How long does it take for makeup to expire?

Author: Delia Abbott  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Water-based foundation typically is good for a year, while oil-based foundation is good for about 18 months. Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years.

How do I know if makeup is expired?

How to Tell When Your Makeup Has Expired
  1. Check the label. The label of many beauty products features a small jar with a number and the letter M next to it that denotes how long that product will last after you open it. ...
  2. The product has a unique smell. ...
  3. The texture has changed. ...
  4. The color is off.

Can I use makeup from 3 years ago?

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 I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

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:

Can I use 6 year old makeup?

Proceed at your own risk as doing so can increase your chances of developing skin sensitivities, breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.

8 WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR MAKEUP HAS EXPIRED

What is the lifespan of makeup?

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.)

Is expired makeup OK?

“Makeup products that do not directly touch your eyes and/or lips and products that do not contain any water (anhydrous) can be used safely beyond their date of expiration,” she says. “It is not ideal, but if care is taken to minimize contamination, the risks of infection from expired makeup are quite low.”

Can makeup cause acne?

Certain types of makeup are more prone to causing breakouts than others. Makeup that contains fragrances, dyes, acrylics, parabens and silicones are most triggering. To select makeup that won't lead to acne, consider the following: DO Read the Labels: Choose makeup that is labeled as non-comedogenic.

Does shampoo expire?

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.

When to throw out makeup?

Signs you should toss makeup
  1. Start to clump like mascara or eyeliner.
  2. Change in consistency like a foundation that separates.
  3. Crumble or fall apart like powder eyeshadow or blush.
  4. Smell bad.
  5. Look dry and flaky or runny.
  6. Have changed color.
  7. Feel different on your skin.

Do lip pencils expire?

Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year. Water-based foundation typically is good for a year, while oil-based foundation is good for about 18 months. Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year.

Does mascara expire?

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 is unopened makeup good for?

It is a good idea to throw out makeup products that you have had for over 2 years. In general, liquid and cream products will last anywhere from 6 months to 12 months, while powder products will last for a couple years, sometimes even longer if stored correctly.

Can I use 3 year old foundation?

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.

How do you know if your makeup is bad?

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.

Is it healthier to not wear makeup?

While the ingredients used in them clog pores and create the appearance of blemishes, you want to cover the blemishes and use foundation to do so, leading to further breakouts. The skin clearing benefits of not wearing foundation are not only good for skin. They can boost feelings of self-esteem too.

Does elf break you out?

ELF face products are terrible for your skin :( the ingredients are horrible! Love their other products..but that stuff would break me out in a heartbeat! There's a reason it's so cheap :/

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.

What makeup doesn't expire?

“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.

What to do with old makeup?

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.

When to throw out lipgloss?

Here's some general advice on when it's time to replace your cosmetics based on the product and when you opened it:
  1. Mascara: four to six months.
  2. Eyeliner: three to six months.
  3. Foundations and concealer: one year.
  4. Lipstick: eight months to one year.
  5. Lip gloss: 12 to 18 months.
  6. Powder products: 12 to 18 months.

Does lotion expire?

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.

Can expired makeup cause acne?

Sharing or using expired products: Sharing makeup brushes or using expired products can introduce bacteria to your skin, leading to breakouts. Using heavy or oily products: Thick foundations, concealers, and primers can clog pores and cause breakouts.

How do I check if my makeup is expired?

Toss it if you notice a change in consistency (usually after two to three years). That means the solvents in which the pigments are suspended have evaporated, causing color to collect at the bottom. Once separation occurs, getting a smooth, even coat will be difficult.

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