How soon should you replace your beauty products?


Do you know that eyeshadow palette that you have had in the drawer for years that you don't throw away because one day you might need it? Be aware that it may be unsuitable for use on your skin.

Although we have the habit of checking the expiration date of foods and medicines, many women are not in the habit of doing this with makeup. Worst of all, being on time on the label does not mean that the product is good as it begins to deteriorate from first use.

Applying contaminated makeup can lead to allergies, irritations and even more serious infections. Therefore, you need to keep an eye not only on shelf life, but also on how long a product remains suitable for use after opening.


When to replace your beauty products

Check out the following infographic and use this information to clean your drawers:

Eyelash Mask: 3 months

Even if it is within its expiration date, the mask can deteriorate long before that due to the constant in and out of the applicator, which favors the air entering the package.

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From the moment the mask is opened, it provides a perfect environment for the proliferation of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, which can even cause an infection in the eye region.

Thus, eyelash masks usually have good conditions of use for a maximum of three months after they began to be used. When observing changes such as changes in texture and odor, do not hesitate to discard them.

Gel and liquid eyeliner: 4 to 6 months

The deterioration of the eyeliner happens in the same way as in eyelash masks: by removing and placing the applicator in the pot, we are facilitating the entry of air and microorganisms.


If your eyeliner has a thicker, drier and more brittle texture, it's time to throw it away, even before 6 months.

Liquid lipstick and gloss with applicator: 6 to 12 months

Liquid lipsticks and lip gloss on applicator packaging present the same problem as masks and eyeliner: their use causes a lot of air to come into the middle of the product. Therefore, they should be discarded after a maximum of 12 months of use.

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Changes in color, texture and odor are a sure sign that you should throw the product away immediately.

Bases and concealers: 6 to 12 months

The concentration of water and the injection of air into the package are two factors that contribute to the deterioration of the bases and corrective liquids. In addition, we often use our fingers to apply these products, bringing microorganisms into the bottle.

If contaminated, these products can clog pores, cause irritation and allergies and cause serious bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. If your base begins to detach or becomes crowded, get rid of it as soon as possible.

Creamy foundation, eyeshadows and blushes: 12 to 18 months

Because they have a higher amount of oil in their composition, creamy bases are more resistant than liquid ones.

Already shadows and creamy blushes are losing compared to powder versions, which are less subject to contamination.

Read also: Dermatologist warns: 8 things you should never use on skin

Lipstick without applicator and pencil: 1-2 years

Because they have a high oil and wax content, stick lipsticks and pencil erasers do not offer ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms, so they are usually safe to use for 1 to 2 years.

Another advantage of the pencil is that when we point it, we remove the most superficial layer, which usually houses most microorganisms.

Eyeliner: 2 years

Like the pencil, the eyeliner is made predominantly with waxes and oils, which reduces the risk of germ contamination. Again, sharpening the pencil helps remove the surface layer, which poses the most dangers.

Foundation, eyeshadow, blush and other powder products: 2 years

Powdered products can last up to two years because, due to the low amount of water in their composition, they are less prone to germ contamination.

However, you may need to replace your makeup before this time because powder products can become too compact, making it difficult to unpack and apply them correctly.

Read also: Online Store Guide for Buying Makeup and Other Cosmetics

Tips to extend the life of your makeup


There are some recommendations you can follow to make your makeup last longer. These include where the products are stored, which should be away from moisture. That is, leaving the toilet in the bathroom is not a good idea.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before using any product to avoid contaminating it. Also, try to close the package tightly as quickly as possible, reducing exposure to air.

If you have had any conjunctivitis episodes, you should scrape the shadows well and sharpen the pencil several times to eliminate the contaminated layers. But the eyelash mask has no salvation: it needs to be discarded.

In the case of cold sores, you can cut off a layer of lipstick and soak the rest in alcohol to eliminate any remaining microorganism. Avoiding lending your products to other people is also a good idea.

When in doubt about the viability of your makeup, you already know the rule: if the product has changed color, smell or texture, it is no use trying to recover. It should be discarded to prevent the development of skin problems.

The Exact Order You Should Apply Your Skincare Products — Before Makeup | The Real Deal | InStyle (March 2024)


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