In the world of beauty, makeup holds a special place in our hearts. From that perfect shade of lipstick to the eyeliner that makes your eyes pop, makeup can be transformative. However, just like food, makeup has an expiration date, and using products past their prime can be detrimental to your skin. In this post, we’ll guide you through when to throw away your makeup, based on insights from a dermatologist.

Understanding Makeup Expiration Dates

Most makeup products have a small symbol on the packaging that looks like an open jar with a number followed by the letter “M”. This indicates the number of months the product is good for once opened. Pay attention to this symbol as a general guideline.

Foundation and Concealer: 6-12 Months

Liquid foundations and concealers are more susceptible to bacteria growth because of their water content. A change in smell, texture, or color is a sign that it’s time to toss them. Powder foundations can last up to 2 years, but it’s essential to keep your brushes clean to prevent contamination.

Mascara and Eyeliner: 3-6 Months

Mascara and liquid eyeliners have the shortest lifespan among makeup products because the risk of transferring bacteria back and forth from your eye into the product is high. If your mascara becomes dry or your eyeliner starts to crumble, it’s time for them to go.

Eyeshadows: 6 Months to 2 Years

Powder eyeshadows can last up to 2 years, while cream shadows should be replaced after 6 to 12 months. Any change in texture, smell, or if the shadow becomes crumbly, indicates that it’s time for a replacement.

Lipsticks and Lip Glosses: 1-2 Years

Lipsticks can last up to 2 years, but if you notice any changes in texture, color, or smell, it’s time to throw them away. Lip glosses, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of around 1 year due to their liquid consistency.

Blushes and Bronzers: 1-2 Years

Powder blushes and bronzers can last between 1 to 2 years. As with eyeshadows, keep your brushes clean and watch out for any changes in texture or smell.

Makeup Brushes and Sponges: 1-5 Years

With proper care, makeup brushes can last several years. However, if the bristles start to fray or fall out, it’s time to replace them. Sponges should be replaced every 3 months as they are more prone to harboring bacteria.

Tips for Extending Makeup Lifespan

  • Store Properly: Keep your makeup in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, which can degrade the products.
  • Clean Your Tools: Regularly clean your brushes and sponges to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid Sharing: As much as you love your friends, avoid sharing makeup, especially eye and lip products.

Being mindful of the expiration dates of your makeup products is essential for maintaining healthy skin. While it might be hard to part with your favorite lipstick or foundation, remember that using expired makeup can lead to skin irritations, infections, and breakouts. Keep your collection fresh, and your skin will thank you!