Just like your wardrobe, you can hold on to items for years and not use them. But unlike clothing, beauty products can go bad, and when they do, using them can be unhealthy and even harmful. The best way to avoid this is to keep from hoarding multiple products with the same purpose at the same time. But if it is unavoidable (don’t worry, we do it too!) stay on top of each item's expiration date with Beautylish’s helpful guide.
1. Moisturizer
Face cream can lose its freshness after six months. Make sure to seal correctly to make it last longer and avoid bacteria buildup.
2. Nail polish
While technically your favorite bottle lasts only one year, the real test is a simple shake. If color remains separated even after a quick rattle, toss it.
3. Lipstick
The best way to tell if a hue has become tainted? Give the tube a quick sniff. You will be able to smell if it’s gone sour, which usually is after three years. Lip gloss can turn after about a year and will become too sticky in texture.
4. Mascara
Fortunately, it’s easy to know when your mascara has gone bad: the dried up liquid becomes dry, clumpy, and hard to apply. Plus, old mascara can contain unhealthy bacteria, so ditch the tube when the liquid becomes pasty—usually after three months.
5. Perfume
Good news, Beauties: Your favorite fragrance will usually last up to eight years after it has been opened. Want to keep it smelling fresh even longer? Store it in the fridge! Oxidation—the process that changes a scent—happens quicker in warm environments.
6. Brushes
It’s simple to tell when your brushes are ready to be dumped: Just eyeball them. If the bristles are pinched, frayed, or falling out, it’s time to invest in a new brush.
7. Sunscreen
Luckily, most tubes have expiration dates on them, which is typically about one year. So don’t start hoarding in the summer—just buy as needed.
Dec 08, 2011
Kayla N.
If you sanitize makeup it can expand the lifetime. :)
But people should really follow these rules. <3
This is your skin, lip, and EYE health!
Dec 05, 2011
Cindy G.
I feel bad when I have to throw away my makeup
its like I'm losing a little part of me
its so sad :'( lol jk
Dec 06, 2011
Annie C.
Dec 03, 2011
Christina L.
The only makeup products I ever owned, in which expired, was one mascara and one Burt's Bees lip balm. My lip sticks and stuff never go bad.
Dec 02, 2011
Bella P.
And also, store your perfume bottles away from the sun, because that also makes the oxidation process happen quicker.
Dec 02, 2011
Cinya B.
Dec 02, 2011
Elizabeth N.
Hmm. store my perfume in the fridge? -Okay I'll give that a try :)
Very helpful article!
Dec 01, 2011
Jasmine P.
8 years for perfume! That's amazing and such good news :)
Dec 01, 2011
Jessica B.
What ive heard is can keep powder eyeshadow for about 2 years, while cream eyeshadow you should only keep for about 16 to 18 months, and of course you have to make sure of things such as using a clean brush everytime you put it on, how many times you clean your brush, and PLEASE don't EVER use the same makeup again once you've had pinkeye or any sort of infection in your eyes. You'll just be smearing it onto everything and then you won't just be throwing away expiration dates! :)
Dec 01, 2011
Ashley M.
i just got rid of a bunch of makeup recently cause it smelled funny or looked funny... every few months I try to go through my stuff and get rid of the yucky ones
Dec 01, 2011
Yumi R.
I've actually stopped buying as much makeup as I used to because I think it's gross to keep anything longer than 1 year for liquids and 3 years for powder. I keep a lot of my skincare in the fridge especially my eye cream since it's a nice pick me up in the morning :)
Dec 01, 2011
Katie H.
This article really helps a lot! This is completely random, but doesn't anyone have any idea what brand of eyeshadow palettes are in the picture?