What makeup expires the fastest?

Author: Prof. Jesus Mann  |  Last update: Sunday, April 13, 2025

Makeup Expiration Dates You Need to Know
  • Concealer: one year.
  • Cream blush: one year.
  • Eyeliner: three months.
  • Eyeliner pencil: two years.
  • Eyeshadow: one year.
  • Foundation: one year.
  • Lip balm: one to five years.
  • Lip gloss: one year.

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 10 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.

Can I use 3 year old makeup?

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.

Does unused makeup expire?

In general, most makeup can last one to three years unopened (when stored in a cool, dry place, ideally) and then between a few months and a couple of years after opening. Preservatives do break down over time, even before a product has been officially opened and even in the best clean beauty brands.

When Should You THROW OUT MAKEUP? When Does MAKEUP EXPIRE? A Doctor Explains!

Can you use 10 year old lipstick?

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.

Does Maybelline foundation expire?

Our products have been tested to have at least a 3-year shelf life if unopened and stored at normal room temperature, during which they will retain their integrity and perform as expected. After this product has been opened, discard after 1 year. We hope you found this information helpful!

Can you use 20 year old makeup?

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

Can I use 5 year old mascara?

Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up 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.

Does eyeliner expire?

Mascaras typically last four to six months, eyeliner [and] lip liner 12 months, powder two years, but it may vary; that's why I recommend checking the PAO symbol. Using the product beyond this point is not recommended and considered expired.”

What is the best drugstore foundation?

Top Drugstore Foundations of 2025
  • Editor's Choice: E.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation.
  • Editor's Choice: L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation.
  • Editor's Choice: Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation.
  • Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator.
  • Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation.

Should I throw away old makeup?

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.

What is the shelf life of lipstick?

Both lipstick and lip gloss should last at least one year, and both are unlikely to last much longer than 18 months. This is because these products contain essential oils and vitamins, as well as preservatives which naturally start breaking down after twelve months or so.

How long is Mac makeup good for?

“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.”

Who makes the best eyeshadow palettes?

  • Viseart Neutral Mattes Palette. ...
  • Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette. ...
  • Florasis Floral Engraving Phoenix Makeup Palette - Retro Brown. ...
  • Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Shadow Palette. ...
  • Victoria Beckham Beauty Smoky Eye Brick - Signature. ...
  • Glossier Monochromes. ...
  • Urban Decay Naked Heat Eye-Shadow Palette.

Can lip gloss expire?

Lip Gloss: One year

As far as lip products go, gloss has the shortest shelf life. Because the applicator brush touches your lips directly, Koestline says that you've got about one year of use before it can go bad. But this is only true if it is anhydrous; glosses made with water will expire before that.

Should 70 year olds wear mascara?

Mascara can be a powerful tool to accentuate your eyes at any age, including for older women. Remember to apply it with a light touch, choose a lengthening formula, and consider using brown mascara for a softer effect.

What's the best drugstore mascara?

Our top picks for the best drugstore mascaras:
  • Best Drugstore Mascara Overall. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara. Read more.
  • Best Budget Drugstore Mascara. Essence Lash Princess Mascara. Read more.
  • Best Drugstore Tubing Mascara. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2 Step Mascara. Read more.

When to throw out lipstick?

6. Lipstick. Unless it turns gooey, smells rubbery, or no longer applies to your lips, you can safely use lipstick for at least eight months. Of course, if lipstick comes into contact with a cold sore or another type of infection, throw it away.

Does unopened foundation expire?

Yes. 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.

What is the age limit for makeup?

There is no set age to use cosmetic products, it all depends on personal preference, comfort, and possibly some rules that are set by the parents or guardians. Many kids experiment in their early teens and some wait until they are a bit older, it all depends on the individual.

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.

Does Covergirl foundation expire?

Covergirl Trublend Matte Made Liquid Foundation

Most foundations generally expire 12 to 24 months after opening. Most of the time you will see a container on the back of item with a number in it. This is the recommended time in months given by the manufacturer to use up the product.

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