Shelf Life of Makeup

How Long Can I Keep my Make Up?

It’s important to know the shelf life of your make up.  If you don’t use your make up regularly, it can go bad.  Sometimes the ingredients have just separated because you haven’t used them for a while.  Other times bacteria can contaminate the product.  Of course, this bacteria isn’t good for your face or eyes.  As a quick guide, if the color has changed, or it smells bad or looks funny, don’t use it.  Toss it.  Here is a guideline for how long your make up products will keep:

The Food and Drug Administration tells us that cosmetics are generally formulated to keep from one to three years under normal conditions.  However, if not stored properly, their safety may expire long before the expiration date.  Other products may last long after the expiration date. 

Blush: 2 years
Eye Cream: 3 to 6 months (refrigerate to lengthen life)

Eye Liner: 6 months (because you use it near your eyes)

Eye Shadow: 2 years

Face Cleanser: 1 year

Face Powder: 6 months

Foundation: 1 year (to avoid bacterial build up, don’t put your finger in the bottle)

Lip Liner: 3 years or longer

Lipstick: 1 to 2 years

Mascara: 3 to 4 months, especially if you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes

Moisturizer: 1 year (try keeping it in the fridge for longer life)

Nail Polish: 2 years if stored properly

• Store your lipsticks in a fridge to help it keep longer.

• Don't leave any of your make up in the car.

• Be careful how long you keep products you use near the eyes.  Contaminated products can give you an eye infection.

• Don’t stockpile your favorite make up.  It could go bad before you have a chance to use it.

• If you suddenly react to a product you’ve always used, it may mean bacteria are present.  Discard it immediately.

• Clean your make up brushes and applicators often to reduce bacteria and oil.

• Don’t buy products that you can tell have been opened or tested in the store.  They can already be contaminated.

• High temperature and sunlight can break down your make up before its’ normal expiration date.

• If a product keeps going bad before you use it up, consider buying a smaller size, or switching to something else.  It probably means you aren’t using that product as often as you thought.

Shelf Life of Makeup