Makeup Expiration – When to Throw it Out
by Angel
Makeup does expire. Tips on when to throw out your makeup.
Where is the Makeup Expiration Date?
Most makeup packages do not have an expiration date printed on them. It is up to you to know when you purchased it and when to throw it out. Here are a few guidelines to follow when thinking about keeping that crusty old mascara from last year.
Cleaners – Cream and Gel Type
These are good up to a year. The all natural types of cleansers do not have the preservatives in them that others do so they may not last as long. The best test is to smell the product. If the consistency and smell is not right, just toss it.
Concealer
Concealer is good for up to 1 year. If you are using a stick I would be careful coming in contact with any infected areas and re-applying. Sticks may dry up before tube type concealers do.
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Powder
Powder will last up to 2 years. Pressed powder may not last as long because you it may become hard. You are typically using a pad to apply and put back on the powder cake so it is absorbing the oils from your skin. A brush to apply the powder will help it stay good longer. Do not reuse if it has been applied to any infected areas or you will be spreading it around your face.
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Eye Shadow
Powder Eye Shadow will last 3 to 4 years. Crèam or stick eye shadow may only last 6-8 months. I have not had one last much longer than that. It usually dries up before I use it all.
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Foundation
Oil based foundation will last up to 18 months where water based foundation will last approximately 1 year. It is always best to smell the product after the 6 month mark to make sure there is no foul smell. The consistency should be the same as when you purchased it too.
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Mascara
Mascara will only last 3-4 months. So throw away that old mascara. It can harbor bacteria in the tube. Minimize the amount of times you pump it in and out of the tube while using it. Don't share mascara as you can pass around germs that way.
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Eye Liner
The pencil type eye liner will last up to 2 years. Keeping it sharpened will keep the end clean. A push up type eye liner may only last 6-8 months. They tend to dry up quick. Use them up quick. Liquid eyeliner will only last 3-4 months. This is very similar to mascara which we will get to in a minute.
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Lip Liner
Pencil type lip liner will last up to 2 years. Keeping it sharpened will keep the end clean. The Push up kind of lip liner will last about 6-8 months. It will tend to dry up like the push type eye liner.
Sponges and Brushes
Sponges and Brushes will last a long time. They can be used over and over. They key to keeping the same ones is to wash them weekly. Use soap and water and clean. Let them dry out naturally.
Lip Stick
Lip Stick will last up to 1 year. Some will harden before 1 year. You should be able to tell when you put it on if the consistency is right. Lip Gloss I will call at 6-8 months. This is another tube that is getting air pushed back into it every time you use it. Most of the time. For the kind that you apply directly to the lip may last a little longer. Always do the smell test and see if it smells good.
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Comments
Oh yeah - I can't use liquid liner - I use the pencil style - they seem to last as long as any regular pencil!
Wow Lissie - 6 years and they are still good? Meaning they have not dried up. I always have the problem of them getting really hard. Pencil style liners will last a lot longer and are better with germs and bacteria because you can sharpen them.. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I do throw out mascara out after a year, but it was only a couple of years ago that I threw out some of the stuff I inherited from mum - and she's been gone nearly 10 years (!).
I don't use makeup very often, but I do find most stuff is just fine. Lipsticks and powder eyeshadow particularly. I'm pretty sure i've had one of my eyeliners for about 6 years
I do throw out mascara out after a year, but it was only a couple of years ago that I threw out some of the stuff I inherited from mum - and she's been gone nearly 10 years (!).
I don't use makeup very often, but I do find most stuff is just fine. Lipsticks and powder eyeshadow particularly. I'm pretty sure i've had one of my eyeliners for about 6 years
Brenda - I did that the weekend that I wrote this page. I had so much old makeup that I filled up a medium sized trash bag. I buy way too much to start with. Most of it lasts at least a year.... except the mascara.. that can go bad quick.
I need to go through the cupboard under my bathroom sink and chuck a lot of old makeup. Thanks for reminding me.
I tossed mine out this weekend. That is what prompted me to write this article. LOL.. Thanks for reading and commenting Katie...
I def need to toss out some things, oh my make-up drawer is packed. I constantly buy more than I use. Thanks for the tips.