Need help figuring out whether your favorite makeup product has gone bad? Below you will find an easy makeup expiration guide with tips to help you determine if your makeup is still safe to use, or ready to get tossed in the trash.
We are all probably guilty of this—keeping makeup products for way too long. I know I have…especially in my younger years, when I didn’t have tons of money to spend on makeup. If I splurged on an expensive palette, hell yea, I was keeping that thing till it crumbled!
But is it really worth it when you could be putting yourself at risk of breakouts, skin irritations, and eye infections? After pursing a career as a freelance makeup artist, I had to take sanitation of my makeup and brushes very seriously, and l learned a lot along the way.
Now keep in mind, makeup begins to expire once you open and use it. And a good rule of thumb to remember — the more liquid the product has or the closer it is to your eyes, the quicker it will expire. Not only is it important to understand the expectant life span of products, but it’s also important to know the telltale signs it’s gone bad.
check out the list below so you can apply makeup stress free.
1. foundation
Shelf Life: 6 months to 1 year
Tip: Liquid foundation and concealer is water based, which breeds bacteria. Keep fingers away from the neck of the foundation to prevent bacteria from transferring. Instead, pump foundation onto the back of your hand or makeup palette. If the foundation starts to separate and has a different consistency and odor, it’s time to toss it. Symptoms of a bad foundation could be breakouts or irritation of the skin.
2. concealer
Shelf Life: Stick Concealer up to 2 years, Liquid Concealer 1 year.
Tip: If the smell, color, or consistency changes, that’s definitely a sign that it has spoiled. To help keep stick concealer bacteria free, spray with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol and wipe with a clean tissue after using.
3. lipstick/liner/gloss
Shelf Life: 1 year
Tip: I am totally guilty of this one (I love lipstick)! But you can tell it’s gone bad when the texture has changed. For example, the lipstick or pencil is expired, when it is dried out and doesn’t apply smoothly, or if the lip gloss is clumpy and goopy. Also, keep your lip products in a dry cool place, where it won’t melt from heat (e.g., not in your car).
4. kohl pencil, brow and eyeliner
Shelf Life: 1 year
Tip: Keep your pencils sharpened regularly and store them in a dry cool place. If you notice your pencil isn’t applying smoothly or feels dry, a trick you can do is to draw the pencil along the back of your hand or inner wrist to “warm it up” and soften the tip.
5. liquid eyeliner
Shelf Life: 3-4 months
Tip: A big no-no is sharing liquid eyeliner. Do not share liquid eyeliner with anyone because it will transfer bacteria to your applicator and is very difficult to keep bacteria free.
6. powder products (blush & face)
Shelf Life: 2 years
Tip: If you notice your pressed powders & blushes are dry and chalky, they are definitely expired. Loose face powders are more sanitary than pressed face powders, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
7. cream blush
Shelf Life: 1 year
Tip: Use a clean blush brush, when you apply to your cheeks. Your moisturizer or foundation can transfer from your face to your blush brush and cause a dark or chalky residue to form on your cream blushes and cause bacteria to form. Between applications, try cleaning the brush with a paper towel, or wait for your foundation to set before applying.
8. eye shadow
Shelf Life: 3 months
Tip: Because your eyeshadows are constantly in contact with your eye, they are at higher risk of developing bacteria. Cream eyeshadows in particular can develop bacteria quicker, especially if you are using your fingers to apply. Keep your fingers clean before applying. You can also spray your powder eyeshadows with 70% isoprophyl alcohol and let it air dry to help keep them sanitized, especially if you let your friend borrow your eyeshadow palette!
9. mascara
Shelf Life: 3 months
Tip: Just like liquid eyeliner, do not share mascara with other people because you will transfer bacteria from their eyes into your wand. Every time you take out the wand, apply it and return it to the tube; it brings along whatever bacteria it touched. If it starts to smell funky, it’s a big sign to throw it away! Lingering bacteria can cause itchiness, redness, pink eye and other bacterial infections of the eye.
There you have it!
If you made it to the end of this post, congratulations! You have now learned some basic makeup expiration guidelines and tips that will help you determine what to keep and what to trash. We all know makeup isn’t cheap, but neither is taking care of our skin and health! Stay healthy and beautiful my friends! 🙂
