It sure does. Just like any fresh food item, makeup will eventually start to decay, which is why respecting a makeup expiration date is so important. Individual ingredients used in certain cosmetics can't last forever unspoiled.
Powders, like blush, bronzer and eyeshadow are generally good to go for one to two years, and cream products, like foundation and lipstick, tend to stay strong for up to two years (but that all depends on how they're packaged and whether they're in a pot, pump or stick – more on that later).
Yes, it's generally a good idea to toss eyeshadow palettes once they hit their expiration date. Makeup products can harbor bacteria and degrade over time, which can lead to skin irritation or infection. Here are a few points to consider:
Yes, makeup expires. Using old makeup can cause skin irritation, infections, and altered texture due to bacteria growth and ingredient breakdown.
Yes, makeup does expire. You should replace eye makeup products such as eyeliner and mascara within six months to 1 year of duration. Whereas you can use foundation, blush, powder, and lipsticks up to 1-2 years after it's opened.
Cream, powder, or liquid foundation has a long shelf life of about two years. For liquid formulas, Koestline says that if it starts to separate is when you need to toss it. Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area.
A common misconception is expired makeup is safe to use, but this isn't always the case. Risks are associated with using expired makeup including, clogged pores and bacterial growth. It's important to be mindful of how long your makeup has been in storage so you can avoid these potential health hazards.
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.
In the US, TerraCycle is also working with Ulta in their waste-free packaging program Loop. If you still have a lot of product left in the container, you could also consider donating it to a friend. Some women's shelters will also gladly take your unwanted makeup. Plus, you'll be doing someone a solid.
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.
One option is to pour all of your leftovers into one container and dispose directly into the trash (clean out and recycle the containers of those you can). The second option is to contact your household hazardous waste facility to determine what products they accept, some will take your cosmetics/beauty products.
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.).
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.
How long do makeup products last after opening? Makeup products can last anywhere from three months to three years: 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.
“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.
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.
Unopened color cosmetics have a life span of about one-and-a-half to two years because the pigments can't stay suspended beyond that time. ("Natural" formulas could be shorter since they contain fewer preservatives.)
Over time, bacteria and mold often contaminate makeup. These germs can cause an eye infection or a common skin infection like impetigo or folliculitis. Instead of having the desired effect, old makeup may irritate your skin.
3 ways to tell if makeup has gone bad are: seeing if the product smells bad or not, looking for changes in color or texture, and checking the packaging for an expiration date. Most experts suggest tossing out any (opened) makeup products that haven't been used in the last 3-6 months.
The texture and consistency of the product may also change depending on the formula; watch out for clumpiness, drying out or separation when applying. Each beauty product may have different signs of expiration. For example, expired mascara will start to dry out and the formula won't apply properly.
Cosmetic Checker is an easy-to-use application that helps to check the manufactured date, general shelf life, and calculating the approximate age of your beauty products, including makeup, skincare, and perfume by their batch code.
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.