Did you know that makeup products aren’t designed to last forever? Eventually, you would have to let go of your favorite makeup items and replace them with new ones because makeup has expiration dates. Over time, they lose their quality, maybe harder to apply and can cause skin irritation.
Makeup products’ expiration date may depend on whether they are unopened or not and how they are stored.
How long does makeup last unopened?
You will see the expiration date printed on the makeup product. It will be hard to know the expiration date if the product is sealed and unopened since the date is not stamped on the packaging.
Generally, if stored in a cool, dry place, most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years.
What happens with expired makeup?
Expired makeup products become dry and crumbly, and the color may not be as vibrant as it should be.
Expired makeup can also start to harbor bacteria that may lead to:
- acne
- rashes
- sties
- eye infection
Do not use expired eye makeup as this can be harmful to the delicate eye area.
Here’s a guide on makeup products’ shelf life:
Mascara
Mascaras should be changed every two to four months. Eye cosmetics have a shorter shelf life compared to other makeup products.
Cream-Based Products
Cream-based products like foundation, concealer, eye shadows, and blush are prone to harboring mold and yeast. It is the rule of thumb to replace it after one year.
Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundations stored in a pump can last up to two years.
Lipsticks and Lip Gloss
Most lipsticks last for two years, but lip gloss is generally only good for one year.
Powder-Based Products
Products like bronzers and blush can last up to two years.
Look at the bottom side of your makeup and you will see a symbol that looks like an opened pot. Inside the symbol will be a number and either an M which means month and Y which means year. This indicates how long the product would last after you open it.
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