Look out for this open cream jar icon, known as the PAO or "Period After Opening" symbol, which includes the number of months a product is safe to use after it has been unsealed. The PAO was introduced on cosmetics labels in by the European Commission , which requires all cosmetic products with a shelf life of 30 months or more to feature the symbol.

Products that have a shorter shelf life than 30 months must include the minimum shelf life or best before date on the label. That's why, when you look through your makeup bag, you're likely to find the symbol on nearly all of your beauty products. The shelf life varies depending on the type of beauty product. I raided through my makeup bag to demonstrate how long certain products last compared to others.

Products for the face like primer, foundation, and blush will typically last for up to 24 months after they've been opened. Lip products should be thrown away sooner, usually after a year. This PAO icon, on the bottom of my colleague Sarah's Tarte lipstick, is so tiny you can't see it unless you zoom in really close. While the PAO on my Tarte mascara says it will last for up to 12 months, the FDA recommends getting rid of mascara after it becomes dry to prevent irritation to the eyes.

The only way to truly know whether your product is still guaranteed effective for its intended use is to test it in a lab. Of course, you probably don't have a lab at your disposal, which is why we put together this handy guide for Dermalogica products. Use it to go through your skin care regimen annually, toss formulas that no longer guaranteed effective and replenish your favorites.

To extend the life of your products for as long as possible, store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight and heat.