How long should you keep your Makeup?

Have you managed to make your mascara last an entire year?

Do you hold onto your darker foundation because it will match you again when summer arrives?

Or how about that same lipstick tube that you have owned since high school?

While many makeup brands do include a small amount of preservative, makeup may expire quicker than you may think.

So how long is too long? Does makeup have a shelf life?

The answer is yes! Makeup shelf life varies by the type of cosmetics you have. One obvious factor is if any of your makeup smells weird, it may have gone off.

The quality of any cosmetics can be affected by high heat, (such as being left in the sun), moisture or other factors. Affected makeup can not only be downright icky, it can be bad for your skin.

If you can't remember when you purchased a makeup item, the best bet is to throw it away! And definitely, if you can think back to a memory that happened more than 2 years ago where you have used a makeup item that you still have, bin it now!

Below we have the commonly accepted shelf life times for the cosmetics industry. This is just a guide, and certain types of products will vary. If in doubt the safe option is to bin an old item.

Shelf Life Guideline

Makeup Sponges: 3-6 months. Wash them regularly
Foundation: 12 months (water based/oil-free), 18 months (oil-based)
Concealer: 12-18 months
Mascara: 3-6 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip Liner: 2 years
Lip Gloss: 18-24 months
Powder: 2 years
Cream Blush: 12-18 months
Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months
Pencil Eyeliner: 2 years
Nail Polish: 1 year

Natural makeup cosmetics should be thrown away sooner as these do not contain chemical ingredients that prolong there shelf life.

Using expired products on you face is not only dangerous but means the product is not at its full potential anymore. Using expired products can be potentially damaging on your skin, causing rashes, acne and infections (especially around the eye area.)

So the next time you think about stashing away an old makeup item till next summer, think twice

Hope this was helpful x

The Makeup Team