Is Your Makeup Expired? Why It Might Be Time For An Overhaul

There’s nothing wrong with an expansive makeup collection (trust us, we have one too), but when you’re keeping more than you’re tossing, you might have some seriously expired products on your hands. From mascaras to lipsticks, we have the life expectancies of every item on your vanity. You may be surprised with how little you’ll be left with once you get rid of the items that have overstayed their welcome.

Keep Or Toss

Liquid Foundation

Shelf Life: 6 to 12 months

Keep out of moist environments (like your bathroom) and away from heat (warm temperatures encourage the growth of the bacteria). Keep an eye out for a change in color or the formula separating.

Lipstick And Lip Gloss

Shelf Life: 12 to 18 months

Lipsticks and lip glosses contain oily ingredients that can spoil over time and even let off a rancid scent. Look for changes in texture, which may come in the form of going on your lips in a streaky or clumpy way.

Mascara

Shelf Life: 3 months

Every time you take the wand out and insert it back into the tube, airborne bacteria contaminates the formula which can later makes its way onto your eye. Throw it out once it develops a distinct, gasoline-type smell (seriously, gasoline).

Concealer

Shelf Life: 12 to 24 months

The life expectancy of a concealer depends on how well you take care of it. Cleaning the surface in between uses and storing it in a cool place can help it last up to 2 years. Once it gets thick and oily and the color begins to change, it's time to toss.

Liquid Eyeliner

Shelf Life: 3 months

Just like mascaras, liquid eyeliners are easily contaminated and can irritate or infect the eye. Even if there is no shift in color or smell, dispose after 3 months.

Blush

Shelf Life: 2 years

Powdered products (including foundation and eye shadow) don't retain moisture, which means they last longer. Making sure your brushes are clean in between uses can also help keep blush free of bacteria. But if a grayish film forms on the surface, get rid of it.