Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year.
It's not safe to use expired mascara on your eyelashes because it can cause irritation and even serious infections. Mascara has a high potential for bacteria growth, so using an expired product can lead to eye infections that may require treatment with antibiotics.
Generally, if properly stored in a cool, dry place, most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years. With that said, creamier products that contain oils or butters, like cream concealers or liquid blushes, could turn earlier because oil can go rancid.
Mascara (regular or waterproof) and eyeliner: 3 to 6 months (always toss out dry mascara—never add water to extend its life) Cream, liquid or stick foundations/concealers: 6 months to 1 year. Powder-based products (including blush, bronzer, etc.): 2 to 3 years.
You may not want to part with your favorite tube of mascara, but we hate to inform you that it has the earliest expiration date when it comes to makeup. Mascara lasts around three to six months, and shouldn't be kept around for longer.
Astudy done almost 40 years ago in a very reputable ophthalmology journal showed that bacterial and fungal growth was found in 36% of mascara tubes after 3 months. So, now ophthalmologists make the recommendation to discard your mascara after 3 months.
When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas.
Almost all products will have a chemical-like smell or a strong unpleasant odor with expired makeup. The texture and consistency of the product may also change depending on the formula; watch out for clumpiness, drying out or separation when applying.
The rule of thumb for mascara is that it needs to be replaced every two to three months, starting from when you open the mascara. If you're storing unopened mascara, it will remain stable for a couple of years, so no need to worry about your makeup stockpile.
All lipsticks have a shelf life of 2 years. If yours is more than 2 years old, then it's time to throw it into the bin. You see, using an expired lipstick can cause irritation and inflammation on the lips.
In general, makeup typically lasts one year from the manufactured date before expiring.
If there is a noticeable change in consistency of your makeup product, it is likely that the item has spoiled. This is easier to notice in liquids such as foundations and primers, but can also be the case for cream eyeshadows and blushes. With makeup, consistency is key.
1 Also, switch out your mascara as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York, told Health. Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections.
Mascaras tend to dry out quicker, and thus can only be used for 3 to 6 months. A good way to make it last longer is to not pump stick. It will decrease the amount of air in. Shake the bottle a bit before using and use the product left on the top.
Mascara is good for about three months, and it's super important to toss it and get a new one once it's expired. Not only does old mascara end up clumping, flaking, and otherwise apply poorly, but it's considered unhygienic.
Old Makeup Can Cause Serious Eye Infections. That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer. It can also give you an eye infection. Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics.
You're not going to want to hear this, either, but mascara is a hotbed for bacteria and should be replaced every three to six months.
Liquid concealer or foundation should be thrown out after a year. Pencil cosmetics, such as certain eyeliners or lip or brow pencils, should also be disposed of after a year. Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown away after one to two years of use.
Use Hot Water to Warm It Up
Another great way to revive your favorite mascara is by using heat. If your mascara seems clumpy but not completely dry, place the tightly closed tube in a cup of hot (not boiling) water for five minutes. The heat will help soften the formula and make it usable again.
Clean your lashes
"If your lashes have leftover mascara, they'll be more likely to smudge and create fallout once you apply more," he explains. Get the job done with an oil-free eye makeup remover or micellar water and a pad or face wipe.
Using mascara that is over three months old can increase the risk of pink eye and other inflammatory conditions. We already know that our eyes are the most susceptible area to infections. In the roots where our lashes grow, there are thousands of pores, glands, and tear ducts that have bacteria on them.
Proceed at your own risk as doing so can increase your chances of developing skin sensitivities, breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
Bacteria thrives in the dark, moist environment of your mascara tube. Although many cosmetics contain preservatives that slow bacterial growth, over time bacteria will accumulate. This can lead to bacterial infections like styes or pinkeye. You also risk fungal infections and general irritation.