Does concealer expire?

Author: Graciela Grant  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

The longevity of concealer also depends on the consistency. Liquid concealers should be tossed after one year, but powder concealers are typically safe to use for up to two years. To figure out which texture will work best for your skin's type and needs, check out our concealer guide.

What happens if you use expired concealer?

Yes, you should throw away makeup when it expires. Cosmetics can become contaminated with bacteria over time, which can cause skin infections and eye infections. Check the expiration date on the packaging, or use the ``6M'' or ``12M'' symbols, which indicate the number of months the product is good for after opening.

How long does concealer last for?

Concealer. Many concealers can last for up to a year if they're kept tightly closed and stored in a cool, dark place, but experts recommend that you get a new bottle or tube every six to eight months. If the makeup's consistency changes, or if it changes color or begins to smell, it's time to get rid of it.

How do you know if your concealer is bad?

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.

Can I use concealer for 3 years?

You can expect a shorter shelf life than most products of three to six months. Lolis says that liquid concealers generally last anywhere from six months to a year, cream formulas for 12 to 18 months, and powders for two years.

When Should You THROW OUT MAKEUP? When Does MAKEUP EXPIRE? A Doctor Explains!

When should you throw out concealer?

Makeup Expiration Dates You Need to Know
  1. Concealer: one year.
  2. Cream blush: one year.
  3. Eyeliner: three months.
  4. Eyeliner pencil: two years.
  5. Eyeshadow: one year.
  6. Foundation: one year.
  7. Lip balm: one to five years.
  8. Lip gloss: one year.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

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.

How do I check if my makeup is expired?

How to Tell When Your Makeup Has Expired
  1. Check the label. The label of many beauty products features a small jar with a number and the letter M next to it that denotes how long that product will last after you open it. ...
  2. The product has a unique smell. ...
  3. The texture has changed. ...
  4. The color is off.

Can I use 3 year old foundation?

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.

When should I replace my concealer?

Foundation and concealer

Liquid foundations and concealers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Powders can last up to 2 years. Cream formulas fall somewhere in between — about 12 to 18 months.

How long does Maybelline concealer last?

Maybelline Super Stay Liquid Concealer Makeup, Full Coverage Concealer, Up to 30 Hour Wear, Transfer Resistant, Natural Matte Finish, Oil-free, Available in 16 Shades, 27, 1 Count. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.

Which drugstore concealer is the best?

Our top picks for drugstore concealers in 2024:
  • Best Drugstore Concealer Overall. Maybelline New York Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Concealer. ...
  • Best Long-Wear Drugstore Concealer. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Matte Concealer. ...
  • Best Drugstore Concealer for Acne.

What happens if you don't wash off concealer?

key things to remember about leaving your makeup on:

Your Pores Will Become Clogged and You Will Breakout. Your Complexion Will Appear Dull. Your Skin Will Look Older. Your Skin Will Look and Feel Dry.

What is the lifespan of concealer?

Concealer: Six months to two years

Koestline says that as long as the applicator doesn't directly touch the skin and if there is no separation in the formula, any concealer you use can be good for up to two years.

What can you do with old concealer?

A concealer that is too dark is perfect to use for contouring! The creamy consistency will blend like a dream and give you a chiselled look. For concealer that is too light, it can be used as an eyeshadow primer. The light concealer neutralises your eyelids giving you a beautiful canvas to create magic on.

Does expired concealer make you break out?

Instead of having the desired effect, old makeup may irritate your skin. Developing a skin infection is another problem because over time, bacteria and mold tend to grow in makeup. That's why I don't recommend using old or expired makeup.

Can you use 20 year old makeup?

Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.

Is it safe to use 5 year old foundation?

The One-Year Rule for Foundation Freshness

The rule of thumb is that most liquid, cream, and stick foundations deteriorate in quality about one year from the date you open them. It's not necessarily dangerous to use foundation at this point, but the integrity of the original product is no longer there.

What makeup doesn't expire?

“Powders don't usually contain any water to support microbial growth or oils that could go rancid,” says cosmetic chemist Alex Padgett. “The majority of powder products are just powder and so they won't really expire.” In fact, Padgett says she still uses a palette from 2014.

What is the lifespan of lipstick?

Lipstick lifespans vary depending on their type, but they usually last about two years. After that, the water in lipstick becomes a veritable petri dish. In contrast, lip gloss tends to last about a year. The liquid format causes bacteria to grow more easily than lipstick, thus increasing the risk of contamination.

Does lotion expire?

When it comes to body moisturizer, throw away unfinished containers that have been open for more than two years, regardless of their smell or texture. However, if you're using a lotion on a regular basis, odds are you'll need to replenish it before it expires. Sealed and unopened bottles should be good for three years.

Does mascara expire?

Mascara lasts around three to six months, and shouldn't be kept around for longer. Think about it: You're putting it right near your eyes. An old tube of mascara could be an eye infection waiting to happen, so consider swapping your old tube for a new one each season to stay on the safe side.

When to throw out lipstick?

Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years. Lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.

Should a 50 year old wear eyeshadow?

Applying eye makeup when you're over 50

This is normal. Your goal is to make your eyes look bigger and brighter by using light, neutral eyeshadow shades (beige, taupe, etc.).

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