What You Really Need to Know About Makeup Expiration Dates

Instagram/ @tamirajarrel

We know you don't want to throw away your favorite blush or lipstick, but abiding by makeup expiration dates is actually incredibly important. Why? Cosmetics trap bacteria, which means replacing them regularly is necessary to avoid skin irritation, breakouts, eye infections, and styes. (And it's not just your makeup formulas-check out what happened when we tested bacteria levels on makeup brushes.)

But here's a caveat: Unlike the contents of your fridge, the use-by date on your makeup products relies on the first day you use them, not the purchase date. So how do you know when to toss that foundation or mascara? Separation or changes in texture or smell are dead giveaways the product has gone bad.

The more moisture the product has-or the closer it comes to your eyes-the shorter its life span.

While it's crucial to look out for those telltale signs, it's still helpful to get a general idea of how long each product is meant to last. Click through our slideshow for exactly how long you can use your favorite products without worry.

Elnora Turner / ByrdieВ


Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation $44Shop

Shelf Life: six months to a year


Key Ingredients

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen production, and prevents premature aging of the skin.


Chanel No. 5 Parfume $125Shop

Shelf Life:В eight to 10 years

Tips:В Fragrance is the longest-lasting product in your beauty routine-by far! Max out your perfume's shelf life by keeping your scents out of direct sunlight. (Some brands like Le Labo even suggest storing them in the fridge.)

Lipstick, Liner, and Gloss

Nars Lipstick $28Shop

Shelf Life:В one year

Tips:В It's time to toss your favorite lip products when you notice a change in their texture-whether that means they dry out or they get goopy. Make your favorite red last longer by keeping it in a cool, dry place. (Read: Don't leave it in your hot car!)

Brow Pencil and Kohl Eyeliner

LancГґme Le Crayon KhГґl Smoky Eyeliner $26Shop

Shelf Life:В one year

Tips:В Pencils last longer than most eye products since they're constantly being sharpened. Keep your liners away from your steamy bathroom to extend their life.


Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Mascara $7Shop

Shelf Life:В three months

Tips:В Replacing your mascara regularly is incredibly important to avoid eye infections. Switch out every three months (or sooner if you notice the formula getting clumpy or starting to smell funny, which means it's gone bad). And, of course, don't ever share mascara!

Liquid Eyeliner

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner $18Shop

Shelf Life:В three to four months

Tips:В Just like mascara, don't share your liquid eyeliner-germs are your biggest enemy in this part of your makeup bag.

Blush and Powder

Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush $10Shop

Shelf Life:В two years

Tips:В The longest-lasting color cosmetics you'll ever buy, powder-formula blushes last around two full years.

Cream Blush and Multiple Sticks

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm $23Shop

Shelf Life:В 12 to 18 months

Tips:В Toss cream blush and вЂњmultipleвЂќ sticks (as in, products you can use on your cheeks and lips) if you notice a change in their texture.

Always use clean hands when applying any product to help keep the tubes and pots germ-free.

Eye Shadow

Le MГ©tier de BeautГ© Eye Brightening & Setting Powder $36Shop

Shelf Life:В three to six months

Tips:В While powder shadows can last as long as powder blushes (about two years), they should be replaced more often since they're used around your eyes.

Nail Polish

JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Nostalgia $18Shop

Shelf Life:В one to two years

Tip:В Heat and direct sunlight will make your polish separate and become discolored faster, so store your lacquers upright in a cool, dry place.

Gel Eyeliner

Stila Smudge Pot $20Shop

Shelf Life:В two months

Tip:В Unfortunately, a pot of gel eyeliner should only be used for a few months since it easily traps bacteria.