Do makeup products expire?
We all have that one foundation or mascara in our makeup bag that we’ve had for what seems like ages. All good and all, but the chances of them being expired are pretty high. Yes, makeup has a best before date! Here’s an overview of product expiration dates.
Foundations – 6-12 Months
With foundations, this is a tricky thing. I mean, if you’re like me, you probably have more than one foundation. My skin gets darker as the weather warms up, so I switch up my foundations accordingly, which usually means my foundations last a lot longer than a year… (gulp) But to save myself from putting expired products on my face, I take a close look at what’s in my collection as the seasons change. Here are some things to look for when checking your foundation.
Has the product changed color?
Has it been exposed to direct sunlight for a long time?
Does it give off a weird or unpleasant odor?
Is there any sign of mold?
If the answer to all of these questions is “no,” then you can safely use the product for a few months after the expiration date, at your discretion of course.
Concealer – 6-12 Months
You’ll notice that concealer has a similar shelf life to foundation. The only difference is that some concealers, especially those with a sponge applicator, are used. Since some concealers are meant to cover blemishes and spots, it’s no surprise that the concealer picks up some bacteria in the process. Transferring these bacteria from your face back into the tube usually contaminates the product, which then expires faster.
To avoid this, apply some product to the back of your hand and then use a clean brush to cover the area or blemish.
Lipstick – 2 Years
Lipstick seems to age the most of all the products. Still, it’s best to store lipstick away from direct sunlight and heat. Yes, lipstick may last the longest, but it’s in constant contact with your mouth, and let’s face it: your mouth is full of bacteria, no matter how often you floss.
It’s best to be hygienic by cleaning your lipstick after every use, but understandably, not everyone has that much time!
To keep your lipstick looking nice and performing well, keep it sanitary by giving it a quick spray with a small amount of rubbing alcohol once a month. Keep an eye out for discoloration, color changes, and odors, as this means it’s time to throw it out.
Mascara 3-6 Months
The problem with mascara is that it’s the product that spreads infection the fastest. The brush can contaminate the product in the tube and create a nest of bacteria. This is of course why professional makeup artists use a separate disposable mascara brush for each eye. Personally, I think respecting the expiration date on your mascara is of the utmost importance. To ensure your mascara lasts the full 6 months, try not to pump the brush into the tube if possible. It’s a habit many of us have, but when you do this you’re forcing air into the case and the mascara will dry out faster!
Powdered Products (Blush, Eyeshadow, etc.) 1-2 Years
You’ll find that powder formulas have a longer shelf life than cream or liquid products. Honestly, of all the makeup products on the market, they’re pretty low maintenance. Keeping them in a drawer or on your dresser is a good place to start. If the formula changes in any way, starts to smell, or changes consistency, it’s time to throw it out.
If you have particularly oily skin, you may notice that powder products like blush can form a rough film on the surface, which can change the color. To avoid this, blot your makeup brush with a cloth to remove any oils from your cheeks that may have been left behind by the product.
Cream formulas (cream blush, etc.) – 1 year
Just like foundation, you’ll want to make sure you store these products away from sunlight and protect them from overheating to prevent the formula, color, and texture from changing or developing an unpleasant odor. Cream blushes are easier to apply with your fingers, but can easily spread bacteria. Always wash your hands before using cream products, or spray them with alcohol once a week to keep bacteria away!
Natural Products 3-6 Months
I know I’ve got a rough idea of the lifespan of natural products, but it’s hard to keep them for more than 6 months, especially if you’re not super careful with them! Being natural means they don’t contain preservatives like other makeup products. The best place to store these products is in the fridge, but be aware that even storing them there won’t make them “go bad” any faster. If you want to try natural products, it’s best to buy smaller sizes so you have a chance to use up all of the product before it expires.
So that’s our little guide to the shelf life of makeup. I hear you all running already, grab your makeup bag and start cleaning! If you can’t tell if a product that looks good, smells good and works well is approaching its expiration date, you can also look at the back of the packaging. There you’ll see an icon of a small jar with a removable lid and a number in the middle. The number indicates how many months the product can be used before it expires after opening.
