When it's Time to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag

Did you know your makeup has an expiration date? I didn’t realize that for many years. I would have a tube of mascara or lipstick and hold on to it for months. Even when I hadn’t used them in months. My mindset was that I was being frugal by not throwing them away so I could use them sometime in the future.

Related read: How Long Do Hair Care Products Last?

As with many things, food, and hair products, once your makeup is opened and exposed to the air the expiration clock starts ticking. When kept in a place like your bathroom where humidity is common creates a breeding ground for bacteria. You also contaminate your makeup whenever it comes into contact with your skin.

(This post includes some affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

The lifespan of makeup products ranges from three months to two years depending on the product. When a makeup product starts to go bad there can be pretty obvious signs:

• Separation: Oil sits on top of the liquid. This can be seen in products like nail polish and liquid foundations
• Bad smells: The makeup smells bad or different than normal
• Change in texture: Products don’t go on smoothly or feel right on the skin
• The color: The colors have changed

The worse part about expired makeup is it can irritate your skin and possibly cause serious infections. Long story short, expired makeup is dangerous to use so if you notice any of the signs listed above, toss it.

Here are some guidelines for how long you should keep and use your opened makeup products

Liquid foundation: One year

One year is about how long a liquid foundation lasts. When it starts to go bad you’ll see separating with oil rising to the top. And when applied the foundation could be gloopy, streaky, and go on unevenly.

Powder foundation: Two years

Two years is about the max length of time you want to use a powder foundation. When time is running out on powder foundations it starts to harden and doesn’t blend as well. And if it’s a compact powder you may see it start to crumble and break apart.

This guideline also applies to setting powders that are loose or compact.

Related read: Drugstore Foundations Perfect For Women Of Color

Concealer: 1-2 years

Just like foundation depending on the form of the concealer - powder or liquid - will determine the expiration guideline. Liquid concealers tend to be good for about a year after opening. Powder concealers can last about 2 years after they are opened.

Blush: 12-18 months

Like foundation when an opened blush typically expires is dependent on the form it comes in - cream or powder. Cream blush should be thrown out about 12 months after being opened. Powder blush can last a bit longer about 18 months. A sign that blush has expired is it has hardened making it hard to apply.

Eyeshadow: 6-24 months

Two years is a long time, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your eyeshadow. If you see it change color or it smells bad it’s time to trash it.

Eyeliner: Three to six months

While gel and liquid liners only last about three to six months a pencil liner can last longer if it’s sharpened with each use.

Related read: First Impressions: L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

Mascara: Two to three months

Out of all the makeup products mascara has the shortest life of two to three months. From my research, this seems to be due to the tube being a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that is let in each time you remove the wand. An expired tube of mascara is either dry or very watery. It may even separate and doesn’t go on smoothly.

Lipstick and lip gloss: One year

When going bad, lipstick and even lip gloss will start drying out, smell, and even change color.

Related read: How To Get A Salon Manicure At Home

Nail polish: Two years

I have to admit I’ve held on to nail polishes longer than two years so I’ve seen them go bad. When that happens the color will change, it separates and doesn’t apply evenly.

When was the last time you tossed out old makeup?