Makeup & Personal Care Expiration Dates

When you think of makeup, you probably think of all the different powders, creams, and lotions that you use to enhance your natural beauty. What you probably don’t think of is how expired cosmetics can wreak havoc on your skin-in this article we’ll tell you how long you can keep various cosmetics, why some last longer than others, and why a long shelf-life isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Written by Andrea Lewis

How Long is it Safe to Keep Makeup?

Different types of makeup can safely be used for different lengths of time. Here's a list of common cosmetics and how long they can be used after being opened, if you are using traditional preservative-filled products:

Foundation: 6 months for liquids, 2 years for powders

Mascara: 3 months

Eyeliners: 3 months for liquids, 2 years for powders

Eyeshadows: 6 months for creams, 2 years for powders

Lipsticks and lip glosses: 2 years

Lip liners: 2 years

Hair care products: 1 year

Sunscreen: 6 months

Skin care products (such as facial cleansers and moisturizers): 6 months to 1 year (if the product contains FDA regulated acne medication it will contain a specific expiration date on or in its packaging)

Nail polish: 1-2 years

Fragrance: 2 years