How Long Does Your Makeup Last? When Should You Throw Out Each Product?

The makeup products you buy for everyday life, special occasions and sometimes a "no-makeup" makeup look are an important part of your life. You wear makeup to change your mood or show off your style. But have you ever thought about the shelf life of the products you buy? Or do you know what happens when you use makeup past its expiration?

Why Do Makeup Expiration Dates Matter?

Let's agree on one thing: no product that gets used up can keep its contents fresh forever. The same goes for makeup. When you use expired makeup on your skin, you can harm your skin health, because instead of a hygienic product, you'll be using a product that increases the risk of infection.

Foundation in particular penetrates your skin. Eyeshadow and eye pencils are in close contact with the eye area. Because the eye area has delicate skin, it is very prone to infection and allergic reactions.

In terms of product performance, using an expired product is also a bad idea. The ingredients in makeup can break down over time. The product's color and texture can change. Besides unwanted results in your makeup, your skin can also be damaged.

When Should You Throw Out Each Makeup Product?

Every makeup product has a different lifespan. We know these questions are on your mind: When does mascara go bad? How long does lipstick last? How old is the eyeshadow I used the other day?

Let's take a closer look at makeup expiration dates together.

• Foundation: You should pay attention to the shelf life of every makeup product. Foundation tops the list, because it forms the base of your makeup and is the product used most on the skin and in direct contact with it. You should use up your foundation within 6 months to 1 year of opening it. If you keep using it past that time, you can harm your skin. So how can you tell foundation has gone bad? Its texture may break down, it may smell different and its color may change.
• Mascara: We can almost hear you asking, "When does mascara go bad?" Mascaras last 3 to 6 months, and since they are in contact with your lashes, you need to watch their shelf life. Otherwise, your lashes may fall out and your eyes may become irritated.
• Blush: Blushes are like foundations, but they last longer. They can be used for 1 to 2 years. You can tell your blush has gone bad when its smell and color change.
• Lipstick: Lipsticks are the most deceptive of all makeup products. Even when they go bad, their color may not change, but their smell does. Once the 1 to 2 year usage period has passed, we recommend paying attention to their smell.
• Eyeshadow: If your eyeshadow is liquid, the answer to "How many years can you use eyeshadow?" isn't very satisfying. Liquid formulas last 6 months to 1 year, while powder formulas last 1 to 2 years.

What Are the Signs That Makeup Has Gone Bad?

There are some common signs that makeup has gone bad. A change in smell is one of them. Without exception, every makeup product that has gone bad changes in smell. There may be visible changes in texture, but this doesn't happen with every product. For example, you may not see a change in the texture or color of an expired lipstick, but you'll notice the difference in its smell.

Ways to Extend the Life of Your Makeup

1. Don't leave your makeup products open.

2. Don't leave your makeup in direct sunlight or in very hot places.

3. Take care to store your makeup in a cool, dry place.

4. Instead of touching your makeup with your hands while it's in the container, use a tool. It can be a makeup brush or sponge, but always clean it before each use.

What Should You Keep in Mind When Using Makeup? What Are the Most Common Mistakes?

Being meticulous with your makeup and keeping expiration dates in mind helps protect you from the harm caused by spoiled products.

1. Keep your makeup brushes and sponges hygienic. Make sure your hands are clean before you start your makeup.

2. Check the expiration dates of your products.

3. Moisturize your skin before makeup. Aim for soft skin rather than dry skin.

4. Know that the answer to "How should makeup be stored?" is away from the sun, in a cool, dry place.

The most common mistakes are simply doing the exact opposite of the points above.