Ever found an old lipstick in your drawer and wondered, “Can I still use this?” Or maybe you’re holding onto a mascara from two years ago because it’s your favorite.
We’ve all done it!
But using expired beauty products can irritate your skin, cause breakouts, or even lead to infections. Knowing how long makeup lasts and the beauty product shelf life helps keep your routine safe and effective.
In this makeup expiration guide, we’ll explain how long your makeup, skincare, nail polish, haircare, and beauty tools last.
We’ll also share simple ways to spot expired products, store them right, and include a handy cheat sheet to save or pin. Let’s get started and clean up your beauty stash!
Why Beauty Product Expiration Matters
Using old makeup or skincare isn’t just about losing that perfect glow—it can harm your skin. Expired products can grow bacteria, lose their power, or cause redness and acne.
For example, old mascara can lead to eye infections, and expired sunscreen might not protect you from UV rays.
Here’s something to think about: A 2023 Cosmetics Europe survey found that over 60% of people use makeup past its expiration date. Got a foundation from 2018?
It’s time to check your products and keep your skin safe. This guide will help you avoid risks and get the most out of your beauty buys.
How to Know If Your Beauty Products Are Expired
Before we talk about specific products, let’s learn how to spot expired beauty products. Here are easy signs to look for:
- Weird Smell: If it smells sour, chemical-like, or just “off,” toss it. Fresh products smell neutral or nice.
- Strange Texture: Clumpy mascara, separated foundation, or grainy creams mean the product is old.
- Color Changes: If your foundation looks yellow or your lipstick fades, it’s likely spoiled.
- Bad Performance: If a product feels weird on your skin or doesn’t work well, it’s probably expired.
- Mold or Spots: See mold, weird spots, or a film on top? Throw it out right away.
What’s the Period After Opening (PAO) Label?
Look at the back of your product for a small jar icon with a number and “M” (like 6M or 12M). This is the Period After Opening label. It tells you how many months the product is safe to use after opening. Unopened products last longer (usually 2–3 years), but once you open them, the clock starts ticking. No PAO label? Use the signs above or our guide below to check.
How Long Do Makeup Products Last?
Let’s break down the shelf life of your makeup favorites and how to tell if they’re expired.
Foundation (Liquid or Cream)
- How Long: 6–12 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Looks separated, smells bad, or applies patchy.
- Tip: Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. Don’t use your fingers in jars—use a clean spatula or pump bottle to avoid germs.
Mascara
- How Long: 3–6 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Clumpy, flaky, or smells sour.
- Tip: Don’t pump the wand in and out—it adds air and germs. Replace often to keep your eyes safe.
Lipstick
- How Long: 12–24 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Smells waxy or bad, feels dry, or changes color.
- Tip: Wipe the lipstick with a tissue after use and don’t share it to avoid bacteria.
Lip Gloss
- How Long: 6–12 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Sticky or smells off.
- Tip: Keep the applicator clean and store in a cool place.
Eyeliner (Liquid)
- How Long: 3–6 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Dries out, applies unevenly, or smells bad.
- Tip: Store tip-down to keep it flowing, and never share to avoid infections.
Eyeliner (Pencil)
- How Long: 12–24 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Feels hard or crumbly.
- Tip: Sharpen often to keep the tip clean and fresh.
Powder Products (Blush, Eyeshadow, Setting Powder)
- How Long: 18–24 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Hard, shiny surface or doesn’t blend well.
- Tip: Use clean brushes to avoid oil buildup and store away from damp areas.
How Long Do Skincare Products Last?
Skincare products can lose their power or grow bacteria if used too long. Here’s the rundown.
Cleansers
- How Long: 6–12 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Separates or smells off.
- Tip: Choose pump or tube packaging to keep it clean. Store in a dry spot.
Moisturizers
- How Long: 6–12 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Feels grainy or smells bad.
- Tip: Use a clean spatula for jar moisturizers to avoid germs.
Serums (Like Vitamin C or Retinol)
- How Long: 3–6 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Turns yellow (for vitamin C) or stops working well.
- Tip: Store in dark, airtight bottles to protect the active ingredients.
Sunscreen
- How Long: 6–12 months after opening (check the expiration date)
- Signs It’s Expired: Feels watery or doesn’t protect from sun.
- Tip: Always check the printed expiration date—old sunscreen won’t block UV rays.
How Long Does Nail Polish Last?
- How Long: 12–24 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Thick, goopy, or separates and won’t mix.
- Tip: Store in a cool, dark place (not the fridge). Clean the bottle neck for a tight seal.
How Long Do Perfumes Last?
- How Long: 3–5 years unopened, 1–2 years after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Smells weak, sour, or looks discolored.
- Tip: Keep away from heat and light. Store in a cupboard or its original box.
How Long Do Haircare Products Last?
Hair products can go bad, too. Here’s what to know.
Shampoo and Conditioner
- How Long: 12–18 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Separates, smells bad, or doesn’t lather well.
- Tip: Keep water out of the bottle and store in a dry place.
Hair Sprays and Styling Products
- How Long: 12–24 months after opening
- Signs It’s Expired: Sticky or clogs the nozzle.
- Tip: Clean spray nozzles and store upright in a cool spot.
How Long Do Beauty Tools Last?
Your brushes and tools need care, too. Here’s how long they last with proper cleaning.
Makeup Brushes
- How Long: 1–3 years with good care
- Signs It’s Expired: Bristles shed or handles loosen.
- Tip: Wash weekly with mild soap and lukewarm water. Air-dry flat to keep their shape.
Makeup Sponges
- How Long: 1–3 months
- Signs It’s Expired: Tears, stains, or feels rough.
- Tip: Clean after every use and replace often to avoid bacteria.
Curling Irons and Hair Tools
- How Long: 3–5 years with care
- Signs It’s Expired: Frayed cords, uneven heat, or sticky plates.
- Tip: Clean plates with a damp cloth and store safely.
Easy Storage Tips to Make Products Last Longer
Want your beauty products to stay fresh longer? Try these simple storage tricks:
- Keep Away from Heat and Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place like a bedroom drawer, not a steamy bathroom.
- Use Airtight Containers: For creams and serums, airtight jars or bottles keep air out.
- Write Down Opening Dates: Stick a small label or use a marker to note when you opened a product.
- Clean Tools Regularly: Wash brushes and sponges to stop bacteria from growing.
- Organize Your Stash: Use trays or dividers to group makeup, skincare, and haircare so you don’t forget about products.
Quick Tip: Set a reminder every six months to check your beauty products. It’s like a mini cleanup for your makeup bag!
Your Beauty Product Expiration Cheat Sheet
Here’s a simple cheat sheet to keep track of beauty product shelf life. Save it, pin it, or print it for your next beauty declutter!
Beauty Product Expiration Cheat Sheet
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Wrapping It Up
Knowing how long makeup lasts and checking your beauty product shelf life keeps your skin safe and your routine working great.
By spotting expired beauty products, following the PAO label, and storing items properly, you’ll save money and avoid skin issues. So, grab your makeup bag and start checking those dates!
What to Do Next: Take 15 minutes today to sort your beauty products. Use our makeup expiration guide cheat sheet to make it quick. Got a favorite storage tip or decluttering hack? Share it in the comments!