Here'southward exactly when y'all should throw away your makeup

Some beauty products last longer than others.
Dexailo/Shutterstock
The INSIDER Summary:

  • Makeup doesn't concluding forever, but when y'all should throw information technology out depends on what kind of production it is.
  • Products like foundation, primer, blush, and eyeshadow tin last for up to ii years.
  • Lipstick is typically skilful for one year afterwards you've opened it.
  • Eye makeup like mascara and liquid eyeliner should exist replaced every 3 months.


Many people don't realize that, like anything perishable, makeup has an expiration date.

Besides the fact that old makeup doesn't hold up too well, if you lot're not careful, it can fifty-fifty be harmful to your skin and cause irritation.

Most beauty product labels have an open jar symbol that indicates how long information technology will last later on you open it, merely the US currently doesn't require cosmetics to have an expiration date. And when you should throw out makeup differs depending on the kind of product.

Hither'southward how long each type of makeup typically lasts:

Lipstick should exist thrown out after about a year.

You should have a few lipsticks at your disposal.
maccosmetics/Instagram

Products for the face, similar foundation and primer, typically last for up to 24 months from the appointment they're opened.

This Clinique foundation is good for two years.
Chloe Pantazi/INSIDER

Blush will keep for ii years.

Pulverization or cream blushes tin harbor leaner if you're constantly touching them.
Voyagerix/Shutterstock

Eyeshadow volition also last for effectually two years.

Expensive eyeshadow palettes are worth the money.
Shutterstock / Darya Sushaya

Bonus tip: Every bit with all products you're dipping makeup brushes or your fingers into, you'll want to make sure that you regularly sanitize products (and make clean your brushes!) to forestall spreading bacteria.

Pencil eyeliners tin last for up to a twelvemonth after opening.

Pencil eyeliner won't attract as much bacteria as liquid eyeliner.
bowie15/iStock

Liquid eyeliner should be replaced every three months or and then.

The minute liquid eyeliner becomes dry, throw it out.
Tuayai/iStock

Similar liquid eyeliner, mascara has a curt shelf-life of effectually iii months.

The FDA cites industry experts who recommend replacing mascara every bit frequently as every three months.
Brianna Arps/INSIDER

Bonus tip: Throw out mascara when it becomes dry, and don't add water or saliva to information technology, the FDA warns. Both can add bacteria to the production, which could lead to eye irritation.

Deal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Keep reading