It can be difficult to tell when lipstick has expired, but it is important to know when your lipstick has gone bad. Knowing when lipstick expires can help you avoid potential skin irritations and other problems. The good news is that there are a few ways you can tell when your lipstick has gone bad. In this blog post, we will be discussing the top three ways to tell when lipstick has expired so that you can keep your makeup safe and healthy.

1) Check the packaging
One of the easiest ways to tell if your lipstick has expired is to check the packaging. You may see an expiration icon on the outside of the box, or you may need to turn over the lipstick tube and look for a small print that may contain the expiration date. It looks like this:  
It can be anywhere from 12M to 24M. The "M" denotes "Months". Fluency Beauty's multisticks are similar to lipsticks, but are formulated to be used as a blush/contour/eyeshadow because of how blendable it is. These multifuncational sticks are 12M as it's plant-based and as natural as you're going to get. 
This tells you when it expires from date of open. You can  mentally note when you bought the lipstick or mark it down somewhere so you can keep track.

This is important to look for as the components within your lipstick have a shelf life, and can change over time. Be sure to check all lip products you purchase for expiration dates, as older products can cause skin irritation or worse.

2) Smell the lipstick
If you're trying to determine if your lipstick has expired, the easiest way to tell is by smell. Lipsticks that are expired will often have a musky, old scent, which is quite distinct from the original scent of the lipstick. To test this, simply open the lid and take a whiff. If the smell is off, it's time to toss out the lipstick and buy a new one.
It's important to pay attention to the smell of your lipsticks since some of the ingredients can start to break down over time, and this can cause the lipstick to smell odd. Additionally, if you notice a strange smell, it could be indicative of bacteria growing in the lipstick, so it's best to get rid of it immediately.
Of course, smell alone isn't a sure-fire way to tell if your lipstick has expired, but it can give you a pretty good indication. Remember to always check the expiration date and be on the lookout for any unusual smells from your lipsticks.

3) Look at the texture
When it comes to lipstick expiration, texture is an important factor. Signs of an expired lipstick include bubbles, chunks, and discoloration. If your lipstick has a lumpy, bubbly, or crumbly texture, chances are it has expired.
Bubbles can be caused by a separation of the wax and oils, which usually occurs when the lipstick is too old. If your lipstick has multiple air bubbles in it, you should discard it immediately as it can cause clogged pores and breakouts on your skin. 
Finally, if your lipstick has started to discolor, this is a sign that it has been exposed to air and heat for too long and has gone bad. Discoloration can make your lipstick look off-color and murky, which means it needs to be tossed.
Expired lipsticks should never be used as they can cause irritation and breakouts on the skin. Check your lipsticks regularly and make sure to throw out anything that looks off in terms of texture.