When to throw away old makeup + Makeup Expiration
We all know that our makeup has a shelf life, but I am willing to bet that 95% of us (myself included) tend to ignore those expiration dates. Additionally, it’s very easy to collect way more makeup than necessary – I know I have fallen prey to beauty blogger and youtube recommendations more than once! After years of collecting eyeshadows and concealers I had to finally ask myself the question, “How long do I have before I need to throw this makeup away?”
After doing some research, I compiled the most commonly accepted makeup expiration dates along with some helpful tips for making smart makeup purchases in the future.
STEP 1: Group your current makeup collection
First before you do anything else, pull out ALL of your makeup and organize your products by category (i.e. face, eyes, lips – or if you have a ton of products get even more granular: foundations, powders, eyeshadows, eyeliners, etc.).
STEP 2: Clean your makeup storage solution(s)
Once everything is grouped out in the open then take a minute to clean your makeup drawer or organizer or medicine cabinet (wherever you’re storing all of your products). One thing to note is that makeup will last longer if stored in a dry, cool, place – so while it’s convenient to store it in your bathroom it is not the ideal location when trying to make these things last!
STEP 3: Clean your makeup brushes
Take one more minute to clean your makeup brushes – if you’re like me (and I am willing to bet you are on this one) you definitely do not wash your makeup brushes enough so do yourself a solid and take care of it right now.
STEP 4: Throw away old makeup products
Get a trash bag ready and use the below as your guide.
Makeup Expiration Guide:
EYES
- mascara – 3 months
- liquid eyeliner – 6 months
- eyeliner pencil – 1 year
- cream eyeshadow – 1 year
- powder eyeshadow – 2 years
LIPS
- lip gloss – 1 year
- lip liner – 2 years
- lipstick – 2 years
FACE
- cream/liquid foundation – 1 year
- concealer – 1 year
- face powder – 2 years
- cream blush – 1 year
- powder blush – 2 years
Makeup Shopping Tips:
BUY TRENDY ITEMS IN SAMPLE SIZES
If you want to test out a seasonal cream cheek color, a colorful liquid eyeliner, or any mascara (3 months does not give you a ton of time to finish a tube of mascara!) try to buy in sample sizes whenever possible. Sample versions of my favorite makeup and skincare products are often available on www.birchbox.com
ONLY KEEP ONE OF EVERYTHING
That’s right, the rules of a curated wardrobe apply to a curated makeup collection. Buy the best quality versions of your staples and stop yourself there. You will be more likely to use up your makeup before it goes bad this way!
CHOOSE ITEMS THAT DON’T REQUIRE FINGER APPLICATION
When you are putting your finger into a cream pot of concealer or eyeshadow, the bacteria from your fingers will increase the rate at which that item goes bad. Using a clean brush each time will slow the bacteria building process – or just avoid makeup products that come in pots… because who has time to clean their makeup brushes every single day?

Kait is the founder and editor of A Clean Bee. She is passionate about discovering natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable ways to clean and organize her home. Kait has been featured in online publications such as NBC News, Oprah Magazine, BuzzFeed and PopSugar for her expertise in natural cleaning techniques. She enjoys spending her off-time outside in her garden with her husband and their two small boys.
Oh my gosh, KAIT!!! I read your expiration list twice and winced each time. lol I am a retired, disabled teacher so I hardly ever wear makeup. ALL of mine is in the trash as of tomorrow morning! Thank you so much for your articles…I will be reading all of them. We are moving to a Senior citizen apartment so we will be DRASTICALLY downsizing. I am planning to read any and all articles you have on downsizing. (I come from a long line of “keepers” so it’s a challenge.) lol Merry belated Christmas and a blessed 2023 for your and yours.
Warm regards~
Cricket
Thanks Cricket for this message! I hope you have a smooth move/transition, hopefully you will find some of my articles to be of help during the process! <3