The wrong color may spoil your mood, but the risk of a lipstick or lip-gloss formula spoiling (or growing bacteria) is low since they don't contain water, says Hammer. But since they're repeatedly exposed to the mouth area, he suggests replacing lip products after a year — or if you've recently been sick.
“The artificial pigments in lipsticks may be transformed into mutants under ultraviolet radiation, which may cause cancer,” says Dr Rana. He adds, “If you face irritation, redness, and itching on the skin, after using expired lipstick, make sure to consult your dermatologist immediately.”
As lipstick goes bad, the odor changes, often becoming unpleasant. It may smell like potato starch or wax, but it might also smell rancid from the oils in the product. Do a sniff test to make sure your lipstick still smells like it did when you opened it. Once a lipstick starts to stink, just throw it away.
A new survey finds that one in five women keep their makeup well past its expiration date, which can lead to bacteria that causes serious illness. Women clinging to that old tube of lipstick or bottle of mascara may be turning their makeup bags into a petri dish for bacteria that can cause serious illness.
And, as Fishman reminded us, "Your saliva was meant to digest food. That's why it's so drying to the lips." Fishman told us that both matte and long-wear lipstick tend to dry out your lips.
When to toss
Lipstick doesn't hold much bacteria, so it can last between 12 – 18 months. Although lipstick and gloss are packed with preservatives such as parabens, essential oils and vitamins to ward off germs, these naturally start to break down after a year.
Patel recommends that lipsticks should be thrown out around the eight-month mark and recommends tossing lip products even sooner if they come into contact with any type of cold sore or other lip infection. Toss out opened foundations, concealers and powders if they're more than a year old.
Lip gloss and lipsticks should be replaced every six months, says Linkner, especially if you're prone to perleche—cracking, crusting, or irritation in the corners of the mouth caused by bacteria or fungus. “The lip makeup can harbor those microorganisms and reinfect the skin if you're not careful,” she cautions.
Lipsticks and Lipglosses: 1 year with regular usage. Pigments: These can last for 5+ years depending on how you use them. I recommend not using them straight out of the jars (so that bacteria doesn't get trapped in the main jars). Mascara: 3 to 4 months.
Yes, it's possible for viruses to live on lip products, Canadian microbiologist Jason Tetro says, but it's not necessary to throw away your lipstick or lip balm every time.
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.
Bottom line: When in doubt, throw it out
If your cosmetics are starting to smell funky, nix them. If your liquids are starting to turn a different color, discard them. And if your mascara consistency is starting to resemble that of dry raisins, discard it.
When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.
Some small studies have found that the above pathogens can all hang out in eye makeup, and that due to its particularly high bacterial diversity, mascara may be especially likely to cause eye infections. To avoid mascara-related eye infections, you should be getting a new tube every few months at a minimum.
Before you apply the product, bring it up to your nose, and smell it. If the product has a peculiar odor or smells slightly off, it may have expired. The texture has changed. Another way to tell if your product has reached the end of its shelf life is by examining the texture before application.
While matte lipstick is meant to be long lasting, many formulas can leave your lips dry or have color that disappears too quickly. MAC Cosmetics claims their velvety-smooth Matte Lipstick will last for up to 10 hours.
Expired lipstick can grow mold. It can cause extreme swelling, skin irritations, or even infections. However, without mold, expired lipstick can become hard, crumble, and difficult to apply properly.
All you have to do is collect all your unwanted beauty packaging in a postage box (it doesn't have to be clean, just make sure any excess product is removed), sign up to TerraCycle in your respective country, download and print off a shipping label for your box, then post it for free to your local recycling depot.
Generally, experts agree that using eyeshadow that is slightly past its expiration date shouldn't case you too many issues. However, it isn't recommended, and you shouldn't use eyeshadow that you know is well past its expriation date.
Products like foundation, primer, blush, and eyeshadow can last for up to two years. Lipstick is typically good for one year after you've opened it. Eye makeup like mascara and liquid eyeliner should be replaced every three months.
When cosmetics get older, they won't just break down and get clumpy; eye makeup will also start to harbor bacteria, especially when they're improperly stored. When you use expired mascaras, eye shadows, or eyeliners, the bacteria can come in contact with your eyes, causing irritation and even serious infections.
Toss out any makeup after having an eye infection, cold, flu, COVID-19 or any lesions in and around your mouth. Don't share your makeup. “Microorganisms can be transmitted person to person via makeup products unless stringent hygiene is practiced,” Conner said.
Answers. Lip balm does expire, but there isn't a "one time fits all" expiration date. When it comes to lip balms containing sunscreens and skin protectants (i.e. zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), both ChapStik and Burt's Bees recommend tossing the balms after one year.
What is the shelf-life/expiration date of ChapStick® lip balm? ChapStick® products without an expiration date do not expire. Also, for the freshest ChapStick®, we recommend that you use it within one year after opening and store it at 20-25°C (68-77°F).