Eek! Your Makeup Might Be Expired—Here’s How to Tell

Makeup expiration dates you should know about

1. Mascara

Shelf life: Three months

Tips: Switch out your mascara every three months to avoid eye infections like pink eye. We know, the PAO on the tube says you have much longer, but the general shelf-life recommendation for a high-moisture product that touches your eyes is three months—and that’s because bacteria is more likely to grow in a wet environment. If your mascara ever starts to smell funky, trash it! And be sure to avoid cross contamination by never sharing your mascara (this is one time when not sharing is caring).

2. Liquid eyeliner

Shelf life: Three months

Tips: The same goes for your liquid eyeliner, which has similar moisture levels to mascara and can harbor infection-causing bacteria. Be sure to close the cap tightly on any liquid eyeliner and keep it in a cool place—not a hot car.

3. Gel eyeliner

Shelf life: Two to three months

Tips: Because most gel eyeliner comes in a pot (where it’s too easy for bacteria to hide and grow under the lid), your gel liner should be replaced every few months. Make your eyeliner last as long as possible by always washing your liner brush before you put it back in the pot and, most importantly, before it touches your face.

4. Eyeliner and eyebrow pencils

Shelf life: One year

Tips: There are a few reasons pencils last longer than other makeup products in your kit. One of the big ones is that they don’t have the same moisture levels as liquid eyeliner or mascara, so they don’t breed bacteria as quickly. Plus, constant sharpening makes it so that it’s almost like you’re applying new makeup every time. Genius.

5. Eyeshadow

Shelf life: Three to six months

Tips: Though powder eyeshadow can technically last up to two years per the PAO, pros agree it should be thrown out much sooner. You’ve probably caught on by now, but you don’t want to mess around with products that continually touch your eyes. If you wash your makeup brushes consistently (at least once a week), you can safely keep your eyeshadow around a bit longer. So, get cleaning!

6. Lipstick, lip liner, and lip gloss

Shelf life: One year

Tips: Lip products can last up to a year as long as they haven’t changed color, texture, or smell. The second a lip gloss seems goopy or lipstick has any strange spots on it, toss it right in the trash. Lip products shouldn’t be shared, either—doing so puts you at risk of picking up everything from a cold to cold sores (no thank you!). Even if you have a dozen lipsticks in a makeup bag, try to keep the whole kit in a cool, dry place.

7. Foundation and concealer

Shelf life: Six months to one year

Tips: Ensure your complexion products last longer by not touching the neck of the bottle. Instead, use a makeup applicator or your clean hands to apply, which can help you avoid bacteria-causing breakouts. And if you notice the color separating, that’s a red flag that your foundation or concealer is past its prime.

8. Powder bronzer and blush

Shelf life: Two years

Tips: Powder face products last the longest of any items in your makeup bag—but that doesn’t mean you can use them without risks. Again, be sure to wash your makeup brushes to avoid transferring bacteria from your brush to the powder. In addition to infections, you could end up with a serious breakout.

9. Cream bronzer and blush

Shelf life: One year

Tips: Cream products don’t last as long as powder ones because they are more prone to bacteria growth. If you notice the texture of your cream products changing, it’s time to throw them out—even if it’s been less than a year. And always be sure to close the caps tightly so your faves don’t dry out.

10. Nail polish

Shelf life: One to two years

Tips: Nail polish is one of the makeup products we all keep around a little too long. While polish might not have the same risks as products you put on your eyes and lips, it’s still best not to use it after it’s started separating or changing color. But if you’re really attached to certain shades in your collection, there are ways to extend their lives: Keep each bottle upright in a cool, dry place and be sure to keep them away from a humid bathroom. And if the texture has turned goopy, just add a few drops of acetone to help loosen it.

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