Here's How Long You Should Keep Makeup & Skincare Products Before Throwing Them Away
Time to spring clean your makeup bag.
By Tamara Jayne — 06 Jun 2023, 06:05 PM
Sorry to break it to you, but your makeup and skincare products have expiry dates
If you've been wondering why you're having breakouts lately or maybe can't remember when you bought that lipstick or foundation, maybeee it's time to throw it out.
The shelf life is usually stated on each product.
Otherwise, here's a general guide on when to get rid of your makeup and skincare products if you haven't used them up:
1. Foundation
Liquid foundations can usually last up to a year, while powder foundations may last up to two years.
2. Lipsticks and glosses
Lipsticks and glosses can usually last up to 12 months. But if the texture appears goopy or it dries out even before the expiry date, it's best to toss it.
3. Concealers
Concealers have a shelf life of six months to a year. But if you notice the product starting to separate or oxidise, it's time to throw it out.
4. Mascaras
It is recommended that you replace your mascara every three months.
Keeping them for years may result in eye infections, so it's best to throw them out, especially if they become clumpy or smell funky.
5. Eyeliners
Pencil and pen eyeliners can be used for up to a year, while gel eyeliners can usually last up to two or three months.
7. Blushes
Powder blushes have a shelf life of up to two years, while cream blushes usually last 12 to 18 months.
If you start to notice the texture changing, it's probably time to toss it out.
8. Eye shadows
If the product doesn't state the shelf life, powder eye shadows can generally last between six months and two years. Meanwhile, cream eye shadows have a six-month shelf life.
Although powder products such as powder foundations are said to last longer, eye shadows should be replaced more often as they are used around the eyes.
9. Moisturisers, face creams, and eye creams
These skincare products can last anytime between six months and a year.
10. Sunscreen
Sunscreen usually states the shelf life on the product. In general, it lasts up to one year.
12. Unopened makeup or skincare products
Even if the product hasn't been opened, it still has a shelf life of up to two years in general.
In saying that though, an unopened product can usually last longer than an opened product which has the potential of being exposed to bacteria.
These are just average shelf life numbers.
Of course, if the product already starts to smell or look funky before the time's up, you should consider getting rid of it.
Washing your makeup brushes once or twice a week can also make a big difference to the health of your skin and prevent infections. Makeup sponges and beauty blenders should be washed after each use.
If your brushes and sponges start to fall apart or get mouldy, it's definitely time to get rid of them.
