In general, makeup typically lasts one year from the manufactured date before expiring.
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.
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. The best way to test if your makeup has expired is to notice a weird smell or change in texture.
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.
Here are my general guidelines, as a trained aesthetician, for the average shelf life of most cosmetics: Powder based products (e.g., mineral foundation, eye shadows, blushes): 2-3 years. Liquid foundation: up to 1 year. Lipstick/gloss/liner: 2 years max for lipstick.
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 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. Therefore, they don't harbor as much bacteria as other, liquid makeup products.
In general, makeup typically lasts one year from the manufactured date before expiring.
Most skin, hair, and body products can last up to two to three years unopened, according to Wilson. But it also completely depends on the product. For starters, Mallon notes that natural or "clean" products tend to have a shorter shelf life because there are fewer or more natural preservatives in the products.
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.
You may experience breakouts, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or rashes. Expired lipsticks can bring mouth related ailments like cold sores. Never apply expired makeup onto broken skin. A cosmetic expiration date should be clearly displayed somewhere on the packaging, product label or product casing.
“This shows the life of the product once it has been opened, and these dates usually range between three to 24 months so it's an easy way to tell how long your products will last. While creams won't last as long as powder, powder formulas may fade in colour if kept for years on end.”
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Shampoo and conditioner can both expire, and when they do, you should avoid using them. Expired shampoo and conditioner can be harmful to your health, and they also may no longer be effective. Once open, most shampoo and conditioner lasts between six months and a year, but unopened bottles can last longer.
Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area. If anhydrous, which includes most powder formulas, it can last anywhere from two to three years.
Foundation. With the exception of powder formulas, foundations are water-based, which means bacteria love them. Unopened, foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, Hammer says, it's best to replace it after six to 12 months.
However, simply spray 70% isopropyl alcohol over every single one of your powder products (e.g. eyeshadow palettes, face powders, blushers, bronzers, etc) and ensure you thoroughly saturate. Finally, leave to evaporate and dry! We promise, they'll be OK! But this will get rid of any nasties!
In general, it's best to toss anything that has significantly changed in color, odor or consistency, says cosmetic chemist Ron Robison.