When should you throw away foundation?

Author: Andy Watsica  |  Last update: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Cream, powder, or liquid foundation has a long shelf life of about two years. For liquid formulas, Koestline says that if it starts to separate is when you need to toss it. Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area.

When should you throw out old foundation?

Foundation for face does not have a notation on bottle, tube, or jar. If your product gets a funky, foul smell, or turns color, throw it out. If stored away from heat, foundations can remain stable for up to one year. After that year, they should be thrown out.

Can I use 5 year old makeup?

Powders, like blush or bronzer, are safe to use for up to two years if properly stored and free of any moisture. Water-based makeup products, like liquid foundation, are very susceptible to bacterial growth, giving them a shorter shorter shelf life of up to one year.

How often should you replace foundation?

Foundation usually lasts for 1-2 years, after that you could break out from using it. Same applies to liquid/cream blushes, highlighters, bronzers, etc. You can minimize bacterial growth by never putting your fingers or double dipping in the product.

Does foundation actually expire?

Yes, makeup does expire. While the exact shelf life can vary based on the type of product and its ingredients, here are some general guidelines: Liquid Foundation: 1-2 years Powder Foundation: 2-3 years Concealer: 1-2 years Mascara: 3-6 months (due to the risk of eye infections)

Reasons Why Your Foundation is SEPARATING, FLAKY, PATCHY or CREASING | How to Avoid and Fix Them

Is it safe to use 2 years expired foundation?

“Using expired makeup can lead to various skin issues like irritation, inflammation, acne breakouts, and even infections,” explains Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic physician and founder of aesthetic clinic, ISAAC Luxe.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

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.

How do I know if my foundation is bad?

Look for cracks in walls or floors, uneven/sloping floors, sticking doors/windows, and gaps around them. Also, be mindful of cracks in exterior brick or concrete, and a sagging/uneven roofline. Identifying these signs early can prevent further damage to your house foundation.

How long is foundation actually good for?

Liquid foundation and concealer will typically last for about a year, maybe more if they are properly stored. Liquid eyeliner lasts for only three months, sometimes six. Mascara has a similar expiration date to liquid eyeliner, AKA three months to six months.

When to throw away makeup brushes?

How often should you replace makeup brushes? If you take care of them, every three to five years — and any time before that if the bristles are falling out. Whether you choose synthetic or natural brushes, wash them once a week if you wear cosmetics daily and two weeks max if you're an occasional makeup wearer.

What happens if I use 4 year old foundation?

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.

Can you use 20 year old makeup?

Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.

What does expired foundation look like?

Almost all products will have a chemical-like smell or a strong unpleasant odor with expired makeup. The texture and consistency of the product may also change depending on the formula; watch out for clumpiness, drying out or separation when applying.

Should I throw away 5 year old makeup?

Older makeup products are more likely to trigger skin irritation or acne-like breakouts. They can also contain bacteria and oils that can clog pores, encourage acne, or lead to infection.

What is the lifespan of makeup?

You can expect a shorter shelf life than most products of three to six months. Lolis says that liquid concealers generally last anywhere from six months to a year, cream formulas for 12 to 18 months, and powders for two years.

What makeup to throw away?

3 ways to tell if makeup has gone bad are: seeing if the product smells bad or not, looking for changes in color or texture, and checking the packaging for an expiration date. Most experts suggest tossing out any (opened) makeup products that haven't been used in the last 3-6 months.

Can I use 10 year old foundation?

According to the Mayo Clinic, using old products can result in serious issues. At a minimum it could lead to clogged pores and breakouts, but you could also suffer from irritation and serious infections. When in doubt, just throw it out!

Is it OK to use old foundation?

Any makeup formula containing water is at a higher risk for bacterial contamination because water provides a home for bacteria to thrive. Since nearly all foundations except powders have some water, it's best to replace them after 12 to 18 months.

What is the lifespan of foundation makeup?

The One-Year Rule for Foundation Freshness

The rule of thumb is that most liquid, cream, and stick foundations deteriorate in quality about one year from the date you open them.

How many years can a foundation last?

On average, a concrete foundation lasts 100-200 years.

However, an extremely well-built foundation could last 400+ years, and a poorly-built foundation might start to deteriorate after only 25 years.

When should you replace foundation?

Foundation and concealer

Liquid foundations and concealers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Powders can last up to 2 years. Cream formulas fall somewhere in between — about 12 to 18 months.

How do you know if you need a new foundation?

Here are some common signs your home's foundation might have a problem:
  1. Cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings. ...
  2. Torn wallpaper. ...
  3. Doors and windows that are difficult to open or close.
  4. Uneven floors.
  5. Diagonal cracks from the corners of doors and windows.
  6. Ceilings and floors that are separating from the wall.

When to throw out makeup?

When to Throw Away Makeup
  1. Mascara. Average life span: four to six months. ...
  2. Eyeliner. Average life span: one year. ...
  3. Foundation. Average life span: one year. ...
  4. Concealer. Average life span: one year. ...
  5. Blush and Eye Shadow. Average life span: one to two years. ...
  6. Lipstick. Average life span: eight months. ...
  7. Makeup Brushes. ...
  8. Fragrances.

Is it okay to use 10 year old lipstick?

Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown away after one to two years of use. Even if your lotion, sunscreen or makeup hasn't reached its recommended disposal date, it's best to get rid of it if you note a significant change in texture, color or smell.

Previous article
What is the most low maintenance patio?
Next article
How do you unlock a washing machine that won't open?