Eye-area cosmetics tend to have shorter shelf lives than other products, which may cause eye infections that can be serious. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. That's because each time a person uses mascara, it's exposed to bacteria and fungi.
It's not safe to use expired mascara on your eyelashes because it can cause irritation and even serious infections. Mascara has a high potential for bacteria growth, so using an expired product can lead to eye infections that may require treatment with antibiotics.
Most unopened mascaras have a shelf life of 3 years after manufacture. In order to not have a printed expiration date on products in the EU, cosmetics must have a shelf life of 31 months. However, by the time they show up on the shelves, there is usually less time left due to shipment timings, etc.
Generally, mascara only has a 3 month shelf life once it has been exposed to air. Of course this is an estimation but telltale signs are: If the mascara is dry, crumbly or doesn't coat your lashes easily in one swipe, it's no longer at it's best and should be replaced.
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.
Koestline says that for both cream and liquid formulations, you have to look at if the product contains water or not. If anhydrous (does not contain water), then it's good for about three years if used with a lip brush to avoid contamination. If the formula does contain water, it's good for up to a year.
When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. 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.
Old Makeup Can Cause Serious Eye Infections. That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer. It can also give you an eye infection. Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics.
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.
Once the mascara starts to smell funny, change in consistency and become clumpy or dry, then you know it's time to dispose of it. There are a lot of less expensive mascaras out there which work really well. And, then you won't feel so bad to throw it away. Also, be conscious of the expiration date.
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.
1 Also, switch out your mascara as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York, told Health. Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections.
You've got questions, we've got answers! Does ChapStick'® expire? We recommend using ChapStick'® within one year after opening, but products without an expiration date don't expire'check the packaging for details.
The makeup fan said: "If we want to look younger, we want to stay away from really harsh colours." She advised that claret, raisin and bright red may be a no-go if you're looking to take a few years off your look.
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.
Each makeup product has a different expiration date. You might be wondering, 'How long is eyeshadow good for? ' Since eyeshadows are prone to air exposure, the average eyeshadow lasts between six to 12 months. However, keep in mind that different brands will have varying shelf lives.
The Two to Three Month Rule
If you're storing unopened mascara, it will remain stable for a couple of years, so no need to worry about your makeup stockpile. Each time you pull the wand out of the mascara tube, air enters the tube and can cause bacteria to grow.
Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
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.
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.