Last Reviewed:September 28, 2023 by Gabrielle Marks
Does Lipstick Expire?
Lipstick does expire. According to experts, lipstick has an average shelf life of one to two years.
Why Do Cosmetics Expire?
No laws regulate cosmetics’ expiration date, but that doesn’t mean you should keep them forever. Makeup can harbor bacteria that, over time, multiply, making them unsafe and unsanitary. Using them increases your risk of contracting such conditions as conjunctivitis and skin breakouts.
Cosmetic Expiration Recommendations
1-year expiration
- Lipstick
- Blush-powdered and cream (wash the brush regularly)
- Eyeliner/lipliner (sharpen the liner with each use)
- Perfume (sprays last longer than splashes)
6-months expiration
- Eye makeup (eyes are prone to a bacterial infection)
3-months expiration:
- Mascara (important to discard as the brush and air harbor bacteria)
- Concealer
- Foundation
Resources
“When Your Cosmetics Expire – CBS News.” Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News – CBS News. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2012. <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/ 05/08/earlyshow/contributors/daylehaddon/main508404.shtml>
Noel, Brook. The make today matter makeover: the 26 best ways to recapture daily magic, kick-start high-energy living, and get the most out of life. Naperville, Ill.: Sourcebooks, 2009. Print.
Schweiger, Melissa. Sephora, the beauty authority: the ultimate guide to makeup, skin, and hair from the beauty authority. New York: Collins, 2008. Print.
