Does Makeup Expire?

December 19, 2022

Make up & Cosmetic

Does makeup expire? Many makeup items are cost-intensive, especially if you want to find high-quality or authentic products, but they will eventually go out of date. Because expired cosmetics can trap bacteria, replacing them is necessary to avoid skin irritation, breakouts, eye infections, and styes. We understand that throwing them away is heartbreaking, but it is essential if you notice any signs. The shelf-life of makeup is determined by whether or not it is opened. Come with Liftyolife (liftyolife.com) to figure out how long they last.

1. Is the expiration date a suggestion?

The expiration date of cosmetics is printed on their packages, and that date is correct if the boxes are opened. The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol (an open jar with a number and an “M”) printed on the makeup is the guidelines and will tell you how many months you have between the day you open it and the day it expires.

We strongly advise you to stick to the suggested usage times. If your makeup expires, you should buy the new one; however, if you use it a little past the makeup expiration date, you may be fine health-wise but notice it doesn’t perform as well.

For example, lip liner and eyeliner pencils may have more extended dates because they can be sharpened. Wash your hands before making up, clean your makeup brushes regularly.

2. How long does it last unopened?

Most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years if stored correctly in a cool and dry place.

However, creamier products containing oils or butter, such as cream concealers or liquid blushes, may turn sooner because oil can go rancid. Even if the product is sealed, it may go wrong if it is a natural makeup formulation without a strong preservative.

Because all preservatives in makeup degrade over time, even if the product is unopened, you should never keep any type of product for more than three years.

How long does it last unopened?

3. What is the risk of using expired makeup?

It’s time to toss it if the texture has changed, there is a sign of separation, the odor has changed to a funky note, or the color has dramatically changed.

When a beauty product expires, it will most likely not function as effectively as it once did. It is worth noting that an expired product may look and even if anything smells different on your skin, lacks color vibrancy, or last for a shorter period.

Expired cosmetics can also start germs, which can cause acne, rashes, staph or eye infections, and sties.

Setting aside some time each month to survey all of the products on your bathroom shelf for any differences in look, feel, or smell is one way to avoid using expired products.

4. Does makeup product expire?

Makeup does expire. However, the exact time for expiration is based on different types of cosmetics. Different sorts of beauty products, like different types of hair products, may “age” differently, so we asked the expert to learn about what’s still excellent and what’s beyond its prime.

4.1. Face

4.1.1. Foundation

Shelf life: 6 months to 1 year.
Keeping tips: Products with fewer preservatives are more likely to harbor bacteria. Let your fingers away from the neck of the bottle to keep your foundation germ-free for longer. Instead, before applying the formula, gently dribble it onto the back of your hand.

Foundation

4.1.2. Liquid highlight

Shelf life: 6 months to 1 year.
Keeping tips: To use it longer, keep it in a dry place and use a disposable applicator when necessary.

Liquid highlight

4.1.3. Concealer

Shelf life: 6 months to 1 year.
Keeping tips: Keep the product away from a direct sunbeam, don’t touch the application with your fingers, and toss when you notice separation.

Concealer

4.1.4. Blush and powder

Shelf life: 2 years.
Keeping tips: Powders can be kept for extended periods if you actively and regularly clean your brushes. The key is to keep your brush clean when you apply powder to your face. Otherwise, when your tools are dirty, you’re putting old makeup, germs, and skin cells into that powder product.

Blush and powder

4.1.5. Cream blush and multiple sticks

Shelf life: 12 months to 18 months.
Keeping tips: If you notice a change in texture, it is a good indication to toss it and “multiple” sticks (products that can be used on your lips and cheeks). Before beginning, always use clean hands to help keep the tubes and pots germ-free.

Cream blush and multiple sticks

4.2. Lips

4.2.1. Lipstick, liner, and lip gloss

Shelf life: 1 year.
Keeping tips: When you see a change in the texture of your favorite lip products, whether it’s because they’re drying out or becoming goopy, toss them. Keep your favorite red in a dry area to extend its life.

Lipstick, liner, and gloss

4.3. Eyes

4.3.1. Brow pencil and Kohl eyeliner

Shelf life: 1 year.
Keeping tips: Because pencils are constantly sharpened, they can last longer than most eye products. To extend the life of your liners, keep them away from your steamy bathroom.

Brow pencil and Kohl eyeliner

4.3.2. Mascara

Shelf life: 3 months.
Keeping tips: Mascara is one area where the FDA takes a hard line. Replace every three months (or sooner if the formula becomes clumpy or begins to smell funny, indicating that it has gone bad). Of course, never share mascara because it can cause cross-contamination.

Mascara

4.3.3. Liquid eyeliner

Shelf life: 3 or 4 months.
Keeping tips: The higher the moisture content of the product, or the closer it is to your eyes, the shorter its lifespan.

Liquid eyeliner

4.3.4. Eye shadow

Shelf life: 3-6 months.
Keeping tips: While powder shadows can last the same amount of time as powder blushes (about two years), they should be replaced more frequently because they are used around your eyes. Be careful with all items you use for your eyes; let’s protect your sight and the window of your soul.

Eye shadow

4.3.5. Gel eyeliner

Shelf life: 2 months.
Keeping tips: Unfortunately, because it efficiently traps bacteria, a gel eyeliner pot should only be used for a few months.

Gel eyeliner

4.4. Fragrance

Shelf life: 3-5 years.
Keeping tips: The Fragrance is by far the most long-lasting product in your beauty routine! Keep your perfumes out of direct sunlight to use them longer (or some brands even recommend storing them in the refrigerator).

4.5. Nail Polish

Shelf life: 1-2 years.
Keeping tips: Heat and direct sunlight will cause your polish to separate and discolor faster, so keep it upright in a dry area.

5. When to throw it away

So, when exactly is it time to empty your makeup bag? If your cosmetics are starting to smell bad or liquids begin to turn a different color, throw them away and go shopping. And if the consistency of your mascara begins to resemble that of dry raisins, toss it. In other words, once your makeup has reached its expiration date, you should discard it. These are averages, so you should be fine if you use concealer for a few days after a year.

If you have an eye condition, such as pink eye, don’t use your makeup anymore because it most likely contains the same bacteria that caused the infection.

Does makeup expire? Now, you know the answer when reading our article. Make sure to securely close the lids of any products you’re using, especially those that will be exposed to moisture in the air during shower time! Subscribe our website Liftyolife (liftyolife.com), Twitter and Instagram for more beauty advice.

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