How Often Should I Replace my Makeup?

We’re all guilty of it – the years-old makeup crime. We declutter most aspects of our lives but completely neglect our ever-growing beauty stash. Well, it stops here today with this guide on how often you should replace your makeup!

In an ideal world, our favorite makeup products would last forever. But in reality, regardless of whether they’re brand new or nearing their use-by-date, all beauty products go bad. Worse still, these expired products can cause skin and health problems if not disposed of on time.

So, alongside their average expiration dates, we’ll also be including the signs your makeup has gone off. Let’s get to it!

How Often You Should Replace your Makeup

(and the signs it really really needs replacing)

Foundation

Lifespan: 6 months to 1 year after opening. 

If you notice an ‘off’ odor or change in color that’s matched by a change in texture – the formula is finished.

Concealer

Lifespan: 1 year.

Much like foundation, if it smells funky or just looks plain weird, it’s time to say goodbye.

Mascara

Lifespan: 3 months.

Signs of expiration to look out for in mascara are an overwhelming smell and a dry, flaky texture.

Lipstick

Lifespan: 1 year

Any beading of moisture, white spots, foul smells, or chalky texture means it’s time for the bin.

Eyeliner

Lifespan: 3 to 6 months.

If, upon application, you notice your eye watering or becoming more irritated than usual, that’s a sure sign your liquid eyeliner has expired.

Liquid Eyeliner

Lifespan: 3 months.

If you notice any color changes and the consistency of your liquid liner changes and it doesn’t glide on, as usual, it has expired. 

Powder Eyeshadow & Blush

Lifespan: About 2 years.

Powder makeup is a tough one to decipher; however, as for most makeup, keep an eye out for any texture or scent changes.

Brushes

Lifespan: 3 years with good care.

Brushes need replacing if they have lost their original shape, are shedding excessively, and don’t apply makeup adequately.

Nail polish

Lifespan: 2 years.

A gooey, thick texture that clumps on the nails is a guaranteed sign your nail polish has gone bad. 

How to Prolong the Life of Your Makeup?

Keep Products Closed Tight and Away From Sunlight: Many of the ingredients found in makeup formulas can oxidize if exposed to oxygen, essentially changing their make up (excuse the pun.) Exposure to sunlight can also chemically alter your makeup products, making them unusable.

Store Products in Cool Temperatures

Most experts recommend that skincare and makeup products be stored somewhere between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 -10°C.)

Clean Your Tools Regularly

Be sure to keep your brushes in pristine shape by cleaning them weekly using a mild detergent. Ideally, makeup sponges should be replaced - believe it or not - weekly (or whenever it becomes overly stained.)

Use Your Product Brushes Wisely

If you’ve touched a product brush, don’t dip it back into the pot. If you do, you risk contaminating the formula with bacteria. Instead, pour some of the product onto your hand and apply it from there. 

Finally …

When it comes to the question, “How often should I replace my makeup?” we hope we’ve answered it comprehensively above! All that’s left to do is dig through your makeup bag, declutter, and treat yourself for your hard work by refilling the empty space with new makeup products!