Have you been clinging onto your favourite mascara longer than you should? All makeup expires. The expiry date depends on how the product is stored, when it was opened, and the packaging.
Moisturizer
Most moisturizers last about a year. If you notice any discolouration or separation before the year passes, you should discard the product.
Concealers
Concealers use oils and hydrating agents (e.g. Shea butter) to achieve the silky, smooth texture. A concealer typically lasts for a year. If the concealer dries out, becomes cakey, or changes texture you should throw it out. Despite the products purpose of concealing breakouts, using an expired one can make breakouts worse.
Foundation
The type of foundation you use affects the expiration date. A powder, liquid, and cream foundation each have different lifespans. Liquid and cream formulas last between 6-12 months. Powders can last up to 2 years.
Powder and blush
Most powders/blushes last two years. To prevent contamination, you should clean your makeup tools regularly. You should never leave the product exposed to air. To prevent this, close the lid tightly.
Brow Pencil
A brow pencil lasts about 2 years. You should sharpen the pencil regularly to keep it in good condition. Closing the cap tightly after use will also prevent any breakage or bacteria.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadows last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the formula. Cream shadows contain hydrating agents that provide moisture. These shadows last about 6 months. Powder shadows can last up to 2 years.
Mascara
Mascaras have a short shelf-life, approximately 4-6 months. Pumping your mascara wand forces air into the tube, drying out the product. Try slowly moving the wand in a circular motion into the tube for full coverage.
Eyeliner
The lifespan of eyeliner is between 4 months and a year. Liquid eyeliners last between 4-6 months as it is more susceptible to contamination. You should discard an eyeliner if you notice any change in texture, colour, or smell. Pencil eyeliners can last up to 2 years.
Lipstick
Most lipsticks last up to 2 years. To care for a lipstick, you should use a lip brush when possible to avoid unnecessary contact with your skin. It is also a good idea to occasionally remove the top layer of product with a makeup wipe.
5 replies on “A Complete Guide to Makeup Expiration Dates, and Why You Need to Toss Expired Products ASAP”
Aaah honestly I’m so terrible at this stuff haha. I always read articles talking about how important it is, but I just buy so much makeup that I’m never going to work through one product within a year and I hate having to throw out products that aren’t even remotely empty. It’s honestly hardest with foundations, cause you notice the product getting bad with other things but foundation seems fine for ages if you just shake it up such a lovely read though, sorry for my rant haha x
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Thank You for the info ! I just realised that all of my mascaras are probably old , hah 😀 ! And I still have a bottle of foundation that I bought like 2 years ago .. I am gross 😀 !
https://chinupsweetie.wordpress.com/2017/05/03/questions-and-answers-1/
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This is such a good post idea! Not gunna lie, I literally never ever ever check the use by date 😂 half my makeup is probably disgustingly out of date by now 😂 thanks for posting this ,
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Great post! Usually this is something we don’t really think about and it’s actually a big deal. We should toss away old make up as they can have a bad impact on our skin. Thanks for sharing this and remind us the importance of it! Really good read! xx
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I’m definitely guilty of “It’s still good! It’s still good!” Syndrome when it comes to my makeup. It’s like, “no you found it behind your toilet, it lost it’s cap, it has strange hairs on it, and you purchased it in 1996….” lol
https://damngirlgetyourshittogether.com/
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