Beauty 101: Expiration Dates for Makeup (Part 1)

There are lots of things with expiration dates.  For example, my car registration due next month, credit cards, the margarita mix in my fridge,  and the most common of all,  food items.

And then there’s makeup. One look in my makeup stash last fall made me aware of how much prehistoric makeup I’d been hoarding over the years without paying too much attention to the expiration dates.

Ignorance is bliss right?

Well, here’s the awful truth.  The longer you use your makeup after the recommended “toss” date, the more likely bacteria will multiply on and in your makeup…and the greater risk of infection.

Let’s all squeal one collective, “Ewwwww…” and then continue reading to learn what the shelf life of your cosmetics really are according to Marie Claire Magazine.

Makeup Expiration Dates:

• Bronzer and Blush–  2 years
• Concealer– 12 to 18 months
• Foundation- 1 year
• Powder and Powdered Eyeshadow– 2 years
• Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner- 3 months
• Pencil Eyeliner- 2 to 3 years
• Cream Eyeshadow- 12 to 18 months
• Lipstick and Lipliner- 1 year
• Lipgloss- 18 to 24 months
• Nail Lacquer- 1 year

Were you surprised by any of the expiration dates?  I was most surprised that nail polish only lasts a year!

Stay tuned for “Part Deux: Makeup Expiration Dates” next week to learn more about what you can do to keep your makeup clean and maximize the shelf life of your makeup!