Powder products: Products like setting powder, bronzer, or powder blushes can last up to two years. Cream-based makeup: Cream-based makeup like cream blushes or concealer can last from six months to one year.
Blush – Powder blushes are usually good for at least 24 months. Cream blushes will usually last up to 12 months.
It's recommended that you replace mascara every three months, lipsticks every year and eyeliner every three to six months (though pencils last longer than liquids). Primers and foundations usually last about two years, Zeichner said, and powered products like blush and eye shadow are typically the same.
As a guideline: Foundation, primer, blush and eyeshadow may last up to 2 years. Lipstick should last for one year after it is opened. Eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner would need to be replaced every three months.
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.
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.
5. Reblend old eyeshadow and blush with petroleum jelly. Simply crush what's left of your nearly-empty tins of eyeshadow, scrape the crushed contents into a small container, and add a small dab of petroleum jelly. Blend well and you'll have that great color once again—this time in a soft, creamy formula.
Preservatives in makeup don't last forever.
In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes.
We know it's a tough call throwing away your favorite blush or lipstick, but abiding by makeup expiration dates is actually incredibly important. Why? Cosmetics can trap bacteria, which means replacing them regularly is necessary to try to avoid skin irritation, breakouts, eye infections, and styes.
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. However, this timeline shortens a bit when it comes to cream or water-based eyeshadow.
They say three months for liquid eyeliners, six months for cream eye shadows; and two years for pencil eyeliners and powder eye shadows. Liquid face makeup should go after six months, but you can hang onto dry powders for two years. They give two years to lipstick and gloss and at least that for lipliner.
Replace: Since there are varying qualities of makeup brushes, from synthetic to natural bristles and beyond, the lifespan of a regular makeup brush can range from one year to five years, with regular upkeep.
Blush: 1 to 2 years. Foundation: Liquid foundation and foundation with SPF in it usually only lasts a year. Powder foundation lasts 1 to 2 years. Lip Pencils: Up to 3 years.
In general, the easiest way to tell if a product has properly served its time is by observing visual and olfactory changes. If a product separates, changes color or texture, or smells off, odds are it's well past its expiration date.
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.
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 on the daily! 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.
Eyeliner. Liquid eyeliners present the same concerns as mascara, so they should be replaced every three to six months. Eyeliner pencils, however, should last you up to two years. We recommend sharpening your pencil with each use to keep it fresh.
Use Alcohol To Fix Crushed Powder
Speaking of rubbing alcohol, it's also a great way to fix crushed or crumbled powder, whether it's foundation, blush, or eye shadow. Spray or mix a few drops of rubbing alcohol into the powder, then press down firmly with a spoon. Let sit, come back to perfect powder again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Concealer: Powder or stick form - 2 years. Liquid - 1 year. Once again, bacteria can grow causing skin irritation. Toss sooner if color has changed as that indicates it is past its prime.