Does makeup expire? (FREE makeup expiration chart & tracker!)

Does makeup expire? Can makeup expire? And if so, when does makeup expire? These are very common questions which is why today I’m answering all of those questions when it comes to makeup expiration dates! Plus, I’m giving you access to my free makeup expiration chart and tracker!

Does makeup expire?

Yes, makeup expires. Different types of makeup have different expiration times, ranging from weeks to years.

For example, mascara typically has a shorter shelf life than foundation or blush due to the texture and how bacteria is collected (you’re touching your lashes with the wand, and over time that mascara accumulates a lot of bacteria built up).

So yes, makeup does expire as it’s contaminated with bacteria over time. Therefore, it’s best to discard expired products and replace them with fresh ones in order to ensure the highest level of health and safety.

When does makeup expire?

Are you wondering when does makeup go bad? Here’s a breakdown list of when makeup expires. Additionally, be sure to scroll down below to get access to my FREE makeup expiration tracker sheets!

• Mascara: 3-6 months
• Eyeliner (gel): Up to 6 months
• Eyeliner (liquid): Up to 6 months
• Eyeliner (pencil): 1-2 years
• Liquid foundation: 1-2 years
• Powder foundation: 1-2 years
• Lipstick and lip gloss: 1-2 years
• Blush/bronzer (powder): 1-2 years
• Blush/bronzer (cream): 1-1.5 years
• Eye shadow/eyeliner (powder): 2 years
• Concealer: 6-18 months
• Perfume: 3-5 years
• Nail Polish: Up to 3 years

Free Makeup expiration chart & tracker

It’s important to throw out expired makeup, but I understand it can be a lot to remember WHEN you actually purchased a makeup product and when you need to throw it away. This is why I’m giving away my free tracker and chart to help you stay on track when makeup is expired!

DOWNLOAD MY FREE BEAUTY TRACKER!

Inside my free beauty tracker guide, I share expiration dates of makeup, skincare, and beauty products, plus sections for you to mark down your cosmetics products. It’s all bundled up into a beautiful, printable PDF guide you can print out or use on your computer!

Do makeup expiration dates matter?

Yes, makeup expiration dates absolutely matter!

Makeup that is past its expiration date can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, which in turn can cause skin infections or irritations. That’s why it’s important to check the expiration date on all your makeup products and dispose of them once they have expired.

Expired makeup can also cause breakouts, rashes, and other skin issues, as well as spread germs to your eyes and face. Additionally, makeup that has been opened and used for a prolonged period of time can become contaminated by the oils and bacteria on your skin, making it less effective and more likely to cause reactions.

Therefore, it’s important to throw away makeup after the expiration date in order to keep your skin healthy and safe from potential infections or irritations.

Finally, makeup products may also lose their effectiveness over time due to oxidation, so using them past the expiration date might not give you the same results that they would have when they were fresh.

Unopened makeup shelf life

Most unopened makeup products have a shelf life of three years when stored in the right conditions. However, certain types of makeup products have shorter shelf lives and should be replaced sooner.

For example, gel products tend to have a short shelf life due to the ingredients used in their production. An unopened jar of creme eyeliner may harden and dry out overtime and become unusable even if it’s never been opened. Another example is nail polish which tends to separate and dry out over time.

While unopened makeup does have a shelf life of 3 years, you can preserve it longer by keeping makeup in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.

Additionally, it’s also important to check the expiration dates printed on the packaging in order to know when it’s time to replace old products. Doing so will ensure that makeup is always fresh and safe to use.

Shelf life vs. expiration date cosmetics: What’s the difference

When it comes to cosmetics, the terms “shelf life” and “expiration date” may sound similar, but they have very different meanings.

Shelf life is the length of time a product can remain unopened and still maintain its effectiveness, quality, and safety when stored properly. On the other hand, the expiration date is the date that a product should no longer be used after it has been opened.

Shelf-life is when the product is unopened (i.e. on the shelf), whereas the expiration date focuses on once the product has been opened.

Shelf life is typically much longer than the expiration date, and can range from one year to several years, depending on the product. For example, most makeup products have a shelf life of up to three years, while most skin care products have a shelf life of one year.

When it comes to the expiration date, this is typically much shorter than shelf life and is determined by how long the product has been opened. As a general guideline, most makeup products have an expiration date of six months to one year.

It is important to note that these are just guidelines and that the actual shelf life or expiration date of a product may vary depending on the ingredients and climate. Therefore, it is important to check the product labels for any specific shelf life or expiration date information.

Additionally, it is important to store cosmetics properly and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight to help extend their shelf life and expiration date.

Ways to disinfect makeup

It is important to clean makeup regularly, especially in between uses. Disinfecting helps to kill bacteria and other contaminants that can cause harm. Additionally, disinfecting your makeup can ensure it’s still effective and safe to use.

However, please note that disinfecting makeup does NOT keep it from expiring. All makeup and beauty products have a shelf life. Makeup is perishable and should be replaced regularly to ensure that it is safe to use.

There are a few different ways to disinfect makeup, depending on the type and texture of the item.

How to clean powder-based beauty products:

For powder-based products such as blush, eyeshadow, highlight, bronzer, and face powder, you can spray rubbing alcohol lightly on the product or apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab or cloth and lightly dab the powder. Let the product dry completely before using it again.

How to clean cream-based beauty products:

Cream-based products such as lipsticks, foundations, and concealers can be disinfected by wiping them down with a lint-free cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Let the product dry completely before using it again.

How to clean makeup brushes:

It’s also extremely important to wash makeup brushes. Why is it important to wash makeup brushes? Well, dirty makeup brushes can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria which can cause skin infections and breakouts.

To clean them, use an antibacterial soap or shampoo and lukewarm water. Swirl the bristles in the soap and rinse them with clean, warm water until they are free of residue. Allow brushes to air dry completely before using them again.

What can’t be cleaned?

Finally, it is important to note that some makeup products cannot be disinfected. Avoid trying to clean items such as mascara, liquid eyeliner, and lip gloss as they will not respond well to the alcohol cleaning agents.

What to do with expired beauty products (and what not to do!)

Once makeup is expired, it’s important to dispose of your makeup. Here are a few ways to get rid of makeup (and ways NOT to get rid of makeup)

Recycle makeup packaging:

Makeup packaging can often be recycled with other items, so make sure to check which type of plastic your makeup is packaged in and how you can recycle it.

Simply wipe out the containers (do not pour them down the drain!) and recycle them at your nearest location. Different states have different guidelines, so I recommend checking your state’s regulation.

Repurpose old makeup:

If your old lipstick or blush is still in good condition, you can get creative and use it to create arts and crafts. For example, use old eye shadows to mix colors together and make a new custom shade.

What NOT to do with expired beauty products:

Now that I’ve covered what to do with expired makeup, let’s talk briefly on what NOT to do with expired makeup:

DON’T donate to women’s shelters:

Seriously, don’t. Do not give shelters expired and opened makeup because 1. they can’t use it either, 2. it’s unsanity and 3. it’s actually pretty mean. A lot of these women are perhaps down on their luck, and the last thing they need to old, used, and expired makeup. They deserve better than that.

DON’T pour old makeup down the drain:

Pouring makeup down the drain can contaminate water and harm the environment. Instead, wipe out any excess and recycle according to your state’s guidelines.

DON’T just throw them in the trash:

Just like pouring down the drain, throwing out expired makeup can also be very harmful to the environment. The best way to dispose of old makeup is by recycling and repurposing what you can. This will help reduce waste and prevent the makeup from ending up in landfills.

DON’T keep expired makeup:

It’s never a good idea to keep expired makeup. Expired makeup can cause skin irritation, infections, and other health issues, so it’s always best to dispose of it properly.

Once makeup is expired, make sure to get rid of it and replace products as necessary. This will help you maintain healthy skin and a healthy beauty routine.

How can I tell if my makeup is expired?

How to know if foundation is expired? How can you tell when its time to throw your lipstick out? Here are a few ways to tell if your makeup is expired and needs to be disposed of:

Check expiration date:

Some cosmetics have an expiration date on the packaging. It is important to check the expiration date on your makeup.

Check the smell:

If your makeup has an off odor or smells different than usual, it could be a sign that the product is no longer good and should be disposed of.

Check the texture:

If your makeup has changed in consistency or texture, it could be a sign that the product has expired and should be thrown away. For example, if foundation becomes clumpy or your nail polish has separated and hardening, these are signs the makeup has expired.

Check the color:

If your makeup has changed in color or is not as vibrant, it could mean that the product is no longer good and should be disposed of.

Check for mold

If you see any signs of discoloring or mold, dispose of it. This is a sign the product has been contaminated and can no longer be used.

Makeup might seem like a small part of your daily routine, but it’s important to know when products expire so that you can stay safe and keep your skin healthy. Make sure you’re checking the expiration date on all your makeup, skincare, and other beauty products — and if in doubt, just throw it out!

By staying up to date on product expiration dates, you will make sure you are giving yourself the best quality experience with the products that you invest in. Don’t forget that this isn’t only about safety — old or expired makeup can also yield less than desirable results.

And with all these new rules and regulations to consider, why not make life a little easier? Download my free beauty tracker today to track all your cosmetics and skincare products – now you’ll never have to stress about whether or not something has expired. Afterall, your beauty routine should be fun and effortless!