How Long Does Makeup Last

Here is a brief guide on how long does makeup last, it contains all the information that you need to know.

Liquid Foundations & Cosmetics with Liquid or Cream

• Expiry: 6 months

Liquids like primer are more likely than solid, powdered formulas to grow bacteria and mold because of their very water or oil-based existence. You are transferring external bacteria into the substance because you continuously put your fingers and makeup brushes into the makeup.

Powdered Foundations & Cosmetics Formulated With Powder

• Expiry: 24 months

Since there is no water to deal with, there is a longer shelf-life for powdered foundations, bronzers, eyeshadows, and blushes. Remember, bacteria can be spread by even powdered items.

Lotions & Eye Creams for the Face

• Expiry: 3 – 12 months

The water or oil base of face lotions and eye creams has a two-fold problem, much like liquid makeup. First, the wet environment makes them a bacterial breeding ground, and second, the active ingredients may degrade or become more potent as the base gradually evaporates or separates.

When you use anti-aging or acne products that are intended to be applied at a specific strength, this is especially bad. Check the bottle for expiration for acne products.

Eyeliner, Mascara & Oil

• Expiry: 3 months

Eye products have one of the shortest life cycles of all cosmetics, largely due to the continuous transfer of bacteria from the applicator of makeup to the skin. Mascara appears to dry out and clump up which makes it less usable over time.

Eyeliners & Lip Liners on Pencil

• Expiry: 24 months

Pencil eyeliners and lip liners are a little different from most other cosmetics because you have to regularly sharpen them to optimize their efficacy, removing the old, potentially bacteria-laden pieces.

Lipstick & Lip Gloss

• Expiry: 18 – 24 months

While lipstick and lip gloss have a higher content of water or oil than some other products, you can still use them longer because it is relatively easy to cut away or remove sections that are dried out or contaminated.

Nail Polish

• Expiry: 12 months

One of those things that tend to build up and hang around is nail polish. There is not as much chance of bacterial transmission to your eyes or mouth because it is applied to your fingers and toes rather than your face, but that doesn’t mean you can keep wearing your 2005 hot red polish.

Cosmetics of Design

• Expiry: 3 – 6 months

It is important to understand that all-natural cosmetics do not have the same shelf life as those that contain chemical preservatives if you are an “all-natural” kind of gal or man. Additives and oils based on plants can go bad over time.

Final Word Over

Discard items for makeup and skincare that do not pass the sniff test or the usability test, then use what you have learned to make better purchase choices in the future.