When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.
Your skin may react to product ingredients if they have reached their expiration date. This could lead to redness or irritation. If bacteria get into an open container or onto a brush, they can multiply rapidly and cause breakouts or other infections.
Unopened eyeshadows can last anywhere from two to three years if stored properly. Once opened, however, powder shadows may begin to degrade after six months and should be replaced within one year for optimal results.
The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas. Therefore, they don't harbor as much bacteria as other, liquid makeup products.
As a guideline: Foundation, primer, blush and eyeshadow may last up to 2 years. Lipstick should last for one year after it is opened. Eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner would need to be replaced every three months.
Generally, experts agree that using eyeshadow that is slightly past its expiration date shouldn't case you too many issues. However, it isn't recommended, and you shouldn't use eyeshadow that you know is well past its expriation date.
It can dry out or otherwise change in consistency, color or smell, and components of the makeup can separate. If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria. This can make your skin more likely to break out, become irritated or even introduce infections.
Most formulas—liquids, creams, and compacts—can last up to a year if kept out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. But once your liquid starts to separate, your cream thickens, or your compact color develops a rubbery aroma, it's time to toss it.
We highly recommend going through your makeup and checking to see if any products have been around for way too long. It would be a good idea to throw those out as they more than likely have expired, you do not want to put your skin at risk of contracting any kind of irritation or infection.
Celebrity makeup artist Stephanie J Lacorcia says used makeup may can contain bacteria that causes skin, hair follicle or fungal infections. “Contaminated eye products can transfer infections like conjunctivitis, while the herpes infection can be contracted from any lip products,” she says.
With age, the skin around our eyelids are more prone to lines and wrinkles, and you may see loss of density in your lashes. To bring back life to your eye area, Katsuk says matte eyeshadows are the way to go. “The general rule of thumb for smoother texture is to use more matte shades on the eyelids.
Heavy Glitter
Eye shadows with too much glitter might feel young, but they can have the opposite effect. These shimmery sneaks are aging us. Instead of brightening up your complexion, they exacerbate the appearance of dry skin or fine lines.
One common cause of eye infections, especially in women, is eye makeup. This is particularly true when eye makeup is used past its expiration date because old eye makeup can contain high levels of germs. Maintaining good eye makeup hygiene is important to prevent eye infections and irritation in and around the eyes.
When Do Eyeshadow Expire? Each makeup product varies in expiration date. But since eyeshadows are prone to air-exposure, the average eyeshadow usually lasts between six to 12 months only. But please bear in mind that different brands will also have different shelf-life.
Cosmetic manufacturers aren't required to put use-by dates on products but Good Housekeeping shares some best practices. They say three months for liquid eyeliners, six months for cream eye shadows; and two years for pencil eyeliners and powder eye shadows.
A broken eyeshadow palette provides you with the perfect opportunity to create multiple new nail polish colours. Finely crush the shades you want to use and add it to a bottle of clear nail polish and give it a good shake. Allow it to rest for a couple of hours and your customised nail polish is good to be used.
If it looks old, changes texture or smells bad—toss. Expired makeup can harbor bacteria and lead to: Acne. Rashes.
Makeup is perishable so it can be harmful to your skin to use it after it has expired. Skin absorbs everything you put on it and using expired makeup is a bit like eating food that has gone off its best. While it not make you ill, it can cause problems like redness, rashes and allergic reactions and no-one wants that!
Here's the good news: Old powder eyeshadows, blushers, bronzers, and highlighters might just be okay to use. "Powders don't usually contain any water to support microbial growth or oils that could go rancid," explains Cosmetic Chemist Alex Padgett.
With the exception of powder formulas, foundations are water-based, which means bacteria love them. Unopened, foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, Hammer says, it's best to replace it after six to 12 months.
“With powder formulations, as long as they do not contain water, it is likely safe to use makeup after its expiration date has passed as long as there is no change to the smell, texture or color,” says Dr. Marcus.
All lipsticks have a shelf life of 2 years. If yours is more than 2 years old, then it's time to throw it into the bin. You see, using an expired lipstick can cause irritation and inflammation on the lips.
Fix cracked pressed powder, bronzer, or eyeshadow by pouring alcohol in it. Use a spoon to mush the contents of the palette into a powder and then add rubbing alcohol, stirring to create a thick paste. Let it sit overnight, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving the powder solid and whole again.
Cleaning old makeup won't always revive it
“Use 70% rubbing alcohol to spray down your eyeshadows and powder products. This will sanitize the product and prevent bacteria from forming,” says Mae.