Here's exactly when you should throw away your makeup

Some beauty products last longer than others.
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The INSIDER Summary:

  • Makeup doesn't terminal forever, but when you should throw it out depends on what kind of product it is.
  • Products like foundation, primer, chroma, and eyeshadow can final for up to two years.
  • Lipstick is typically good for one yr afterwards you've opened it.
  • Eye makeup similar mascara and liquid eyeliner should be replaced every three months.


Many people don't realize that, similar annihilation perishable, makeup has an expiration date.

Too the fact that sometime makeup doesn't concur up besides well, if yous're not careful, it tin even be harmful to your peel and crusade irritation.

Most beauty production labels take an open up jar symbol that indicates how long it will last after yous open information technology, but the US currently doesn't require cosmetics to accept an expiration appointment. And when you should throw out makeup differs depending on the kind of product.

Here'due south how long each blazon of makeup typically lasts:

Lipstick should be thrown out after nigh a year.

You should have a few lipsticks at your disposal.
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Products for the face, like foundation and primer, typically last for upwards to 24 months from the date they're opened.

This Clinique foundation is skillful for two years.
Chloe Pantazi/INSIDER

Blush will keep for 2 years.

Pulverization or foam blushes can harbor bacteria if you're constantly touching them.
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Eyeshadow will too final for around two years.

Expensive eyeshadow palettes are worth the money.
Shutterstock / Darya Sushaya

Bonus tip: Equally with all products you're dipping makeup brushes or your fingers into, you'll want to make sure that you regularly sanitize products (and clean your brushes!) to foreclose spreading bacteria.

Pencil eyeliners can last for up to a year afterward opening.

Pencil eyeliner won't concenter as much bacteria every bit liquid eyeliner.
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Liquid eyeliner should be replaced every three months or so.

The minute liquid eyeliner becomes dry, throw it out.
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Similar liquid eyeliner, mascara has a short shelf-life of around three months.

The FDA cites industry experts who recommend replacing mascara as oft equally every three months.
Brianna Arps/INSIDER

Bonus tip: Throw out mascara when it becomes dry out, and don't add water or saliva to it, the FDA warns. Both can add together bacteria to the product, which could atomic number 82 to centre irritation.

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