When Good Products Go Bad
Preservatives are added to cosmetics to kill bacteria that are introduced through everyday use. But cosmetics do expire. As soon as you open a product, it begins to deteriorate. Heat, sunlight and even air exposure speed up the expiration of a product. There are things you can do to lengthen the lifespan of cosmetics, such as keeping jars and bottles tightly closed, storing them in a cool, dark and dry place – definitely not in the bathroom – and only applying products with clean hands and applicators.
If makeup gets dried out, or changes consistency or smell, toss it. Never add water or any other liquid to moisten dried-out products; all that does is introduce even more bacteria. Below you’ll find a list of products and their expiry dates. These are general rules – some products can last longer, some less, depending on how they’re stored and used – but it’s safe to say that anything that’s been in your makeup bag for the past five years needs to go in the trash.
Foundation
Six months to one year, depending on how the product is packaged. Those in opaque glass bottles or jars tend to expire faster. If you see the foundation separating, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has gone bad – a lot of foundations separate naturally, and need to be shaken before use; however, changes in smell and texture are a sure sign you need to get rid of it.
Concealer
Six months to one year. Always use a clean brush or applicator.
Powder
One to two years.
Blush
One year for powder blushes, and six months to a year for cream blushes.
Mascara
Three months, maximum. Mascara has the greatest risk for infection, because every time you remove or replace the brush, air pushes bacteria into the container – which is also why you shouldn’t “pump” a mascara wand – and never share it.
Nail Polish
One to two years.
Eyeshadow
One to three years for powder formulas, cream shadows last six months to a year.
Eye and Lip Pencils
One year. You should sharpen them at least once per week, even if you don’t use them, to prevent transferring bacteria to your eyes or mouth.
Lipgloss and Lipstick
One to two years. If it smells rancid, throw it out. You can store lipstick in your refrigerator to lengthen its lifespan. Wand-style glosses expire more quickly because as with mascara, every time you remove or replace the wand, air pushes bacteria into the product.
Cleansers, Exfoliators and Toners
One year. Always use clean cotton pads or swabs with toner and keep bottles tightly closed.
Moisturizers
Six months. Face and eye creams contained in jars are less hygienic and therefore tend to expire faster. If possible, stick to those in tubes or pump bottles.
Sunscreen
If there is no expiration date listed on the product, a safe rule of thumb is one year.
Fragrance
One year. Keep perfume out of direct sunlight, in a cool area and tightly closed. Although some people believe refrigerating fragrance makes it last longer, this isn’t true. Just like heat, cold can also have a negative effect on perfume.
Brushes and Sponges
Wash brushes using a mild cleanser or baby shampoo. Eyeshadow brushes should be cleaned at least every two weeks. Concealer brushes should be washed daily and powder and blush brushes once per week. Sponges should be washed after each use and tossed every week.