Do Makeup Products Expire? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
We’ve all had that favorite lipstick or old mascara rattling around in our makeup bags for years. But guess what? Makeup isn’t made to last forever. Yes—makeup products do expire.
Using expired products may not seem like a big deal at first. But over time, formulas break down, bacteria builds up, and expired makeup can cause skin irritation, acne, or worse—infections. Yikes!
So, how long should you keep your favorite products? Let’s break it down, product by product, so you know what to toss and what’s still safe to use.
Foundation – 6 to 12 Months
Foundation is tricky because most of us own more than one shade. Many people switch formulas depending on the season or their skin tone changes through the year.
You might have a winter shade and a summer one. That’s normal! But it also means you might be holding onto foundation far longer than recommended.
To keep your skin safe and healthy, try to replace foundation every 6 to 12 months after opening.
How to Check If Foundation Has Expired:
Has the color changed from when you first bought it?
Has it been sitting in direct sunlight?
Does it smell odd or sour?
Are there any signs of mold or separation?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, it’s time to let it go. If not, and it looks, smells, and applies well, it might be okay for a few months past the date—but always use your best judgment.
Also, avoid dipping fingers directly into the bottle or tube. Always use clean tools to prevent contamination.
Concealers – 6 to 12 Months
Concealers have a shelf life similar to foundation. But there’s one key thing to keep in mind—bacteria.
Many concealers come with a doe-foot applicator. These applicators often touch blemishes or under-eye areas, then go right back into the tube.
This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which can shorten the product’s lifespan and even cause breakouts.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Concealer:
Apply the product to the back of a clean hand first.
Use a clean brush or sponge to apply it to your face.
Avoid double-dipping after contact with skin.
Keep the tube tightly sealed and out of direct sunlight.
Lipsticks – Up to 2 Years
Lipsticks age better than most makeup products. The waxes and oils used in lipstick formulas help preserve them for longer periods—usually up to 2 years.
That said, lipstick still comes into direct contact with your mouth, which contains bacteria—even if you’re diligent about hygiene.
Lipstick Storage Tips:
Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
If the texture becomes dry, sticky, or grainy—it’s time to toss it.
Watch for changes in smell or color.
If you can, sanitize the bullet by wiping with a tissue and spritzing lightly with alcohol once a month.
You don’t have to clean it after every use, but regular checks can keep it safe and fresh for longer.
Mascara – 3 to 6 Months
Mascara is one of the shortest-lived products in your makeup bag. Once opened, it’s best used within 3 to 6 months—no exceptions.
Why? Because every time you dip the wand back into the tube, you’re introducing air and bacteria.
Plus, mascara is used very close to your eyes, which are particularly sensitive and prone to infection.
Best Practices for Mascara Use:
Never pump the wand—this forces air into the tube, drying the product out.
Close the cap tightly after every use.
If your mascara smells strange or looks clumpy, it’s gone bad.
Use disposable wands if you’re sharing mascara for hygiene reasons.
If you’ve had pink eye or any eye infection recently, replace your mascara immediately—even if it’s new.
Powder-Based Products – 1 to 2 Years
Powder-based products, like blush, bronzer, setting powder, and eyeshadow, typically have a longer shelf life than liquid or cream formulas.
They contain fewer moisture-rich ingredients, making it harder for bacteria to grow. That said, 1 to 2 years is still the maximum time to keep them around.
Signs Powder Products Have Expired:
Changes in color or texture
The appearance of a hard, shiny film on the surface
Strange smells or loss of pigment payoff
To avoid contamination, always use clean brushes and avoid using fingers directly on the product. Storing them in a drawer or cool area also helps.
Cream-Based Products – Up to 1 Year
Cream blushers, eyeshadows, and contour sticks feel luxurious and apply beautifully, but they’re also more vulnerable to contamination.
Because you often use fingers to apply them, bacteria can be introduced very easily.
These products are also more sensitive to heat and can go off quicker than you might expect. Shelf life is typically around 1 year.
Keeping Cream Products Safe:
Store away from heat and sunlight.
Wash your hands before touching the product.
If possible, apply with a clean brush or sponge.
Give the surface a light alcohol spritz weekly to disinfect it.
If it smells funny or the texture becomes greasy, dry, or uneven, it’s time to replace it.
Natural Makeup Products – 3 to 6 Months
Natural or organic makeup is often free of preservatives. While this sounds great for your skin, it does mean these products expire faster.
Because they lack synthetic stabilizers, natural products usually last 3 to 6 months, even with careful storage.
How to Store Natural Products:
Keep them in the fridge if possible.
Always check expiration dates on the label.
Avoid dipping fingers into jars—use clean spatulas or brushes.
Buy smaller sizes if you don’t wear makeup often.
If you see mold, changes in smell, or separation, stop using the product right away.
General Tips to Extend the Life of Your Makeup
Even the best-quality products won’t last forever. But a little care goes a long way in keeping them safe and effective.
Here are some general tips for all types of makeup:
Always check the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on packaging. It looks like a little open jar with a number inside (e.g., 6M or 12M).
That number tells you how many months the product is good for after opening.
Store your products in a cool, dry place—heat and humidity can degrade formulas faster.
Don’t share makeup, especially products used around the eyes or mouth.
Always keep tools like brushes and sponges clean and sanitized.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Risk Your Skin!
It’s easy to forget about expiration dates when your makeup still looks fine. But over time, even the most beautiful product can become a bacteria trap.
Expired products can cause everything from breakouts to eye infections. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
So the next time you’re cleaning out your makeup bag, check each item carefully. Look for changes in smell, color, texture—and always keep an eye on those expiration dates.
It might just save your skin!
Want to be sure you’re getting the most from your makeup? Make it a habit to clean out your collection every season, and only keep what you truly use and love.
And remember: Your skin deserves products that are safe, fresh, and good for you!
