Realistic Makeup Expiration Dates

When I initially became interested in makeup, one of the first books I picked up was Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro, which gives general guidelines as to when expired makeup should be tossed out. Dates range from 2 years for foundation to 18 months for lipstick to 3 months for mascara. However, the more makeup I acquired, the more I realized some expiration guidelines are simply unrealistic.

Makeup Expiration Dates by Product Type

Here’s what Brown recommends in Makeup Manual for when you should throw out your makeup:

Foundation (Liquid and Cream): 2 years
Concealer: 2 years
Powder: 2 years
Blush (Powder and Cream): 2 years

Mascara: 6 months
Lip and eye pencils: 12-18 months
Lipstick: 12-18 months
Eye shadow: 2 years

When to Really Throw Out Makeup

There’s a lot of factors that aren’t accounted for here like how often each product is used and how the product is used. If mascara is only used on special occasions, chances are it won’t expire in three months. Powder eyeshadow can also last a long time so long as it’s used a dry and not a wet brush.

On the other hand, expiration dates are more likely to be accurate because cream based products since they are more likely to harbor bacteria.

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