We all have that friend – you are with them and you realize their makeup collection is full of products they haven’t made in years. If you don’t have such a friend, you can be that friend. But no judgment – we’re all guilty of stockpiling outdated foundations, especially discontinued favorites.
We’ll give you a minute if you stop at the word “use”. Yes, makeup does expire and products should always have an effective expiration date or time after opening that tells you when to stop using them. Many beauty lovers wonder how long mascara lasts. How long can you leave the foundation? Can this lipstick still be used?
To save on product expiration, we’ll list it below and explain by product how long your makeup will last and also how long you can use your makeup tools.
How to Tell How Long Makeup Lasts
There are general guidelines for how long all types of makeup should be stored after opening, but there is a helpful tip: many makeup products have a small symbol on the packaging that tells you when to throw away the product. This is called POA or post-opening period.
Flip the foundation or powder over. See the bottle symbol on the back? The number on the bottle indicates how many months the product can be used after opening. This number is usually not determined by consumer experience, but by the safety and efficacy characteristics of the formulas.
Therefore it is not possible to analyze with the naked eye whether the mascara is still usable. After the POA, the product may be much less effective or the formula may change. The safest bet is to stick to the time frame indicated on the label to avoid potential problems.
Is It Okay to Use Expired Makeup?
Some beauty fanatics may decide that if the product stays put and the pan is full, it shouldn’t be thrown away. But be warned – transfer and fading may be the least of your worries if you’re using old cosmetics.
Using older products can cause serious problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. At least, it can cause clogged pores and acne, but you can also experience severe irritation and infections. If in doubt, throw it away!
How Long Can You Keep Makeup?
It can be difficult to keep track of these dates, as different types of makeup expire at different times. No problem, don’t forget to check the POA. Once done, take a marker and write down the expiration date of the product (from opening) so that it is always there.
How Long Does Powder Makeup Last?
Powders have a much longer shelf life. This includes blush, bronzer and powder makeup.
These products last for about a year or two, so you’ll have plenty of time to use them. Challenge yourself and see if you can use them before they get bad.
How Long Do Creams Last?
Cream versions of many powder products are also available, including eyeshadows and cream blushes. Keep the cream formulas in your collection for 12-18 months before consuming them.
How Long Does Lipstick Last?
Now, let’s talk about that lipstick she’s been collecting since high school. We admit it’s easy to hoard expired lip products in your collection, but it’s a habit that needs to be broken. Lip products like lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liner only last a year or two in your makeup bag.
How Long Does Mascara Last?
Maybe you don’t want to leave the tube of your favorite mascara, but when it comes to makeup, we don’t mean it’s out of date anytime soon. Mascara lasts from three to six months and should not be stored for long.
