Did you know your expired makeup tells you when it’s time to discard it? I wish expired relationships worked the same, but let me get back on topic!
Hi, I’m Mia and I’m a makeup hoarder, who has a tough time parting with my mocha, terracotta, latte, cappuccino, cafe, bronze-colored foundations, lipsticks, and eyeshadows.
Expired Makeup & Why It’s Hard For Me to Get Rid Of
Raised in part by my beautiful grandmother, who was a firm believer of the waste-not, want-not mentality, I admit I keep and wear my makeup longer than I should, especially eyeshadows! I have eyeshadow palettes that launched in 2017 — no lie!
Honestly, though, I can count on one hand the lipstick tubes and foundations I have used from entirely from open to empty.
As a new year ritual, I focus on letting go of stuff that no longer serves me, and that includes my expired makeup. If Spring Cleaning is reserved for the home, the top of the year is definitely reserved to declutter my makeup stash.
Believe it or not — makeup does expire, and you really should do your best to adhere to the expiration dates on products to get optimal use and finish of your makeup products.
Here’s an Instagram reel I created to show where to find the expiration dates on makeup products.
When To Get Rid of Makeup
Overall, a good rule of thumb is to discard makeup once they start to crumble, separate, or change colors.
- Foundations: Discard after 12 – 18 months, but some can be as short as 6 months
- Blush: Forever! (I’m joking) Discard after 24 months
- Face and Setting Powder: 12 months
- Mascara: 3-6 months max!
- Pencil Eyeliner: 24 months, recommended sharpening with each new use
- Liquid Eyeliner: 12 months
- Lip Products: 18 months
Please note these dates are recommended and should not be taken as medical or manufacturer’s advice.
Makeup Tip
If you find that you are throwing your makeup away quicker than you can use more than half of the product, I recommend purchasing the travel size of products to save money to ensure that you’ll use the majority of the product. The only way to receive more is to get rid of the excess, so let the expired makeup go, sis!
