How to Refresh Your Makeup Collection

Does makeup expire? How to spot the signs of expired makeup in your makeup collection according to makeup expiry dates, product storage, and product type.

No matter the time of year it’s important to take note of your makeup collection and observe any changes in the texture smell and performance of your go-to products as this could indicate expired makeup. When was the last time you refreshed your makeup bag? Spring is the perfect time to take stock of your beauty product collection and toss any expired makeup. Whilst you’re tossing any old products do a quick check to make sure the colors in your collection are still working for you. Perhaps it’s time to try a new lipstick shade or a darker foundation.

Importance of replacing expired makeup

Using expired makeup and makeup products past their expiration may seem harmless but with the products touching lips and eyes on a daily basis makeup expiry dates aren’t just something you should ignore. With bacteria often found to be present in expired makeup¹ regularly replacing your makeup products is an essential thing to do.

The expiration of your makeup products isn’t always easy to establish. Whilst there are no set laws surrounding when you should toss your old makeup experts often provide recommendations on makeup expiry dates and how to identify expired makeup.² Typically brands will provide a “Period After Opening” suggestion on their product packaging as a general indication but there are a few more considerations you should take.

The location where you store your makeup products can speed up the lifetime of your makeup. Storing your makeup products in an area like your bathroom for example can leave them susceptible to heat steam and humidity which can accelerate the growth of mold and yeast in your makeup products. Similarly cream products can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria whereas in powder products often have a longer makeup expiry date thanks to their low water content so they’re not as likely to grow mold and bacteria.³

If you notice any change in your makeup products it’s time to toss them! Cream and liquid formulas separating mascaras drying out or lipsticks smelling bad are all indicators of makeup that has gone bad.

Lip Product Expiry Dates

Think about when and how you usually apply your lipstick. You often start your day with a swipe of color onto freshly moisturized lips. That’s one thing but your touch up process is also a factor. Using the included applicator of your lipstick or your lip gloss to apply product directly after eating may not be the most hygienic! Always keep an eye on your makeup products for signs of makeup expiry. Manufactures typically recommend makeup expiry dates as: lip gloss 12-18 months after product opening and 18-24 months for lipsticks. If your lip products have expired (or are close to it) switch it up with a new lip product from Lancôme. For creamy all-day wear try: L'Absolu Rouge Hydrating Lipstick and for a glossy effect try signature Juicy Tubes Gloss. Or try our NEW L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink an ultra-pigmented lightweight semi-matte liquid lipstick .

Makeup expiry dates:
Lip Gloss: 12-18 months
Lipstick: 18-24 months

Eye Makeup Expiry Dates

Eye makeup is perhaps the most important product of all to consider when it comes to makeup expiry dates. As eye makeup products get regular exposure to microbials in their daily use they pose a risk of eye infections.⁴ Mascara is one key product that is recommended to be replaced 3 months after opening but if you start to notice the product drying out or not performing as well as it used to it’s time to replace it. If you’re wanting to refresh your mascara try Lash Idole Mascara for a fluttery feathery lifted lash or Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara, our best-selling mascara for extra voluminous lashes. Liquid eyeliners typically have a similar recommended expiry date as mascara whereas eyeshadow is dependent on if the formula is a cream or powder.

Makeup expiry dates:
Mascara: 3 months
Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months
Pencil Eyeliner: 24 months
Powder Eyeshadow: 12 months
Cream Eyeshadow: 6-12 months

Face Makeup Expiry Dates

As you perfect your base with foundations concealers and cheek products like blushes and bronzers make sure you’re not clogging up your pores with expired makeup. Expired makeup can cause a number of skin issues including allergic reactions acne and skin irritation. If you usually rely on your face makeup for sun protection replace your face makeup products after six months.⁵ Skip the expired makeup and instead freshen up your makeup routine with a lightweight tinted moisturizer such as Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation or try Teint Idole Ultra 24h Long Wear Foundation if you prefer a fuller coverage. Once perfected create a rosy glow with Blush Subtil our silky oil-free powder blush.

Makeup expiry dates:
Face Primer, Foundation and Concealer: 12-18 months
Powder Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter: 12-24 months
Cream Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter: 6-18 months

Is it time to refresh your makeup collection? Shop Lancôme makeup now.

1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28646837/
2 https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/shelf-life-and-expiration-dating-cosmetics
3 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-toss-your-makeup/
4 https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-shelf-life
5 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-toss-your-makeup/