How Long Do Cosmetics Last? - [] Gabriela Margall

How Long Do Cosmetics Last
Since it’s difficult to know just by looking at a product when it expires, here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind: –

Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year. Water-based foundation typically is good for a year, while oil-based foundation is good for about 18 months. Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years. Lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.

Minimizing the spread of bacteria in makeup starts with using clean applicator brushes. The brushes used to apply your makeup should be washed every seven to 10 days to avoid bacteria growth. Following guidelines for expiration of makeup products is the first step in protecting yourself against any potential health risk from your cosmetics.

How long do most beauty products last?

The Shelf Life of Your Skincare Products So many skincare products, so little time. Really, it’s easy to become obsessed with all the delectable offerings promising smooth, glowing skin. But there is a downside to having a robust skincare arsenal: the products don’t last forever.

Time is ticking on that jar of collecting dust in your beauty cabinet.
So, how long do skincare products really last? We spoke with Teresa Stenzel, esthetician and director of education at, for more on the ins and outs of product shelf life.
Meet the Expert Teresa Stenzel is an esthetician and the director of education for skincare company Biolements, where she helps develop new facial and body treatment techniques.

For most skin and body care products, there’s an easy way to find out how long the shelf life is. Simply look on the container for a tiny image of an opened jar with a number on it: six, 12, 24, or 36. This refers to the number of months you can use a product after you’ve opened it.

Mind blown, right? If the product doesn’t have this symbol on the container, one-to-two years is a good rule of thumb for the shelf life, unless otherwise stated on the packaging.
While products can vary, in general, unopened products have a shelf life of approximately two years when stored properly,” says Stenzel.

“After a product is opened, it should be used as directed, within one year. Of course, this does not apply to over-the-counter products like or acne formulas, which will have an expiration date listed on the packaging.” Use your best judgment—if you think it’s time to toss it, it probably is.

A bad or rotten smell
The product has separated
The texture has changed
The color has changed
There are black, green, or blue mold spots

A word about preservatives: There are many small, independent skincare companies these days that sell products directly to consumers. Many of these, as well as organic products in general, do not use preservatives. In these cases, the products have very short shelf lives, especially if they’re packaged in jars.

Consider storing these in the, and use them quickly.
Certain products are required by the FDA to have an expiration date on them, including sunscreens and acne treatments that contain active ingredients like or,
Toss any sunscreen or anti-acne treatments that are past their expiration dates.
Products that contain acids should not be kept beyond their expiration dates.

Any item that’s packaged as a single-use product—usually called an ampoule—should be tossed immediately after the first use, even if there are leftovers. As Stenzel explains, holding on to a product past its expiration date can wreak havoc on your skin.

If you don’t finish your product within one year, several things can happen,” says Stenzel. “First, invisible bacteria can thrive in old products, especially in a humid environment like your bathroom. If applied to the skin, this bacteria can cause irritation, rashes, or breakouts.” Stenzel adds that every time you stick your finger in a jar of skin care, you’re contaminating it.

“I recommend that you always make sure your hands are clean when applying skin care, to help lessen the risk of contamination. It’s just good hygiene.” In addition to the health concerns, Stenzel notes that a product simply won’t be as effective over time—yet another reason to ditch it.

The active ingredients won’t be as active.
So throw it out.
And really, if your exfoliating mask or vitamin C serum is still hanging around in your bathroom after a year, that means you probably didn’t love it, right?” An unopened product that’s still sealed may have a shelf life of at least three to five years.

However, this timeframe will likely be shortened if the item is stored in a sunny, hot, or humid environment. Keep your skin care in a cool, dry place—ideally not in the bathroom. Make sure water does not get into the container, as mold may develop over time.

Also, it’s best to buy products that are in sealed containers like pumps instead of jars, as they tend to have a longer shelf life.
Wash your hands before applying any skin care to your face or body so that you don’t get dirt or bacteria into the product.
You can use a clean spatula or a baby spoon to keep the container free of contaminants.

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration., Updated February 25, 2022.

: The Shelf Life of Your Skincare Products

Does lipstick go bad?

– All lipsticks have a shelf life of 2 years. If yours is more than 2 years old, then it’s time to throw it into the bin. You see, using an expired lipstick can cause irritation and inflammation on the lips. Hence, in this case, prevention is better than cure.

Why change mascara every 3 months?

How Long Does Mascara Last? – According to the FDA, there are currently no laws regulating the in the United States. This means cosmetic manufacturers aren’t required to list an expiration date on their products. As previously mentioned, expired eye makeup can cause redness, itching and other forms of eye irritation.

So although you probably won’t see an expiration date printed anywhere, you should get in the habit of replacing your mascara every three months.
After this 90-day period is up, most mascara formulas tend to dry out and clump up–a condition that provides less than ideal eyelash coverage.
And every time you remove the wand from the tube, you expose the formula to a multitude of germs and environmental pollutants.

It’s also worth noting that high heat and humidity levels can adversely affect the stability and shelf life of most cosmetics. When you regularly leave your mascara in a hot car, for example, the formula will break down faster due to an accelerated rate of bacteria and fungi growth.

If you’re in the habit of storing your beauty products in extreme heat, you’ll need to replace them even more frequently.
So when in doubt, throw that mascara out! But what about all the single-use plastic cosmetics that are rapidly filling up our oceans and landfills? Happily, the world’s first zero waste beauty line has a solution.

What do I do with old makeup?

2. Find a local disposal center – If you’re unable to get the majority of the product out of the bottle, throw the entire thing in the trash. Or bring it to a local disposal center. Most accept makeup as hazardous waste and have scheduled dates on their website when you can bring them in.

Does makeup last 5 years?

– The expiration dates you see printed on makeup or on the packaging are guidelines for after the product has been opened. It can be hard to find out when sealed, unopened makeup expires since it’s not stamped on the packaging. Generally, if properly stored in a cool, dry place, most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years.

Does skincare ever go bad?

Yes, your skincare does expire! – Believe it or not — your skincare does expire! It’s important to be mindful of how to understand product expiration dates to make sure you’re using up your skincare before they go bad. This is especially important for products like sunscreen where the protection will degrade over time leaving you susceptible to sun damage.

Other products like serums or lotions that have gone rancid can lead to unnecessary skin issues like acne or dermatitis, It’s always better to be safe than sorry — especially when it comes to your skin health! Generally, most skincare products can last 30 months on the shelf and 10-12 months after opening,

But, there are several ways for you to check so you can be 100% sure! Let’s break them down.

Is it OK to use expired skin care?

When to Throw Out Skin Care Products – Expiration Dates How Long Do Cosmetics Last Photo: OlgaMiltsova/Thinkstock Spring is here—and the change in season may have you switching up your skincare routine. But if you’re digging out last year’s lightweight moisturizer, check the expiration date. Most opened products lose their effectiveness after one year and some even sooner, according to cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson.

Expired products may not only lack potency, but could also cause an adverse skin reaction.
If you’re unsure how old something is, the general rule is to toss anything that has significantly changed in color or odor, or separated, clumped, thickened or thinned, says cosmetic chemist Mort Westman.
All are signs that the product has gone bad.

To be completely sure it’s time to let go, here’s a complete list of how long to keep your skincare products.

Moisturizer Unopened: Two to three years Opened: Up to one year

How Long Do Cosmetics Last Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen/Thinkstock Sunscreen Unopened: Two to three years Opened: Six months to one year Photo: IngaIvanova/Thinkstock Treatment Products (such as facial serum, retinoids, AHAs or Vitamin C) in A Pump or Tube Unopened or Opened: No longer than one year Photo: merznatalia/Thinkstock Treatment Products in A Jar Unopened: No longer than one year Opened: Up to six months How Long Do Cosmetics Last Photo: Purestock/Thinkstock Masks Unopened: Two to three years Opened: Up to one year* *For cream or gel masks. Clay masks tend to dry out once opened, so they may last only six months. : When to Throw Out Skin Care Products – Expiration Dates

Can you use 6 year old makeup?

When does makeup expire? – Some skin products, from sunscreen to foundation and other makeup, include a printed or stamped expiration date on their packaging. Others show a length of time that a product can be used after it’s been opened — this is displayed with a graphic of an open jar with a number inside.

Start the warm season each year with a fresh supply of sunscreen. Liquid eye makeup, including eyeliner and mascara, should be disposed of after three months of use. Immediately dispose of it if you develop conjunctivitis (pink eye), a stye or other eye infection, so that you don’t re-infect your eye or spread the infection from one eye to another. Liquid concealer or foundation should be thrown out after a year. Pencil cosmetics, such as certain eyeliners or lip or brow pencils, should also be disposed of after a year. Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown away after one to two years of use. Even if your lotion, sunscreen or makeup hasn’t reached its recommended disposal date, it’s best to get rid of it if you note a significant change in texture, color or smell.

Should I let my 14 year old daughter wear makeup?

Makeup for tweens and teens: What’s appropriate? Whether it’s their first Bonne Bell Lip Smackers or playing dress-up with their mothers’ lipstick, many girls start experimenting with makeup early. For tweens and teens, one of the rituals of back-to-school time is the fight with Mom over what is and isn’t age- and school-appropriate.

And, yes, that discussion is starting earlier.
Though women ages 18 to 64 are using less makeup, tween girls (ages 8 to 12) are using more, according to a new report from market research firm the NPD Group.
For instance, since 2007, the use of mascara by tweens — presumably those on the older side — has increased from 10% to 18%, and eyeliner from 9% to 15%.

For parents, this means “it is our opportunity and responsibility to ensure that these girls are educated on the role of beauty in the most responsible way,” Karen Grant, a group vice president and global industry analyst for NPD, noted in a news release about the findings.

Tweens Now let’s be clear, most people probably would agree that young girls should not wear makeup. There’s a reason children’s beauty pageants elicit an almost universal cringe; playtime aside, there is something inappropriate about young girls painted like grown women. But there’s no denying that they watch what adults do and want to experiment.

Celebrity make-up artist Joanna Schlip, who says she “learned how to speak tween” when researching her book “Glamour Gurlz: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Great Make-up and Gurl Smarts,” has some ideas for parents whose daughters take an early interest in beauty.

Tweens shouldn’t wear a full face of makeup, she says, “but if they’re really insistent, to make them feel big-girl pretty they can use sunblock as their ‘foundation,’ cherry Chapstick or clear gloss as their ‘lipstick’ and you can get them to use clear eyebrow gel to groom their brows and they can also use it as mascara.

So it’s really no makeup, but they feel like they’re putting something on. And SPF is great and protects them from the sun.” Schlip has worked on well-known celebrities, glamorous ad campaigns and magazines including Seventeen, Teen Vogue and Cosmo Girl.

She knows from experience that pictures of celebrities and models in magazines are not a faithful representation of what they look like in real life. Parents should teach their daughters that there is a difference in what they see in magazines and what is real. “It’s manipulated; it’s advertising,” she says.

“Photography is an art form in and of itself, as is retouching. Incredible images take a whole process and a whole team of people. We’re talking about a great photographer, lighting, the best hair, makeup — and retouching after all of that.” During the tween years, parents should also begin teaching girls that when the time comes to wear makeup, they should never share cosmetics, because of the health risks.

It spreads conjunctivitis and other diseases,” Schlip says. Girls this age also need to know that beauty “is about their actions, how they behave and how they carry themselves, and no amount of makeup can beat a smile — it’s amazing. I’ve seen it a thousand times,” Schlip says. “Beauty is derived from who you are as a person.

It’s from the inside out. Especially in Los Angeles, I think that that tends to get lost.” Teens Once the tween years are past, teens will want to start wearing makeup, but what’s appropriate for one age isn’t for another. “I used to say that when a girl begins to menstruate, that’s when they should start wearing makeup,” Schlip says.

But that’s not even appropriate anymore because some girls get their period at 7.” Cosmetics guru Bobbi Brown has a new book out for teens and twenty-somethings called “Beauty Rules: Fabulous Looks, Beauty Essentials, and Life Lessons” that provides some tips and guidelines. “When they’re going to bar mitzvahs, or around seventh grade, is when mothers tend to allow girls to leave the house with makeup,” Brown says.

But parents, of course, make varying decisions and should take into account factors such as their daughter’s school environment, personality and maturity level. Brown and Schlip both say makeup should be appropriate to both the occasion and the age of the teen.

When you talk about 13, it is really different than 15 and 17 — every year it changes,” Brown says. Ann Shoket, editor in chief of Seventeen magazine, says teens do understand that celebrities have a team of makeup artists putting them together and that achieving that look daily is unrealistic. “Girls also see reality TV and hanging around the house, looking a mess, kicking their feet up.

“For school, girls really want to look like themselves,” she says. But for special occasions, “girls are definitely wearing more makeup, and it goes from looking natural, which is what you want at school, to having fun with your makeup, which is what you want at a party where it’s about experimenting with bold colors, sparkle and even fake lashes,” Shoket says.

“Makeup is just fun, and that’s the way that girls are viewing it.” Brown describes appropriate makeup for school as “fresh and pretty.” Focus on the complexion and skin health first. Some teens with skin issues may need foundation, but most teenagers don’t, Brown says. Opt for tinted moisturizer instead.

Also, use concealer for under-eye dark circles and touch-up sticks to cover blemishes, if needed. “Mascara, a touch of blush, sheer lips or lip gloss, and that’s really it,” Brown says. “Blush color should be the color you get when you pinch your cheeks.” She adds that sparkle and shimmer are great “because they’re pretty transparent.

So can choose colors that you just swipe on the eyelid — like a silvery-pink — just not a lot. Bur no red lips and no smoky eye for school.” Brown says earth-tone shadows can work too, but stay away from brightly colored shadow. Both Brown and Schlip are surprised at girls wearing black liner to school.

But it’s not that the teens are leaving the house that way with full parental approval. “The parents who think that they’re stopping their teens wearing makeup to school — they’re only fooling themselves because what they do is that they go into the bathroom and they share,” Schlip says.

“And sharing is the worst thing that they can do because of how dangerous it is to their health.” She adds that mothers have a great responsibility here to teach their daughters about makeup. Mothers and teens may even want to go in together for a makeup lesson. As for shimmer and sparkle, “this is the age where they really want to do it,” Schlip says.

“Just save that for special events like a Justin Bieber concert, bar mitzvah, birthday party, pep rally or dance. But for math class or history, you just don’t want that all over your face.” Brown says that as every year goes by, teens can add darker colors and more definition.

Is 20 too late to start skincare?

If you’ve never had a proper skincare routine but now your skin is changing with age and you’d like to start taking more care of your skin, you may be wondering if you’ve left it too late to start a routine. The short answer? No. It’s never too late. Read on to find out about the basics of a skincare routine and where to start.

Never had a skincare routine? Perhaps you’ve been blessed with great skin and have always ‘got away’ with a quick soap and water wash, maybe a bit of moisturising cream when the weather turns colder. Maybe you’ve been too busy living life to give time or thought to a skincare routine. Maybe you’d rather spend the extra minutes in bed than applying lotions and potions.

Whatever your reason, if you do come to a point in your life when you want to adopt a regular skincare routine, then rest assured that it’s never too late. At a basic care level you don’t need to do more than keep your skin clean and comfortable, but doing more can help your skin look its very best, especially as you get older, and can make you feel good, too.

How to start a skincare routine Start with a simple 3-step skincare routine of – 1.
Cleanse 2.
Nourish 3.
Hydrate – to get into good habits of looking after your skin consistently, morning and night.
This consistent approach is so important; in the same way we can’t expect results from sporadic healthy eating or exercising, the same goes for your skincare routine.

Once you’ve established good skincare habits with a simple routine, you can add in extra products if and where you need them.

Cleanse your skin The first step of any skincare routine is to remove dirt, make-up and bacteria with daily cleansing – this will be the number one best thing you can do for your skin. Left on the skin, this accumulation can cause dryness, dullness, redness, spots, irritation all manner of skin complaints that can be very easily sorted with daily cleansing. Our Willowberry Nutrient Boost Cleansing Balm melts away dirt, make-up (even eye make-up) and impurities whilst nourishing and hydrating skin. Our balm is luxurious, spa-scented and a joy to use, making it a great cleanser to start off your new routine.

Nourish your skin Once your skin is clean, it’s important to protect the skin’s natural barrier function (AKA the first line of defence against dirt, pollution and stress) and boost nourishment with a good quality natural face oil. This is our desert island skincare product – it makes a real difference to skin and leaves it brighter, smoother, even-toned and with a natural glow. Our Willowberry Nutrient Boost Face Oil is ultra-light and easily absorbed, so it’s ideal for first-time face oil users. Press a few drops of this radiance-in-a-bottle into the skin after cleansing for a smoother, more glowy complexion.

Hydrate your skin Once your skin is nourished, add a final layer of hydration with a moisturising cream to smooth skin, tackle dryness and help it to feel more comfortable. Our Willowberry Nutrient Boost Day Cream is a nourishing yet easily absorbed day cream and contains skincare superhero ingredient Hyaluronic Acid, renowned for both attracting and holding moisture in the skin (it can hold up to 1,000x its own weight in water), for superior hydration.

Extra products for your skincare routine Once you’ve established a basic skincare routine, you can add in additional products for any specific skincare requirements you may have. For instance: Exfoliator Exfoliators work by removing dead skin cells to smooth, brighten and renew the complexion.

Our Willowberry PHA Liquid Exfoliator uses polyhydroxy acids which are gentle enough for daily exfoliation, and suitable even for sensitive skin.
Eye Cream Skin under eyes is thinner and more delicate than on the rest of the face, which is why this area is much more prone to dryness, lines and dark circles (the darkness you see is the blood visible underneath the skin’s surface).

So it stands to reason to specifically look after the under-eye area, with products specially designed for it. Formulated for grown-up skin, our Willowberry Reviving Eye Cream contains an active complex of pomegranate extract, green tea, probiotics and caffeine to reduce puffiness, hydrate and brighten the eye area.

It is an ultra-light cream, so as not to overload the thinner under-eye skin. Then there are serums, face masks, lip balms, essences, spritzes But here’s the thing: Enjoy your skincare! Do what makes you feel good because when we feel good that’s when we look our best. No matter what our age. Dive in, find the skincare routine that works for you and have fun, because it really is never too late.

Don’t forget SPF SPF is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine. Apply SPF30 (at least) to the face and neck every morning – whatever the weather – to protect skin from harmful UV rays, which not only cause visible damage to the complexion but can also cause skin cancer.

Can eyeshadow expire?

When should I throw away my eyeshadow palette? – When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.

Why throw away old lipstick?

Conquer The Clutter – Empty bottles, dirty makeup brushes, and expired foundation abound. It may come as no surprise that having your skincare drawer in abysmal conditions can cause a headache. According to Psychology Today, our environment can have a significant impact on our emotions and behaviors.

In short, clutter can cause us to experience negative effects like heightened anxiety levels or an inability to focus. Makeup and skincare products, especially when expired, can harbor harmful bacteria. When not disposed of properly, this can linger in your skincare drawer and further contaminate your products.

To begin conquering the clutter, first make a list of what your “must-haves” are. While you need mascara, you might not need five different bottles of it. In fact, ophthalmologists recommend changing up your mascara every 3-4 months! You might also have some miscellaneous items in your skincare drawer.

What is the lifespan of eyeshadow?

Does eyeshadow expire? – Yes, your eyeshadow does expire, so you need to keep an eye on it. Generally—depending on what kind it is—make-up is made to last somewhere between one month to two years. Eyeshadow, especially powdered eyeshadow, is a lot longer lasting though, and usually doesn’t expire for two to three years,

However, this timeline shortens a bit when it comes to cream or water-based eyeshadow. Some of these products, such as cream eyeshadow, contain oils, which can break down over time and cause the product to go bad. Preservatives in all make-up break down over time though, so even a powdered eyeshadow palette isn’t recommended for use past the three-year mark.

According to the FDA (opens in new tab), there are some other factors to consider when it comes to your eyeshadow’s shelf life, too. If your eyeshadow is regularly exposed to moisture, dry air, or bacteria from fingers or other dipping instruments, it could go bad quicker. How Long Do Cosmetics Last (Image credit: Getty Images / Steve Kraitt)

The best eyeshadow for dark skin : from creamy mattes to flawless shimmers, these are our top picks How to clean your makeup brushes : here’s what you need to know Eyeshadow inspiration: the celebrity-approved ways to wear eyeshadow

Can I still use expired eyeshadow?

Why do makeup expiration dates matter? – Makeup that hasn’t been used yet but is past its labeled expiration date likely just won’t work as well. It can dry out or otherwise change in consistency, color or smell, and components of the makeup can separate.

If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria. This can make your skin more likely to break out, become irritated or even introduce infections, Liquid makeup, especially, is prone to becoming a home for growing bacteria over time. Eye makeup can potentially introduce serious infections in the eyes.

When it comes to sunscreen, old products are unlikely to harm you, but they might not protect your skin as much if they’re expired or have been open for a long period of time. How to choose the best sunscreen