If you're like me, you probably don't go through your makeup drawer as often as you should.
The truth is, though, that makeup does not last forever, and if you haven't worn that now foul-smelling orangey-red lipstick you bought two years ago, it's probably a good idea to toss it.
The question is, how old is too old when it comes to makeup?
Click through to find out the expiration dates on most of your favorite makeup and skincare products.
- Perfume: 2 years.
A perfume's scent changes more quickly if you use it often because every time you spritz, a little bit of air goes into the bottle. Perfumers suggest you use a perfume within two years of purchase if you want it to smell like it did when you bought it. After that, it's not harmful, but it probably will smell a bit different due to its age.
- Concealer: 1 year.
- Makeup brushes: Wash every 2-3 months.
- Face cream: 6-12 months.
If your face cream is in a jar, toss it after 6-9 months (your fingers can carry bacteria). If it's in a pump, it's good for up to a year. Alpha hydroxy creams need to be tightly sealed or they may become more concentrated over time.
- Eyeliner (pencil): 3 years. Sharpen regularly.
- Mascara: 3 months.
Mascara has a short shelf life once you've started using it because it's an easy place for bacteria to grow. Ew. The moral of this story: Use it up fast and then throw it out!
- Eyeshadow: Up to 3 years.
- Sunscreen: 1 year.
Sunscreen is generally good for about a year after you've opened the bottle.
- Lipstick: 2-4 years.
If it smells/tastes funny on your lips, throw it out.
- Foundation: Water-based, up to 12 months. Oil-based, up to 18 months.
- Nail polish: 1 year.
Nail polish begins to separate after a year or so and won't go on as smoothly on your nails.
- Lip liner (pencil): Up to 3 years.
Any questions?
Image via kerotab/Flickr
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Comments (11)
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I've been told by a makeup artist you should wash your brushes more often. I do a lite cleaning once a week and a full cleaning once a month.
I've been able to keep nail polishes way longer than a year. I have one that has been discontinued for a while and it still goes on just like new.
Thanks for the reminder! I really need to clean out some old makeup. Especially the mascara, I thought it was 6 months so thanks for the heads-up.
I full clean my brushes once a week. If I don't I start breaking out like crazy.
Oy. I think I bought my perfume in high school. I just don't use it very often. Oh well. It still smells good.
Thanks for the reminder!
OMG I have some combo blush/eyshadow that's 10 years old. Guess I'd better start cleaning out that drawer. My problem is too much shopping. I buy so much I can't use it up quick enough.
I love makeup! Thanks for this list!
Throw it all out right now: you'll be healthier for it.
Make your own, it's safer, cheaper, and healthier.