You can’t bear to be parted from your favorite lipstick even though it’s started to look a bit iffy. We know you don’t want to throw away your favorite blush or mascara but makeup expiration dates are actually quite important. Why? Because cosmetics trap skin unfriendly bacteria that cause breakouts, skin irritation eye infections and worse. So when should you toss your makeup? Thumb rule: the more moisture the product contains—think mascara, liquid foundation—or the closer it comes to your eyes—liners, kajals—the shorter the lifespan once opened. Other give aways include a funny smell, a change in texture and visible mold. If your makeup is sitting on a window ledge or your dressing table is directly exposed to sunlight you’ll probably have to get rid of your beauty faves even faster. Scroll through our slideshow to know exactly how long you can use your beloved buys without worry.
It's time to TOSS it!
- Mascara
- Liquid Foundation or Concealer
- Lipstick, Lip Liner and Lip Gloss
- Nail Polish
- Powder, Eyeshadow, Bronzer and Blush
- Cream Eyeshadow, Bronzer and Blush
- Eyeliner and Lip Liner Pencils
- Primer
- Liquid Eyeliner
Shelf Life: 2-3 months
Toss it when: You notice clumps or it starts smelling weird.
Tip: Replacing your mascara regularly is very very important to stay infection-free. And don’t ever share your mascara.
Shelf Life: 6-12 months
Toss it when: The product has separated into layers or the color changes.
Tip: One way of keeping your foundation germ-free for longer is keeping your fingers away from the neck of the bottle. Drip a small quantity on your palm to keep infections at bay. The minute it starts to separate it’s time to junk it. Also keep it as far from sunlight as possible.
Shelf Life: 2 years for Lipstick and 1 year for Gloss
Toss it when: Lipstick become dry or gets moldy. Gloss gets sticky and smells bad.
Tip: A change in texture or color is a sure sign you need to toss it. If you have a favorite lippy, extend its life by storing in the refrigerator. At the store make sure to disinfect the formula before trying it on.
Shelf Life: 1 2 years
Toss it when: The formula starts getting dry and sticky or separates into layers.
Tip: Use a nail polish thinner—not acetone—to increase the life of your nail polish. Since heat and direct sunlight causes polish to separate and get discolored faster, store your lacquers upright in a cool, dry place.
Shelf Life: 2 years
Toss it when: Gets dry and flaky making it difficult to use.
Tip: These are the longest lasting color cosmetics you’ll ever buy! Just remember to use a brush to apply and clean your makeup tools regularly to prevent infections.
Shelf Life: 1- 1.5 years
Toss it when: When the product forms cracks or starts drying up.
Tip: Avoid dipping your fingers in the formula to prevent the spread of bacteria. Always use a brush and clean them regularly.
Shelf Life: 3-12 months
Toss it when: You will notice a white layer over the product or it starts feeling dry and hard to apply.
Tip: Store in a dry place to avoid germs. And like lipsticks and mascara, these fall into the category of ‘no-sharing please!’
Shelf Life: 1 year
Toss it when: It starts separating or becomes oily.
Tip: Keep it away from direct sunlight because this hastens the expiry of the product.
Shelf Life: 3-4 months
Toss it when: It becomes dry and starts smelling.
Tip: Just like mascara, don’t share your liquid eyeliner because germs are your biggest enemy in this part of your makeup bag.
