We all have that one beloved eyeshadow palette or former favorite lipstick hanging out, forgotten, at the bottom of our makeup bags. If you’ve ever stumbled across your old standby and found yourself wondering, “Does makeup expire?” the answer is yes—and more quickly than you might expect. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Whether powder or liquid, drugstore or high-end, all makeup has a shelf life. Paying attention to your favorite products’ expiration dates—and, more importantly, abiding by them—can help ensure you’re getting the best possible results from your makeup routine. Keep reading for a guide to the expiration dates of different beauty products and learn how to tell if makeup is expired.How Long Does Makeup Typically Last? “Makeup expires differently based on the product type, ingredients, and formulation,” says May Cintron, makeup artist and founder of TUHLZ. “For this reason, not all foundations expire within the same amount of time. This also applies to other makeup products as well as skincare.” For a clearer understanding of when your products expire, Cintron recommends looking at your product’s packaging for an expiration symbol, also known as a PAO symbol. “It’s normally a small opened container with a number on it with the letter M,” says Cintron. This symbol signifies how long the product can typically be used after being opened (3M, for example, means three months). However, other factors can affect a product’s shelf life, including how you store and apply it, per the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To help ensure your makeup lasts as long as possible, the FDA recommends storing your products in a cool, dry place, keeping applicators clean, and avoiding sharing your makeup with anybody else.How To Tell If Makeup Is Expired The quickest way to tell if your makeup is by taking a look at the PAO symbol—but if the writing on the packaging has started to fade or peel off, there are other telltale signs that your beauty products are expired. First, take a look at the consistency of the product. If it’s drier than it should be or the formula is beginning to separate, that’s a clear sign that it’s no longer usable. Likewise, if it’s changed color, consider it expired—that change in color is likely due to oxidation, a chemical reaction that occurs when certain molecules are exposed to oxygen, per the Mayo Clinic. The smell test is another good way to tell if your products are past their prime. If anything smells off or has a different smell than it did when you first bought it, toss it—it’s likely no longer safe to use.Is It Okay To Use Expired Makeup? While we certainly understand the urge to use every last drop of that pricey lip gloss or can’t-live-without-it foundation, it’s best to avoid using any product past its expiration date. “Using expired makeup may lead to skin irritation,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. Your skin may become red, dry, or flaky, or you may start to notice an uptick in clogged pores and breakouts. Skin infections are also a possibility, as expired makeup may harbor fungi or bacteria that can be transferred to your skin. It’s especially crucial to avoid using expired eye makeup—doing so runs the risk of transferring bacteria to your eyes, which could result in painful eye infections, per the FDA.When Do Makeup Products Expire? So, to the question at hand: When, exactly, do different products expire? As mentioned, the best way to identify a product’s expiration date is to look at the PAO symbol and assess the product’s color, consistency, and smell. But if you’re looking for a general guideline to different makeup expiration dates, we’ve compiled just that, ahead.Eye makeup Some of the most common makeup expiration-related questions we hear are related to eye makeup (“When does eyeliner expire?” is a particularly frequent ask). Here’s a breakdown: Eyeliner: If you’ve ever wondered, “How long is eyeliner good for?,” know that it depends primarily on the formula. According to Dr. Garshick, it’s best to replace your liquid and gel eyeliners every three to six months. Pencil eyeliners can last up to a year with proper storage. Mascara: Mascara, like liquid eyeliner, typically lasts around three months with proper storage. If you’re unsure when you last restocked and are trying to figure out how to tell if mascara has expired, take a look at the product’s consistency: dryness, flaking, and crumbliness are all signs that your mascara is no longer suitable for use. (Try a no-mascara makeup look until you buy a replacement). Eyeshadow: Powder eyeshadows can generally be used for up to two years, says Dr. Garshick, so long as you store them properly and use clean brushes to apply them each time. Cream and liquid eyeshadows have a shorter shelf life—in most cases, you’ll want to replace these products after around six months. If those shelf lives sound short, that’s by design. “In general, it is important to be especially cautious with products that directly touch the eyes or skin, as these may be more likely to cause an irritation or an infection due to the potential transfer of microorganisms,” explains Dr. Garshick. Once again, checking the PAO symbol is key to avoiding the use of expired makeup products. And always err on the side of caution—if your product seems off and you find yourself preparing to Google “How long does eyeliner last?”, save yourself the guesswork and toss it. If you need to refresh your eye makeup collection, we have a few recommendations for your next outing. For a long-lasting liquid eyeliner that won’t break the bank, snag the Maybelline New York Tattoo Liquid Ink Eyeliner—it offers up to 36 hours of wear and clocks in at under $15, making it less painful to replace every few months than a pricier luxury option. The brand’s Lash Sensational Firework Washable Mascara Makeup is another wallet-friendly pick we can’t get enough of. For eyeshadow, snag a powder palette with several colors that’ll allow you to create an array of looks. If you’re still clinging to your old Urban Decay Naked palettes, consider making the switch to the brand’s pared-down Naked Minis. Each palette has a cohesive, versatile color story that makes it easy to create natural and smoky looks alike. The Naked Foxy Mini Eyeshadow Palette, complete with an array of olive-toned neutrals, is one of our favorites.Foundation and concealer The questions “How long does foundation last?” and “How long does concealer last?” depend, again, on the formulations of the products you’re using. Powder foundation and concealer expiration dates are typically a bit more forgiving than those with liquid and cream formulas. According to Cintron, you can use powder face makeup products for up to two years (assuming proper storage and application). Liquid foundation and concealer, meanwhile, should generally be tossed after about a year—sooner if the formula has oxidized or begun to separate. It’s especially important to keep up-to-date on your complexion products if you have blemish-prone or sensitive skin, as using expired makeup can lead to clogged pores, irritation, or breakouts. If you’re in the market for a new foundation and concealer combo, try pairing the NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint SPF 30 with the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum for a radiant, fresh-faced finish that’ll leave your skin feeling hydrated and smooth.Blush and other face makeup Similar to foundation, the formula is what matters most when it comes to determining the expiration date of your blush (as well as bronzer, contour, and highlighter makeup). Creams and liquids should be replaced every six months to one year, while powder formulas can last up to two years with proper care. Keep in mind that how you apply these products can affect their longevity as well. Avoid dipping your fingers into any products and use clean makeup brushes or sponges to apply your makeup to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Need to replace your go-to blush? We’re huge fans of the Urban Decay Face Bond Long-Lasting Blush, which boasts a velvety powder formula and provides a vibrant, blurred matte finish that stays put all day long. If you favor liquid blushes, the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush is a great (and affordable!) pick for all skin types.Lip makeup Cintron and Dr. Garshick both note that lip liners and lipsticks will generally last for up to a year—the same goes for lip glosses. Again, check the product’s consistency, smell, and color to see if anything looks off before application. And, it probably goes without saying, but avoid sharing your lip makeup with anybody else—doing so can increase the risk of bacterial contamination, per the FDA. If you can’t remember when you last bought a tube of lipstick (or you just want a color refresh), we recommend picking up the Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick. It comes in 34 vibrant shades and two finishes (creamy matte and satin), and the luxe tube is refillable, so you can swap out your lipstick as often as you’d like.Setting sprays and primers Generally speaking, you’ll want to replace setting sprays and liquid or cream primers every six to 12 months. These products can dry out or change texture over time, reducing their effectiveness and potentially increasing your risk for skin irritations or breakouts. If you notice an odd smell, discoloration, or separation, it’s time to replace them. Always check the expiration date or the PAO symbol to ensure your products are still good to use (and if you’re not sure, toss them). For a slightly longer-lasting option, snag a setting powder: Per the Mayo Clinic, powder makeup can last for up to two years if stored properly. We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, since it helps to lock makeup in place and blurs the skin for up to 24 hours.Makeup sponges & brushes Keeping your makeup tools clean and in good condition is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your makeup products. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends cleaning your makeup brushes once every seven to 10 days to help remove makeup and oil and keep bacterial growth at bay. If you’re not quite sure how to keep your beauty tools clean, brush up on the basics by reading How To Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges in 5 Easy Steps. As for when to replace your brushes and sponges, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, but it’s a good idea to spring for new tools if yours are fraying, shedding, or visibly worn.Nail polish Yep, even nail polish expires after a while. Many formulas can last up to two years, though how well you store it (and how often you use it) can affect longevity. Many nail polishes will have a PAO on the back of the bottle, but if yours doesn’t, take a good look at the color and texture of the formula. If it’s thick, clumpy, or discolored, it’s probably past its prime. Fortunately, there are ways to revive old nail polish (and unlike makeup, doing so is unlikely to cause harm). Learn how to bring clumpy varnish back to life in the article Is Your Nail Polish Expired? Here’s How To Find Out. Next Up: What’s The Correct Order To Apply Makeup?
