Spring cleaning. The perfect time to clean it all out. And that goes for your makeup bag as well! We use these products so often, but have you ever taken a minute to look at when the products are expiring? There are definite times for makeup expiration. We have broken them down for you to keep it simple. Keep reading on to see the details for each.
Expirations vary depending on the type of product. Just holding onto products isn’t the best idea. Over time, bacteria can grow, and the products become less effective. We list below how long each product category lasts and the best time to start replacing it is. If you aren’t using the product that often, it’s probably best to toss it. There probably isn’t a need for it. For items you use fairly regularly, you may not even get to the expiration date because you already have used it all up and have moved onto the next. For makeup products that linger, check below for info on the makeup expiration and when you should be tossing these products.
Expiration on Products
A simple way of seeing when products expire is on the actual product itself. You may or may not have noticed a small jar icon on the bottom that has a number in it. This tells you how many months the product is good for. Depending on the type of makeup product, the length of time can vary from 6 months to 24 months. After that time, bacteria can grow, and the product’s ingredients can start to change. The icons look like so below. This is just a great guide to let you know once it is time to get rid of it and replace it if you like the item. Just check the bottom of the bottle for the makeup expiration. If it isn’t listed, then check the product yourself. Has the consistency changed? Coloring changed? Is there a different smell to it? Your nose knows so that is always a great indicator as well!
Timeline of Expired Products
Makeup Expiration Timeline
3 months
- Mascara (Look out for bacteria with this product being the brush is taken out of the tube and put back in with any bacteria being collected along the way.)
6 months
- Liquid Eyeliner (Liquid eyeliner should be replaced in 6 months. This product comes in close contact to a sensitive area and bacteria can enter the eye easily.)
12 months
- Foundation (Being foundations are water-based, bacteria loves them! So keep them out of moist areas and away from high temperatures where bacteria can form.) Separation of the product is a tell-tale that it is time to discard!
- Concealers (Liquid concealers hold the same truth as foundations. Toss them after one year.)
- Pencils– Eyebrow, Eye Pencil, Lipliner (Being these products are near the eyes and mouth, it’s best to get rid of after one year. Even if you have been sick, it is a good idea to toss lipliners if used on your mouth.)
- Eyeshadows– (You know the drill by now. Although they are a powder-based product which won’t attract bacteria quickly, they do however come close to your eye. So out they go in a year.)
- LipBalm (Has anyone ever really finished a full lipbalm? Especially those EOS ones. Just feels like they last forever, which is not a great thing! Again, it gets used on your mouth so toss after one year to make sure bacteria doesn’t harm you.)
- Lipsticks & Lip Glosses (I know what you are thinking. You finally find that perfect shade and then need to get rid of it after 1 year! These are the toughest products for me to part with me because sometimes you can’t find that perfect shade again! But if you can color match it prior to tossing, then life will be okay.)
24 MONTHS
- Blush (Blush can stand the distance being it’s pressed and in a powder form. Bacteria doesn’t grow too quickly on it so don’t fret on having to get rid of this product too quickly.)
- Face Powder (Similar to blush, this will stick around for the long haul!)
- Bronzer (Also the same as the two above so you will be a bronzed goddess for quite some time!)
Conclusion
Each season is a great chance to check those beauty items. See which ones have expired or are getting near and do yourself a favor and get rid of them. If they are ones you love, try to get the same exact product or color match it prior to throwing out. You will feel so much better using products that are in condition and ones that won’t be harmful to you. Let us know how often you clean out your makeup bag, check the makeup expiration and keep it organized. Add your comments below!
Interested in other posts on beauty? Be sure to check out our posts on:
- How to Apply Eye Makeup Easily with a Simple Eyeshadow Hack
- 10 Best ELF Products We are Loving this Spring Season
- Sephora Summer Favorites
- Top Must-Haves You Need in Your Makeup Bag
Xo, Gayle
