I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you have to purge your makeup and skincare from time to time. A lot of skincare products have expiration dates on them, but makeup is a bit more tricky. With makeup, you have to keep track of how long you’ve had it and toss it out when it expires. I know what you’re thinking, “products are really expensive, so ain’t no way I’m throwing them out!” I get it. But, for the sake of your health, it’s in your best interest to do so.
In today’s beauty-obsessed world, daily skincare and makeup applications are considered essential rituals. However, it’s imperative to understand that all good things do eventually come to an end, and the same rule applies to beauty products. Once your favorite new lipstick or jar of moisturizer that TikTok made you buy is opened, the expiration clock starts ticking from there. For products to remain shelf stable for months on end, preservatives are usually added to them. Once that preservative expires, your favorite goodies become a hotbed for bacteria. Yes, you heard me correctly, bacteria! Expired beauty products can cause allergic reactions, acne flare-ups, and serious infections. But don’t worry, if you’re not sure how long to keep your makeup and skincare items, I’ve got you covered.
The recommended shelf-life for products is based on items that have been opened (unopened items may be kept a bit longer if stored properly). However, if you notice a product has any changes in smell or texture or develops a clear film on top of it, throw it away immediately!
Average Product Lifespan:
- Moisturizer/Face Masks: typically last 6-12 months
- Serums/Eye Cream: typically last 6-12 months
- Mascara: typically lasts 6-9 months
- Foundation and Concealer: typically last 12-18 months
- Lipstick/Lip Gloss: typically lasts 12-24 months
- Powder Eyeshadow: typically lasts 24-36 months
- Cream Eyeshadow: typically lasts 6-12 months
- Powder Blush: typically lasts 12-24 months
- Serums/Eye Cream Blush: typically last 6-12 months
To help prolong the shelf-life of your personal care products, it is important to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Also, make sure to tightly close the lids on all products to prevent air and moisture from deteriorating their formula. Now that you know what’s up, let’s prioritize our health by giving our expired goodies a proper burial. So keep it cute and practice proper disposal of expired beauty products.
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
