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:
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.
Powder foundation or blush: 1 to 2 years. Cream blush: 1 to 2 years. Lipstick and lip gloss: 8 months to 2 years. Makeup brushes: 1 year.
Yes, makeup expires. Using old makeup can cause skin irritation, infections, and altered texture due to bacteria growth and ingredient breakdown.
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.)
When to Throw Away Makeup Guidelines: Liquid Foundation: after 6 months to 1 year. Cream Makeup: after 6 months to 1 year. Lipstick: after 1 year.
The bottom line. 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.
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.
A common misconception is expired makeup is safe to use, but this isn't always the case. Risks are associated with using expired makeup including, clogged pores and bacterial growth. It's important to be mindful of how long your makeup has been in storage so you can avoid these potential health hazards.
The preservatives in makeup break down over time, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Once the dermatologically approved formula of makeup changes, that poses serious risks for allergic reactions and severe eye infections from makeup.
Worst-case scenario. If you're unable to take part in one of the recycling programs above, then you should toss it in the garbage. Just make sure the product is sealed if there's anything left inside.
For eye redness: Adults—Use one drop not more often than every four hours. Children—Use is not recommended.
One option is to pour all of your leftovers into one container and dispose directly into the trash (clean out and recycle the containers of those you can). The second option is to contact your household hazardous waste facility to determine what products they accept, some will take your cosmetics/beauty products.
“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.”
Lip products, including lipstick, as well as lip gloss and lip liner, should only stay in your makeup bag for one to two years.
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.
You should toss products that: Start to clump like mascara or eyeliner. Change in consistency like a foundation that separates. Crumble or fall apart like powder eyeshadow or blush.
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.
Lipstick and lip balm
“Use these for six months tops,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “Our lips have a lot of bacteria on them, so these products get contaminated quickly.” And if you get a cold sore, throw out all your lip products and start fresh.
Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup you used while infected. Replace contact lens solutions that you used while your eyes were infected. Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases that were used while your eyes were infected. Clean extended wear lenses as directed.
You should throw out your makeup sponge if you notice visible damage, discoloration, or texture changes. Throw away your makeup sponge if it has mold, smells bad, or stops working well for applying makeup.