Guideline for when to throw out expired makeup

by Kelly Gray

We all know that we need to toss old makeup, but when?  It can be quite confusing.  Sometimes the actual expiration date is on the container and sometimes there is a symbol of a jar with a number.  The number on the jar represents how long the product is good for once opened (typically). If the symbol is an open jar that means the number located on the symbol is the number of  months it is good for after opening.  If the symbol is a closed jar that is the self life regardless of when it was opened.   Here are a couple guidelines to help.  Note:  Not all products are the same, this is just a general guideline.

 

  • Concealer: one year
  • Cream blush - 1 year
  • Eyeliner - 3 months
  • Eyeliner pencil - 2 years
  • Eyeshadow - 1 year
  • Foundation - 1 year
  • Lip Balm - 1 to 5 years
  • Lip Gloss - 1 year
  • Mascara - 3 months
  • Nail Polish - 1 year
  • Powder Blush - 2 years

 

Back to Journal