GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

Cheat Sheet: Exactly When You Need to Replace Your Makeup

Know when it's time to trash your stash
Photo 4/10
Foundation — One Year

Over time, foundations can change color or start to separate, two easy-to-catch expiration warning signs that Purdue says to keep an eye out for. She also notes that you're going to want to take special care with any foundations that don't come with a pump, as your fingers can contaminate the product, causing it to go bad faster.

Image via @fentybeauty



Photo 5/10
Lip Gloss — One Year

Sadly, lip glosses don't exactly last as long as you'd hope, which means you should probably toss that limited edition MAC Lip Glass you've been hoarding since high school. "I would throw out a lip gloss before a lipstick because you are pumping air and bacteria back into the lip gloss with the wand," explains Stoj.

 Image via @covergirl



Photo 6/10
Cream Shadow, Blush, Foundation and Concealer — One to Two Years

As for cream products, they can last up to around two years, especially if you keep whatever tools you use to dip into them (brushes, puffs, makeup sponges, etc.) clean. Also, it happens to be pretty easy to tell when to get rid of them: They can start to smell a little, well, rancid. "If a cream product's smell changes, it's time to throw it out," says Stoj.

Image via @onomiebeauty



Photo 7/10
Lipstick and Lip Liner — Two Years

Lipsticks and lip liners tend to last a long time, though it's important to do your best to keep track. Anyone who's accidentally tried on a lipstick they found in their medicine cabinet from five years ago knows that the delicate skin on your lips can be pretty prone to irritation.

Image via @marcbeauty



Photo 8/10
Powder Products — Two Years

Luckily, powder products have a relatively long shelf life, so you have some time before you have to throw out that luxe Tom Ford blush or your coveted Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Romance Eyeshadow Palette.

Image via @colourpopcosmetics



BY ROSIE NARASAKI | FEB 16, 2018 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.