How long do you wait to throw out your makeup? Six months? A year? Maybe you just use it until it runs out? Well, chances are good that you should really be swapping out your makeup before this point! As we step into Spring, it’s time to give your makeup a once-over and refresh the old with new product!
While it can seem that you can keep using makeup until you have finished using the product, makeup actually DOES have an expiration date. Cosmetics break down over time or germs can build up on the old product, making your makeup past its prime. Not only does this affect performance, but it can also cause skin problems as bacteria builds up within the products and on sponges and applicators – this can lead to annoying problems like acne breakouts!
You likely won’t find an expiration date on your makeup products but on some containers, you will see a graphic icon with an open lid and the letter M with a number. That number can tell you how long the product should last. If you don’t see this graphic icon, here is a general guideline of how long common makeup products last:
- Brow powder: 2 years
- Eyeliner (liquid): 3 months
- Eyeliner (pencil sharpened periodically): 2 to 3 years
- Eye shadow (liquid): 6 months
- Eye shadow (powder): 6 to 9 months
- Mascara: 3 months
- Lip balm: 6 months
- Lip balm with sunscreen: 6 months, or the expiration date printed on the package
- Lip gloss: 6 months
- Lip plumper: 6 months
- Lipstick and lip liner: 2 years
- bb cream: 6 months
- Blush (cream): 6 months
- Concealer: 1 year
- Foundation (liquid): 1 year
- Powders (mineral makeup, powder blush): 2 to 3 years
While there are no set rules, keeping these guidelines in mind as you use your makeup products can help ensure that you aren’t using old makeup. Additionally, you can look for a few different signs of your makeup products that can indicate that your makeup has expired. If you notice a distinct bad smell, change in consistency (such as a foundation that separates), color change, or a different look on your skin, it might be time to toss your makeup.
If you’re in the market for some easy-to-apply everyday foundation or CC cream, we have several tinted moisturizer options that can work well for a low-maintenance routine that also include SPF, such as Revision Skincare’s TruPhysical Intellishade. Stop by our office to look at the full line and give your makeup routine a refresh for Spring!
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Sources for the above information include The American Academy of Dermatology. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
