When was the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag? Cosmetics don’t last forever and may even irritate your skin once it’s past its prime. Read on for your quick guide to makeup expiration dates and toss out that old makeup once and for all!
What Is A Makeup Expiration Date?
In Europe, cosmetics having a shelf life of 30 months or more must display a “Period After Opening” time. The PAO symbol is a graphic of an open jar along with a number and a letter representing a time in months. This identifies the lifetime of the product after its package has been opened for the first time. For example, a PAO symbol of 12M indicates 12 months. Cosmetics with a lifespan less than 30 months must show a “Best Before the End of” date. This is symbolized by an hourglass followed by the date, or by the words BBE or EXP followed by the date.
Keep in mind that these expiration dates are just “rules of thumb.” A product’s shelf life can vary depending on the type of product, how it is used, and how it is stored. According to the FDA, there are no U.S. laws or regulations that require cosmetics to have specific shelf lives or expiration dates on their labels. Read on for some guidelines to follow.
Makeup Expiration Dates
Foundation should last anywhere between 6 months and 1 year.
Cream makeup, such as concealers, correctors, and cream blushes should also last up to 1 year. Consider replacing cream eyeshadows every 6 months since they are in close contact with your sensitive eyes.
Powder makeup such as blushes, bronzers, setting powders, contours, highlighters, and eyeshadows will last up to 2 years.
Mascara must be replaced every 3 months. If it has become dry before that, throw it away. Do not add water or any other liquid into the tube as this can introduce bacteria into the product.
Liquid eyeliners should be replaced every 3 months since they are worn close to the eye and can dry out quickly. However, pencil eyeliners can last up to 2 years. Sharpening your pencils will also help keep them fresh and clean.
Lipstick can last for up to 2 years. Replace lip gloss more often, around every year. Lip balm can last up to 5 years.
Always check the expiration date listed on the packaging but, in general, facial sunscreen should be replaced yearly.
Nail polish should last up to 1 year (2 years if unopened). If you find that the consistency is off, you can try shaking it. But, if it still separates or doesn’t seem right, it’s probably time to throw it away.
Keep your fragrance away from heat and light. When stored correctly, perfume can last a long time, up to 3-5 years. Each year, check to see if the color or scent has changed to consider replacing it.
Additional Tips
- Do not share makeup
- Store makeup away from prolonged heat and sunlight
- Clean your makeup brushes and applicators regularly
- Buy your cosmetics from reputable sources
- Write the month and year you opened it on a small sticker or piece of tape and attach it to the bottom of the product
- If you notice any change in the formulation, dispose of the product (even if its sooner than the guidelines above)
- If you recently had an eye infection, make sure you throw away any eye product you were using when the infection occurred
Now that you tossed out all of that old makeup, it’s time to shop for some new replacements! Here are some of my favorites.
