It can be difficult to toss out your barely-used open bottle of foundation. The sad reality is that all beauty products do have a shelf life, and it’s in your best interest to toss them out when they expire.
Using out-of-date beauty products can cause bacterial infections, and they will also lose their effectiveness. But how long will your favorite items last? Let’s take a look.
Perfume
You’re probably wondering: does perfume expire? It’s a common myth that it doesn’t. On average, perfumes tend to last about two years, but it ultimately depends on the exact fragrance. Be sure to check out the expiration date on the packaging when you buy it.
Expired perfumes tend to have a slightly sour or metallic odor. If the perfume has a clear bottle, you might also notice some discoloration.
Cosmetics
Replacing your makeup often is one of the best-kept beauty tips. Once expired, it tends to oxidize and not work as well.
Here’s a breakdown of how long cosmetics last:
Mascara: Since it’s exposed to the bacteria in or around our eyes, old mascara can lead to pink eye, styes, and eye irritation or redness.
How Long Does It Last? Aim to replace mascara every three months, or once you begin to notice a gasoline-like odor.
Foundation: Water-based foundations are breeding grounds for bacteria. Moist and hot environments can speed up the spoiling process. Another sign this makeup has expired? It won’t lay as evenly on the skin, and it won’t be as long-lasting.
When the foundation goes bad, you’ll notice a change in color and odor. The product will start to oxidize on your skin and separate, with a film of oil on the top layer in the bottle. Using expired foundation may cause acne and breakouts.
How Long Does It Last? Unopened foundation will last a couple of years. Once it’s open, it should be replaced every six to 12 months.
Concealer: Using spoiled concealer will cause acne and breakouts. The color will also begin to change.
How Long Does It Last? Liquid concealers should be thrown out after a year, while powder and stick formulas can last up to two years.
Blush, Bronzer or Face Powder: The risk of bacteria growth is relatively low in these because of lack of water.
How Long Does It Last? Powder blush, bronzer and face powder should be replaced after two years. Cream blush should be tossed out after one year.
Eyeshadow: Since you’re using this around the eyes, there’s a higher likelihood of bacterial exposure. Using your fingers to apply your eyeshadows can also lead to bacteria, so it’s ideal to wash your hands beforehand.
How Long Does It Last? Powder eyeshadows should be replaced every six to 12 months, while cream-based options should be tossed even sooner since they’re more prone to bacteria.
Eyeliner: Whether you’re using a liquid or pencil eyeliner, there’s the risk of bacterial exposure that can lead to pink eye, styes, eye irritation, and redness.
How Long Does It Last? You should toss out your eyeliner about every three months. Eye pencils can last a bit longer if you’re diligent about sharpening, but they’ll eventually develop a white film that can’t be sharpened off.
Lipstick and Lip Gloss: Since they don’t contain water, the risk of these products developing bacteria is low.
How Long Does It Last? Lipstick and lip gloss should be thrown out after one year, or if you notice changes in odor or texture. Replace your lipstick or lip gloss if you’ve used them while sick.
Nail Polish
Technically, nail polish doesn’t actually expire. However, once it’s too old, it will start to clump and separate in the bottle. At this point, it’s no longer usable.
If you’re not sure if your makeup has expired, the best thing you can do is toss it out. The last thing you want is to risk an eye infection or acne breakout due to bacterial exposure when you could simply replace your old cosmetics.
