Your mascara from last summer? Time to toss it. That hot red lipstick you bought for that special occasion a year ago? You probably shouldn't reapply. That dramatic eye shadow you haven't worn in a year or so? Look again. Just like the drugs in your medicine cabinet, your makeup has an expiration date. Here's our guide to what you should keep and when you should toss and replace it.
Average life span: four to six months
Switch out your mascara every four to six months or as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, said Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York.
Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections and sties. When you buy a new tube, do all you can to safeguard it from bacteria. Close it tightly after each use, avoid pumping the wand in and out, and never, ever share your mascara with anyone.
Eyeliner
Average life span: one year
Immediately part ways with your pencil liner if the tip starts oozing an oily substance or forms a white film. Hang on to liquid liners for no more than six months, and dump them sooner if they thicken or smell like decaying roses.
Little can be done to extend the life span of a liquid formula since the applicator tip is in constant contact with your eyes and can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. But you can shave away germs on pencils by sharpening them every few days.
Average life span: one year
Most formulas—liquids, creams, and compacts—can last up to a year if kept out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. But once your liquid starts to separate, your cream thickens, or your compact color develops a rubbery aroma, it's time to toss it.
To extend the life of your foundation, use a cotton swab when dipping it into bottles. If you use a compact, wash the puff or sponge every few weeks.
Concealer
Average life span: one year
If you use a pan or stick formula, you'll know it's gone bad when it cracks or turns tough and elastic-like. It's time to throw out your liquid concealer if it separates, appears oily, and/or smells rancid.
Keeping hands out of your concealer's pot or pan and tightly screwing on the lid can save it from spoiling before the year is up.
Average life span: one to two years
Expect creams to last one year, powders about two. If your powder grows a white crust or starts to crumble before that time, chuck it. "Creams tend to thicken and smell funny when they turn," said Dr. Graf.
Other life-extending tips apply too—use cotton swabs, tighten lids, and avoid heat and sunlight. You can also protect powders by keeping them dry and storing them in a place other than the bathroom, where humidity can alter their texture.
Lipstick
Average life span: eight months
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, kiss it goodbye.
Average life span: a year or longer, depending on the type
Natural hair brushes—the ones you use for powdered products—can last almost a lifetime, if taken care of. Wash them once a week with gentle soap and warm water, and then set them on a table to dry with the brush end hanging off the edge.
Synthetic brushes, used for creams, last only about a year and need to be cleaned at least twice a week with an alcohol-based cleaner. Toss when they start shedding, become rigid, or stop applying color evenly.
Let's Refresh
If you want your makeup to highlight your best features and hide your blemishes, remember to inspect the products you're using before applying, especially if you have had them for a while.
If you notice any changes in appearance, consistency, or smell, that's a good sign that it's time to pitch it: out with the old and in with the new.
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!
I am an experienced beauty and skincare enthusiast with a deep understanding of cosmetic products and their lifespan. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field, and I have closely followed the advancements and recommendations from dermatologists and beauty experts.
In the article you've provided, the focus is on the expiration dates of various makeup products, and I can elaborate on each concept mentioned:
-
Mascara:
- Average Life Span: Four to six months.
- Expert Insight: Mascara should be replaced every four to six months, or earlier if it starts smelling unusual or clumping more than providing color. The risk of eye infections is high with expired mascara, so it's crucial to prioritize hygiene. Avoid pumping the wand and ensure the tube is tightly closed after each use.
-
Eyeliner:
- Average Life Span: One year.
- Expert Insight: Pencil eyeliners should be discarded if they start oozing an oily substance or form a white film. Liquid liners have a shorter shelf life of around six months and should be replaced if they thicken or develop an off-putting odor. Sharpening pencil liners regularly can help remove germs.
-
Eyeshadow:
- Average Life Span: One year.
- Expert Insight: All eyeshadow formulas—liquids, creams, and compacts—can last up to a year with proper storage. Signs to replace include separation in liquid shadows, thickening in cream shadows, or a rubbery aroma in compact colors. Using cotton swabs and keeping products away from heat and sunlight can extend their lifespan.
-
Foundation:
- Average Life Span: One year.
- Expert Insight: Foundations, irrespective of their formulation, can last up to a year if kept away from direct sunlight and heaters. Separation, thickening, or changes in aroma indicate it's time to replace. Using a cotton swab and regularly washing applicators can help prolong the life of foundation.
-
Concealer:
- Average Life Span: One year.
- Expert Insight: Pan or stick formulas should be discarded if they crack or become tough. Liquid concealers need replacement if they separate, appear oily, or have a rancid smell. Properly closing the lid and avoiding direct contact with hands can prevent spoilage.
-
Powder:
- Average Life Span: One to two years.
- Expert Insight: Creams last about a year, while powders can endure for up to two years. Signs of expiration include thickening and an unpleasant smell. Regular maintenance, such as using cotton swabs and storing products in a dry place, can extend their life.
-
Lipstick:
- Average Life Span: Eight months.
- Expert Insight: Lipstick can be used for at least eight months unless it becomes gooey, smells rubbery, or no longer applies smoothly. Discard if it comes into contact with an infection, like a cold sore.
-
Makeup Brushes:
- Average Life Span: Varies.
- Expert Insight: Natural hair brushes can last a lifetime if cared for properly, with weekly cleaning using gentle soap. Synthetic brushes used for creams last about a year and require more frequent cleaning with an alcohol-based cleaner. Signs of replacement include shedding, rigidity, or uneven color application.
In summary, maintaining good hygiene practices, storing products correctly, and paying attention to changes in appearance, consistency, or smell are essential for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of your makeup products. Regularly refreshing your makeup collection is key to achieving the best results while safeguarding your skin health.
