Does makeup actually expire?

Author: Lisette Hintz  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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.

Can you still use expired makeup?

Your skin may react to product ingredients if they have reached their expiration date. This could lead to redness or irritation. If bacteria get into an open container or onto a brush, they can multiply rapidly and cause breakouts or other infections.

How long can you use makeup after it expires?

Always check unopened makeup you've had in backup after opening for any signs of expiration. Liquid Foundation & Cream Foundation- Up to 2 years. Concealer- 2 years. Powders (foundation & face powders, powder blush, bronzers, and eyeshadows)- Up to 3 years.

CAN expired makeup hurt you?

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.

Are makeup expiration dates real?

As a *professional* beauty product hoarder, I'm the first to admit that I may hold onto products a little longer than I should. But the truth is, makeup expiration dates are a very real thing—and your expired products could be effecting your skin in ways that you don't even realize.

Expired Makeup! What Happens When You Use It?

Does unopened makeup expire?

Indeed, makeup does expire. However, if you're wondering, “Can I use expired makeup?”, you'll be happy to know that foundations and concealers typically last up to two years after first opening.

How do you tell if a beauty product is expired?

One of the surefire ways to tell if a product is expired is by smelling it. 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.

How long do eyeshadow palettes last?

Yes, your eyeshadow does expire, so you need to keep an eye on it. Generally—depending on what kind it is—make-up is made to last somewhere between one month to two years. Eyeshadow, especially powdered eyeshadow, is a lot longer lasting though, and usually doesn't expire for two to three years.

Does mascara expire?

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.

Does lipstick expire if unopened?

When stored under optimal conditions, unopened lipstick can last a long time. Optimal conditions entail a cool area free of sunlight and high temperatures. The refrigerator is a perfect place. As a rule, makeup experts recommend tossing used lipstick and glosses after one to two years.

Does Mac foundation expire?

Contrary to popular belief, makeup does expire. MAC cosmetics are no exception. The majority of cosmetics expire in one year. However, there are certain cosmetics that expire in a few short months and certain cosmetics that last a lot longer than one year.

Does eyeshadow expire if unopened?

The average eye shadow is between 6 months and 2 years, says Cosmopolitan. This is shorter with a cream shadow because the moisturizing ingredients are bacteria's breeding ground. Be aware that various powder eyeshadows will also have different shelf lives.

Does perfume expire?

Many perfumes don't have a set expiry date and can last anywhere between 1-10 years. However, three to five years is often the average shelf life of a fragrance and most of Shay & Blue's fragrances will still perform for the length of time. According to experts, perfumes with heavier base notes will last the longest.

Does lipstick really expire?

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.

Does Chapstick expire?

WHAT IS THE SHELF-LIFE/EXPIRATION DATE OF CHAPSTICK LIP BALM? ChapStick products have a two-year expiration date.

Does eyeshadow really expire?

Though it may be news to some, eyeshadow palettes and other powder-based color cosmetics have an expiration date. Yes, they expire, and often they expire sooner than any of us may have finished them up. Especially for makeup junkies, getting to finish an eye palette before it expires seems impossible.

How long does lipstick last for?

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.

Is it OK to use expired face cream?

Expired products may not only lack potency, but could also cause an adverse skin reaction. If you're unsure how old something is, the general rule is to toss anything that has significantly changed in color or odor, or separated, clumped, thickened or thinned, says cosmetic chemist Mort Westman.

What happens if you use expired face products?

Ingredients do break down over time and chemicals could become altered, so those with particularly sensitive skin might develop a rash simply due to the change in chemical composition. You may also notice an off smell in skincare products that are past their expiration date — in that case, you should stop using them.

Is it OK to use expired moisturizer?

Can I use expired lotion? Using lotion past its expiration date isn't likely to cause any harm. The only exception to the rule is jarred lotion, which may harbor bacteria over time. Even if expired lotion won't hurt you, it won't necessarily help you, either.

Does deodorant expire?

Technically, deodorant doesn't have an expiration date. It's likely antiperspirants will work for years as well. But to be on the safe side, you should probably replace the stick every three years, if you still have it.

Why is some perfume called toilet water?

Eau de Toilette (or Toilet Water) derives its name from the French word “Toilette” which means “a small piece of cloth” but has a specific reference to shaving and grooming. Thus, the aromatic water used after shaving or grooming became commonly called Eau de Toilette.

Does Chanel No 5 expire?

The hard-and-fast answer: Yes, perfumes do expire. It all depends on the scent's chemical composition, but they do tend to break down and oxidize over time. The scent changes, the perfume may darken in color and eventually it could become obvious that the perfume has spoiled.

Does shampoo expire?

Using shampoo that's past it's use by date can result in your hair looking dull and not as clean as you'd expect. At the more extreme end, Rivera explained, an expired product may cause itching or irritation to your scalp due to the shampoo's chemical change.

How long does blush last?

Powder Blush

"Bacteria don't thrive in a dry environment, so it's perfectly fine to keep a blush for three to four years as long as it looks okay and still delivers results.

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