Most of the beauty products don’t come with an expiration date but they all expire after a certain time period. Their chemicals break down, oils change and bacteria builds up. It may not show a color change or grow mold but it becomes a health hazard after some time. You don’t want to use your favorite mascara risking your eyes. Usually, products come with a manufacturing date and an exact expiry date. Sometimes the exact expiry date isn’t mentioned instead a duration of 1-2 years is written which actually confuses a lot of women. That time duration starts right after you open a product.

Here is a list of beauty products and their shelf life:

Foundation and concealer: up to 12 months

Powder blush and bronzer: 6 to 9 months

Powder eyeshadow: 2 years

Cream eyeshadow: 1 year

Lipstick & Lipgloss: 1 – 2 years. The best way to tell this is by the smell and taste.

Mascara: 3 to 6 months

Eyeliner: 3 months for liquid eyeliner

Pencils (lip and eyeliner): 1 year to 18 months. Always sharpen your pencils regularly to keep them fresh.

Nail polish: 1 year

Moisturizers (creams and lotions): 2 to 3 years. 6 months to 1 year for organic products due to no preservatives.

Hairspray: 2 to 3 years

Brushes: Keep your make up brushes clean. Wash them with a mild detergent every month or every week if you use your brushes more often.

These are estimated time durations, remember that some products might last longer depending on the usage. If you don’t remember when you started using a product, you can write the date at the base with a permanent marker. This way you won’t forget when to toss away expired products. Also, you can save yourself from harmful bacteria by using products carefully. Avoid dipping your finger, instead use a clean brush to apply makeup. Although sharing is good but never share your make up products such as lip and eye products and if you want to use your products on someone else, then make sure to use clean brush and applicators.

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