You should replace your makeup every 3 months to 2 years, depending on the product. But these are just guidelines, so pay attention to any changes in your makeup's color, texture, or smell. If makeup isn't stored properly or applied in a sanitary way, it can break down faster, so you may need to replace it sooner.
About every 6 months, replace anything that is used around your eyes like mascara and liquid eyeliner. Clean your brushes often and wash your hands before reaching into any creams. Everything else is good to go unless it starts to look or smell weird. Sometimes old powders get crumbly.
For liquid formulas, Koestline says that if it starts to separate is when you need to toss it. Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area. If anhydrous, which includes most powder formulas, it can last anywhere from two to three years.
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:
You should replace eye makeup products such as eyeliner and mascara within six months to 1 year of duration. Whereas you can use foundation, blush, powder, and lipsticks up to 1-2 years after it's opened. The best way to test if your makeup has expired is to notice a weird smell or change in texture.
Almost all products will have a chemical-like smell or a strong unpleasant odor with expired makeup. The texture and consistency of the product may also change depending on the formula; watch out for clumpiness, drying out or separation when applying.
As a general rule, invest in a fresh product around the two year mark — just to be safe! High quality products bought from reputable retailers can be pushed closer to the three year range. Cheap eyeshadows should be thrown out after about a year, or the minute the product shows signs of weakness.
Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
Applying eye makeup when you're over 50
This is normal. Your goal is to make your eyes look bigger and brighter by using light, neutral eyeshadow shades (beige, taupe, etc.).
Liquid eye makeup, including eyeliner and mascara, should be disposed of after three months of use. Immediately dispose of it if you develop conjunctivitis (pink eye), a stye or other eye infection, so that you don't re-infect your eye or spread the infection from one eye to another.
Eye products and applicators can harbor bacteria. There are a wide range of eye cosmetics available for eyes, including liquids, suspensions, fine powder and coarse granules (aka glitters). If used incorrectly, they can damage eyes and increase the risk of infection.
On average, mascara should be replaced every three months. If you notice any changes like clumping, flaking, or a smell, it's time to replace it even sooner. Using old mascara can not only lead to eye infections but also affect the performance of the product.
Types of Liquid Eyeliner
Using liquid liners can be more precise than eye pencils making them perfect for intricate eye looks with long-lasting definition to stay put all day. The liquid format also makes for an easy-glide application with no tugging or pulling around the eye area.
DON'T wear mascara on your lower lashes. Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. It makes the eyes look older and accentuates the under eye wrinkles.
Try anti-aging products.
If you're over age 50, over-the-counter creams and lotions can help enhance your natural beauty by rejuvenating your skin. Pentapeptides (a chemical compound in many new products) may help prompt skin cells to produce more collagen, which is the support structure that gives skin a firmer look.
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.
When you wear eye makeup, especially powder or glitters, the loose particles can cause the tear film to break down and evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated. This usually occurs within 30 minutes of applying your 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.)
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. Lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.
Powder eyeshadows can last 2 years (assuming you're using a clean brush to apply it, not your finger). This longer shelf life is because powders don't contain much moisture. So, they're not as likely to harbor bacteria. Sanitizing powder eyeshadow can help it last the full 2 years.
Don't use lipstick you think may be expired.
Lipsticks can be expensive, so you likely want to use your product for as long as possible. Unfortunately, old lipstick might harbor germs and bacteria that can be harmful to your health. Replace your lipsticks as soon as you think they've gone bad to protect yourself.