We’ve all held onto that perfect eyeshadow palette or go-to lipstick well past its expiration date—but using old makeup can lead to breakouts, infections, and irritation. Here’s your guide to knowing when it’s time to finally let go of those beauty favorites collecting bacteria in your makeup bag.
Have you ever wondered what causes breakouts, skin irritations, or dryness? It might be time to take a closer look at the expiration dates of your makeup products, as using cosmetics past their prime could be the reason your skin is reacting.
Let’s be honest: we’ve all been guilty of using eyeshadow palettes or lipsticks past their expiration dates because the shades are staples in our makeup bags. If it still works, why toss it, right? But over time, it gets harder to track when exactly you bought each product, making it trickier to know when they’ve truly expired. Still, staying organized with your makeup is key to maintaining healthy skin and a natural glow. Your skin will thank you in the long run—and with updated products, your makeup might even look better too.
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The Not-So Pretty Side Effects Of Expired Makeup
Here’s what can happen if you don’t throw out that expired foundation, lipstick, or eyeliner you’re struggling to let go of:
Bacterial Growth Increases. This can cause pink eye (conjunctivitis), styes, and other irritations.
Reduced effectiveness, especially with SPF. This can cause sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and other skin damage caused by exposure to the sun.
Allergic Reaction or Irritation. As time goes by, the chemical compositions and formulations of the product change, which can negatively affect the skin barriers.
Mold Formulation. Mold can grow in liquid and cream products, which can harbor moisture, as well as powder products if not stored properly.
Cracking the Code: When to Toss What
Now you’re probably wondering, when do I discard what item?
On most cosmetic products, you’ll notice a small open container symbol on the back or bottom, marked with a number and the letter “M” (such as 6M or 8M). The symbol is called PAO (Period After Opening) and indicates how long the product remains safe to use after it’s been opened. The number of months serves as a guide to help you know when it’s time to toss items from the cosmetics bag.
A general guide for makeup products:
Foundations, Concealer, Liquid Blushes or Highlighters: Six months to a year.
Eyeshadow: One to two years.
Mascara or Liquid Eyeliners: Three months
Pencil Eyeliners: One to two years
Powders: Two years
Lip Products: One to two years.
Aside from expiration guides, other good indicators that a product is no longer serving you include changes in color, texture, or smell.
Tips for a Cleaner Beauty Routine
After learning about the PAO of your makeup products, a helpful tip is to label each item—using masking tape or a label maker—with the date you opened it or the date you need to throw it out. Keeping your makeup kit organized can help reduce skin reactions and potential infections caused by using products for too long.
In addition, don’t forget to store your products in cool, dark places away from heat and humidity. If you’ve been keeping them in the bathroom, you may want to reconsider, as bathrooms tend to be warm and damp during showers, conditions that can significantly affect the consistency and shelf life of your makeup.
Lastly, if you tend to use your hands when applying makeup, make sure to wash them thoroughly beforehand to prevent transferring bacteria to your skin or into the products. It’s also a good idea to avoid dipping your fingers directly into products or touching the openings. Instead, let the product drip onto your fingers to keep your application more hygienic and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
