As a guideline: Foundation, primer, blush and eyeshadow may last up to 2 years. Lipstick should last for one year after it is opened. Eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner would need to be replaced every three months.
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.
The problem with using expired makeup
Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, tells Refinery29. “By applying this to your face, you could be causing irritation or pore blockage,” resulting in anything from itchiness to breakouts.
Yes, makeup expires. Using old makeup can cause skin irritation, infections, and altered texture due to bacteria growth and ingredient breakdown.
The safest thing is to toss them. Old makeup can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi and amoebas. So, toss your old makeup, creams and powders and start buying new makeup in small quantities, so that when it expires there won't be that much wastage.
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.
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.
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.)
3 ways to tell if makeup has gone bad are: seeing if the product smells bad or not, looking for changes in color or texture, and checking the packaging for an expiration date. Most experts suggest tossing out any (opened) makeup products that haven't been used in the last 3-6 months.
In general, it's best to toss anything that has significantly changed in color, odor or consistency, says cosmetic chemist Ron Robison.
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.
Seeing your children in makeup can cause mixed emotions: it signals a transitional growing-up period you may not feel ready for. Choosing an appropriate age is up to you, but a 2019 YouGov study suggests that most parents believe that children should be allowed to wear makeup between 14 and 16.
What is a “Sephora Kid”? The term refers to tween and young teens who emulate beauty routines and makeup trends typically associated with adults.
Liquid Foundation: after 6 months to 1 year. Cream Makeup: after 6 months to 1 year. Lipstick: after 1 year. Powder Makeup: after 2 years.
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.
Contaminated or old cosmetics can contain germs that lead to acne, rashes, pink eye, staph infections and even herpes.
Preservatives in makeup don't last forever.
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.
You can keep it, because while waterproof formulas that are sweat- and humidity-proof are reliable, there are other ways to make your formula stay put. For one, Moore says you can use a clear brow gel after applying mascara to lock in the formula.
“Taking a break from makeup can help the skin repair itself. Removing physical blockages from the surface of the skin can help clear pores and improve any makeup-related acne,” says Zeichner.
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 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.
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.
Generally speaking, lipsticks have a shelf life of one year before you should begin to get wary. Beware of changes in texture when it comes to lip products. "If a product acquires a different color it may be an indication it has expired.
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.