How to tell if makeup has gone bad?

Author: Heidi Hartmann  |  Last update: Sunday, May 25, 2025

If there is a noticeable change in consistency of your makeup product, it is likely that the item has spoiled. This is easier to notice in liquids such as foundations and primers, but can also be the case for cream eyeshadows and blushes. With makeup, consistency is key.

How do you know if makeup is bad?

Using your sense of smell also is a way to tell if your makeup is expired. This method works well with foundation and mascara. If the product has an odd smell, or a different smell than when you first bought it, throw it out.

How do I check if my 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.

Is it okay to use 5 year old foundation?

Foundation usually lasts for 1-2 years, after that you could break out from using it. Same applies to liquid/cream blushes, highlighters, bronzers, etc. You can minimize bacterial growth by never putting your fingers or double dipping in the product.

Is it okay to use 10 year old eyeshadow?

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.

Is Your Makeup Expired?🤔 + Tips to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Makeup

Can you use 20 year old makeup?

Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.

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.

What happens if I use expired makeup?

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.

What kind of foundation should a 50 year old use?

Tulve recommends choosing liquid foundations as they "act more like a second skin." Overall, finding a buildable-coverage formula with skin-plumping, fine-line-minimizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane is the key to a flawless, crease-free base.

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.

What does expired foundation smell like?

Almost all products will have a chemical-like smell or a strong unpleasant odor with expired makeup.

What does 6M mean on makeup?

The number is how long the product is useable after it's opened, 6M means it can be stored and used for up six months, 12M for twelve months, and so on.

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.

How can 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.

What is the cleanest makeup brand?

  1. ILIA. 1% for the planet. Cruelty free. ...
  2. Jones Road. Cruelty free. Eco friendly packaging. ...
  3. Well People. American made. Cruelty free. ...
  4. Merit Beauty. Cruelty free. Eco friendly packaging. ...
  5. 100% Pure. American made. Cruelty free. ...
  6. RMS Beauty. Cruelty free. Eco friendly packaging. ...
  7. Kosas. Cruelty free. ...
  8. Alima Pure. 1% for the planet.

How do I know if my foundation is bad?

Look for cracks in walls or floors, uneven/sloping floors, sticking doors/windows, and gaps around them. Also, be mindful of cracks in exterior brick or concrete, and a sagging/uneven roofline. Identifying these signs early can prevent further damage to your house foundation.

Should a 70 year old woman wear foundation?

What kind of foundation should an older woman wear? Hydration is key when it comes to finding the right foundation for more mature skin. “I would suggest a lightweight, hydrating foundation to avoid makeup settling into fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Idriss.

What do makeup artists use to fill in wrinkles?

– Hollywood's top makeup artists use Dermaflage Topical Filler to turn back time. This innovative silicone wrinkle filler was expertly developed by special effects makeup pros who demand the best wrinkle filler with results that look like real skin, even up-close and in real life.

How do you get flawless makeup on older skin?

How to Apply Makeup on Mature Skin
  1. Less is more with eye makeup. ...
  2. Swap black eyeliner for brown eyeliner. ...
  3. Use eyeliner to “shape” your eyes. ...
  4. Pair the right moisturizer with your foundation. ...
  5. Prioritize lightweight, hydrating foundation formulas. ...
  6. Blend your foundation with a makeup sponge. ...
  7. Don't forget about blush.

Can you use 10 year old makeup?

Yes, Expired Makeup Is Dangerous for Your Eye and Skin Health - CNET.

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 it bad to use old mascara?

But since they can be infected with bacteria after only 1 use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products like mascara and eyeliners. Although there are no guidelines for cosmetics use, risk of infection can be reduced if you change them every 3 to 4 months, experts suggest.

What is the best mascara?

Lengthening
  • HourglassUnlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • HUDA BEAUTYLEGIT LASHES Double-Ended Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • Benefit CosmeticsRoller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara. ...
  • PAT McGRATH LABSFetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • ILIALimitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara.

What happens if I use expired foundation on my face?

If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria. This can make your skin more likely to break out, become irritated or even introduce infections. Liquid makeup, especially, is prone to becoming a home for growing bacteria over time.

How often should you buy new makeup?

The shelf life of makeup can range from 3 months to 2 years. Shelf life varies depending on the type of makeup product, its packaging, how you apply it to your face, and where you store it. Water-based makeup products have shorter lifespans, while powdered makeup products last longer.

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