Does Makeup Have an Expiration Date? From Foundation to Lip Balm

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Makeup artist Daniel Vann explains if makeup expires & what can happen if you use it

Co-authored by Daniel Vann and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: December 17, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Does makeup expire?
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• Does unopened makeup expire?
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• Product Lifespans
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• How to Tell If Makeup Has Expired
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• Risks of Expired Makeup
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• What to Do With It
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• Extending Your Makeup’s Life
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• Video

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Psshh! Makeup doesn’t expire…right? Actually, it does. Just like your favorite foods, makeup products should be used within a certain amount of time. Using expired makeup isn’t a crime, but it can put you at risk of infection and breakouts. So, how do you know if your makeup has expired? Read on to learn all about makeup lifespans, when it’s time to toss a product out, and how to help your makeup last. We’ve even interviewed professional makeup and beauty stylists for their expert insights!

Makeup Expiration Dates

Makeup artist Daniel Vann says that makeup can expire and stop working as well as it did before—usually once it’s been open for longer than the number of months stated in the jar symbol on the packaging. For instance, mascara usually expires after 3 months, foundation after 12-18 months, and lipstick after 1-2 years.

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Section 1 of 7:

Does makeup expire?

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1. 
   Yes, makeup expires. Just like food, makeup expires! There’s even an expiration date on your favorite products marked inside a tiny open-lid graphic. The expiration date starts once the makeup is opened, and it’s best to use the product within the given timeframe. Why? Makeup is a hub for bacteria, and the longer you use it, the more bacteria can grow. Putting bacteria on your face can increase your risk of infection and breakouts. So, yes, makeup expires, and the expiration should be taken seriously.

   • On top of all of this, expired makeup also doesn’t work as well as it should. Expired products can be discolored, dry, or have other changes in consistency. This happens because the ingredients within the product have gone bad.
   • “After the [expiration] date,” says Vann, “your makeup changes in a way that it doesn’t work the same. It’s become different—it won’t break apart, doesn’t stay as long, or may even be a different color. Any of these are indications that—regardless of the expiration date—it’s time to get a new one.”
   • Why does makeup expire? Makeup expires because of bacterial growth and the breakdown of ingredients. Just like the ingredients in food, the ingredients in makeup can spoil or go rancid, and this is sped up by bacteria.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Daniel Vann is a makeup artist and licensed aesthetician who serves as the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area.

   Janet Miranda is a professional hair stylist and makeup artist with over 15 years of experience–including five seasons of New York Fashion Week and one season on Project Runway.

   Melissa Jannes is a beauty stylist, Brazilian Wax educator, and licensed esthetician who owns Maebee’s Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single-practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention.

   Katya Gudaeva is a professional makeup artist and the founder of Bridal Beauty Agency. She has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years.
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Section 2 of 7:

Does makeup expire if not opened?

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1. 
   Yes, makeup expires even if it’s unopened (but it may last for longer). While makeup that’s unopened has a longer shelf life than unopened makeup, it can still expire over time. Experts say that unopened, well-formulated products can last for years at room temperature in a dry place, but it’s still best to check older products before using them.

Section 3 of 7:

Every Makeup Product & Its Lifespan

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1. 
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   Lipstick: 1 to 2 years Cream and liquid lipsticks can typically last 1 to 2 years, depending on whether they contain water in their ingredients. Lipsticks that do have water generally last 1 year, while anhydrous lipsticks (those that do not have water) can last up to 2 years.

   • Throw out lip products if you get a cold sore to avoid getting another infection.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Katya Gudaeva

   Professional Makeup Artist

   Katya Gudaeva is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Founder of Bridal Beauty Agency based in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years and worked with companies such as Patagonia, Tommy Bahama, and Barneys New York and with clients such as Amy Schumer, Macklemore, and Train.

   

   Katya Gudaeva
   Professional Makeup Artist

   Expired lipsticks will have a specific smell. Expired lipsticks will smell like your grandma’s lipstick: musty and old. If your lipstick smells like this, it’s best to throw it away and buy new.
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   Lip gloss: 6 months Because a lip gloss applicator directly touches your lips, it’s prone to more bacterial buildup; therefore, it should be replaced within 6 months.
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   Lip balm: 6 months Lip balms that are cream-based can be used for at most 6 months. These products can get contaminated quickly because the lips have a lot of bacteria.
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   Blush: 6 to 12 months Liquid blush, powder blush, and cream blush all typically expire within 6 months to a year. Even so, it’s always best to check the product every month or so to ensure there’s no sign of mold or mildew. Professional hair stylist and makeup artist Janet Miranda explains that she usually changes “liquids every two years, and makes sure to smell creamier products because oils and creams have oils in them, so they tend not to last as long as powder, which can last a lot longer.”
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   Contour and Bronzer: 3 years Contouring products usually last up to 3 years if stored and used properly; however, it all depends on the formulation and how you use the product. If you place the applicator directly on your skin and back in the pan, it’ll likely expire sooner.

   • Tip: Powder-based products typically last the longest, thanks to their low water content.
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   Foundation: 12 to 18 months Water-based foundations typically last a year, while oil-based foundations can last up to 18 months. Experts recommend replacing foundation at least once a year, unless signs of mold, separation, or discoloration appear sooner.

   • Powder foundations tend to last longer than liquid foundations because of their low water content; however, they can expire faster if applied with a dirty applicator.
   • Tip: Foundation with a pump lasts much longer than those with screw-on tops, as the pump helps keep bacteria from getting into the product.
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   Eyeshadow: 6 to 9 months Powder eyeshadow can last up to 9 months if stored properly and only used with clean applicators. That being said, it’s always best to check your palette for signs of mold, especially if it’s older.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Katya Gudaeva

   Professional Makeup Artist

   Katya Gudaeva is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Founder of Bridal Beauty Agency based in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years and worked with companies such as Patagonia, Tommy Bahama, and Barneys New York and with clients such as Amy Schumer, Macklemore, and Train.

   

   Katya Gudaeva
   Professional Makeup Artist

   Dry products last longer than creams. Powder-based products can last for years because bacteria don’t thrive in dry environments. Creams typically have the shortest lifespan because they’re wet and require your fingers to apply, which spreads bacteria.
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   Eyeliner: 3 months Eyeliner has one of the shortest lifespans because it’s applied directly to the eyelid or waterline. Bacteria build up on the applicator and product quickly, and if not replaced regularly, could put you at risk of infection. So, always err on the side of caution and replace eyeliner at least every 3 months.

   • Pencil-style and gel eyeliners typically last longer than liquid eyeliners.
   • Pro tip: Sharpen pencil eyeliner regularly and clean it with an alcohol wipe to keep it fresh.
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   Mascara: 3 months Like eyeliner, mascara has a short lifespan because it’s applied directly to the face. Not replacing mascara every 3 months could put you at a higher risk of infection.

   • Throw out mascara if there’s a change in texture or smell, or if you used it while having an eye infection.
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    Concealer: 1 year Concealer could last up to a year, depending on the formulation and how it’s applied. Powder formulas typically last longer than liquid and cream formulas, says Vann. But, as a general rule, if the applicator isn’t directly applied to the skin, the product will last longer.
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    Highlighter: 6 to 12 months Cream-based highlighters should be used within 6 months, while powder-based highlighters can last up to a year if stored properly. The key to making sure your highlighter lasts? Use a clean applicator and avoid using your fingers.
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    Setting sprays and primers: 6 to 12 months Setting sprays and primers can dry out and change consistencies over time. That being said, it’s best to replace your setting sprays and primers within a year after opening for the best results.
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Section 4 of 7:

How to Tell If Makeup Has Expired

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1. 
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   Check the specified timeframe on the packaging. Look for a “small symbol” of an open-lid pot near the product’s ingredient list, instructs beauty stylist Melissa Jannes. In this tiny image, there will be a number and an “m.” This indicates how many months the product is good for after opening, or, Jannes adds, “how long the product is good for up until you should replace it.” For example, if a product says “12m,” it has a lifespan of 12 months after being opened.

   • The clock starts ticking once a product is opened! Say you opened a product 3 months ago but haven’t used it since. Three months of the expiration dates are still gone, even if it’s not something you regularly use.
   • Write down the date you opened a product to keep track of when it has expired.
   • Keep in mind that a product’s expiration date isn’t a foolproof way to determine its lifespan. Products may last less than the predicted lifespan, depending on how they’re stored and used.
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   Look for black, gray, or green mold on the product. Visible mold or discoloration is a clear indicator that your makeup has expired. If there is black, gray, or green growth on the product, avoid using it and throw it out immediately.

   • Mold is often visible on products within a pan, such as eyeshadow, powder foundations, and blushes.
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   Check for unpleasant smells. Many makeup products have pleasant, clean, or floral smells. If a product goes bad, however, “it’s going to have an odor, and it’s not going to smell the same as when you first bought it,” explains Miranda. If you use a makeup product and it has a foul or sour smell or taste, it’s likely expired and should be thrown away.

   • Foul smells are most common with expired foundation and mascara.
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   Look for color changes. Expired makeup can change color over time due to oxidation or air getting trapped in the product. The oxidation causes the product to change color and is a telling sign that the makeup has expired and should be thrown out.

   • This commonly happens with liquid foundations. For instance, an expired beige foundation may take on an orange color or tint.
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   Check for separation in liquid products. Liquid makeup products should not have visible layers or need to be shaken before use (unless otherwise specified on the product label). So, if your liquid foundation has oil sitting on top or several layers, it’s likely expired and should be tossed.

   • As a general rule, if your liquid makeup starts to look like a lava lamp, it’s gone bad.
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Section 5 of 7:

What happens if you use expired makeup?

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1. 
   Using expired makeup can cause skin reactions, clogged pores, and infection. While you can use expired makeup, experts strongly advise against doing so. Makeup has expiration dates to protect you from expiring ingredients and bacterial growth. Every time you use makeup, bacteria transfers to and from the product. If you put on expired makeup, you could experience:

   • Skin redness and irritation
   • Breakouts
   • Clogged pores
   • Even if your makeup hasn’t technically expired, you should still toss it if you notice a weird skin reaction that you haven’t had before, advises Jannes.

Section 6 of 7:

What to Do With Expired Makeup

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1. 
   The best thing to do with expired makeup is to throw it out. Using expired makeup can put you at risk of infections and increase your chances of a breakout. To protect your skin, it’s better to toss expired makeup out. Even if you suspect a product has expired, it’s best to be safe and buy a new batch. Your skin will thank you!
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Section 7 of 7:

How to Make Your Makeup Last Longer

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1. 
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   Wash your makeup brushes regularly. Minimizing the spread of bacteria can help your makeup last longer. Dirty makeup brushes can cause infection and contaminate your products. Experts recommend washing your makeup brushes and applicators every 7 to 10 days to avoid bacterial growth. Follow these steps to wash your makeup brushes properly:

   • Rinse the tips of the brush under lukewarm water.
   • Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of clarifying shampoo.
   • Swirl the brush in the bowl.
   • Rinse the brush tips under running water.
   • Continue shampooing and rinsing until the water runs clear from the brush.
   • Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel.
   • Lay brushes flat to dry.
   • You can also use a makeup brush cleaner to wash your brushes. Just be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully.
   • For instructions on cleaning a beauty blender or sponge, click here!
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   Wash your hands before applying makeup. Before you put on any makeup, give your hands a good wash. This can help prevent more bacteria from entering your products. So, as a general rule, always handle makeup with clean hands.
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   Store your makeup properly. Store makeup in a cool, dry environment. Surprisingly, the bathroom isn’t the ideal place to store your makeup. Bathrooms are moist and can get hot and steamy every time you shower or bathe. This makes them one of the worst places for makeup—it’s an ideal breeding ground for mold! So, keep your makeup outside of the bathroom and other hot or steamy places. Instead, store your makeup in your bedroom closet or a dark drawer.

   • Even if your makeup is stored in a sealable bag, it can still be affected by heat and moisture.
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   Avoid sharing your makeup. No matter how much your bestie begs to use your lipstick, the safest and best thing to do is say “no”—it’s for health, after all! Sharing makeup can spread bacteria and germs. Not only does this speed up the ticking clock of your makeup’s lifespan, but it can also cause people to get sick.
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   Avoid using water or saliva to “revive” expired makeup. While it may seem tempting to try a trendy hack to bring life back into an expired product, it’s not worth it—trust us. Adding water or saliva to makeup spreads bacteria, making the expired product even worse for your skin. For the sake of your skin, always replace products instead of trying to revive them.
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