6 Signs Your Makeup Is Expired (And When to Toss It)

Still holding on to that favorite lipstick from three years ago?

You are definitely not alone. Most people have at least one old mascara or half-used foundation sitting around. It might seem harmless, but makeup does not last forever. Ignoring the signs your makeup is expired can quietly cause skin irritation, breakouts, or even infections.

Expired makeup is not just ineffective. It can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria that mess with your skin and eyes. If your products smell weird, feel different, or look off, they are sending you a message.

Let’s look at how to tell if makeup is expired, what those tiny symbols mean, and when it is time to let go of your old favorites without guilt.

Do Makeup Expiry Dates Really Matter?

Yes, they matter more than you might think.

That tinted moisturizer sitting in your bag for two years might look fine, but its ingredients have probably broken down. Makeup loses effectiveness as preservatives weaken over time. Once that happens, bacteria start to grow.

You will often see two kinds of shelf-life details on your products:

• Expiration date: Usually printed on the packaging. This applies to unopened items.
  
• PAO symbol (Period After Opening): A small open-jar icon with a label like 6M or 12M. It means the product is safe to use for that many months after you open it.
  

So if your concealer says 12M and you opened it 18 months ago, it is no longer safe. Toss it and move on.

Makeup Shelf Life: How Long Makeup Lasts by Product

Here is a quick guide so you do not have to guess how long makeup lasts once opened:

Product	Toss After
Mascara	3 months
Liquid Eyeliner	3 months
Pencil Eyeliner	2 years
Eyeshadow	1 year
Foundation	1 year
Concealer	1 year
Cream Blush	1 year
Powder Blush	2 years
Lip Gloss	1 year
Lipstick	2 years
Lip Balm	1–5 years
Nail Polish	1 year

Once makeup has passed these timelines, it either stops performing well or starts harboring bacteria. Knowing these limits keeps your skin healthy and your look consistent.

6 Signs Your Makeup Is Expired (Even Before the Date)

Sometimes your products go bad earlier than the printed date. Maybe you left them open, stored them in a humid bathroom, or used your fingers instead of clean tools.

Here are six clear signs your makeup is expired before you even check the label.

1. It Smells Off

Fresh makeup usually has a mild, pleasant scent. If it starts smelling sour, plasticky, or just plain strange, it has gone bad.

2. The Texture Feels Wrong

Is your foundation separating, or is your mascara turning clumpy? That is a clear sign the product is breaking down. Oncethe  texture changes, the formula is no longer safe.

3. The Color Looks Different

If your foundation turns orange or your lipstick fades unevenly, oxidation or chemical change has occurred. When the color shifts, it is time to replace it.

4. Your Skin Reacts Suddenly

If a familiar product suddenly causes redness, stinging, or small bumps, do not ignore it. Expired makeup often leads to irritation or allergic reactions.

5. Powders Crack or Creams Get Crusty

When powders feel dry or have shiny hard spots, oil and bacteria have altered them. Creams that dry or crack around the edges should also be replaced.

6. You See Mold or Dots

If you spot mold, fuzz, or black dots, stop using it right away. No amount of cleaning will make it safe again.

What Happens If You Use Expired Makeup?

Sometimes it happens without you realizing it. You grab a product you have had for years, and it still looks fine. But using expired products can cause more harm than you think.

1. Bacterial Infections

Eye products like mascara and liquid eyeliner are the most risky. Over time, they collect bacteria that can cause pink eye, styes, or painful swelling.

2. Breakouts and Skin Reactions

Old foundation or concealer can clog pores and cause inflammation. If your skin starts reacting to something you have used before, check the date.

3. Poor Performance

Expired products simply stop working. Mascaras dry up, lipsticks drag, and foundations stop blending properly. Even if it looks okay, it will not perform like it used to.

4. Discoloration and Uneven Finish

Old formulas change color and texture. Foundations turn orange or dull, blushes lose pigment, and lipsticks fade unevenly. Once that happens, there is no saving them.

Makeup Hygiene Tips to Make Products Last Longer

Throwing away makeup can feel wasteful, but taking care of it helps extend its lifespan. These makeup hygiene tips can make your products stay fresh and safe for longer.

1. Keep Makeup Away from the Bathroom

Bathrooms are warm and humid, which speeds up product decay. Store makeup in a cool, dry place like a drawer or vanity.

2. Stop Using Your Fingers

Even clean hands carry bacteria. Use spatulas, brushes, or cotton swabs instead of dipping your fingers directly into jars or creams.

3. Always Close the Lids Tightly

Loose lids let in air and moisture, which causes bacteria and texture changes. Seal everything properly after each use.

4. Do Not Share Makeup

Sharing might seem harmless, but it spreads germs and bacteria. If you must share, use disposable applicators.

5. Clean Brushes and Sponges Regularly

Dirty tools contaminate both your products and your skin. Wash brushes weekly and clean sponges every few days using gentle soap or baby shampoo.

To help your products last longer, try these pro makeup tricks that resist heat and humidity.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs your makeup is expired helps you protect your skin, eyes, and overall health. Makeup expiry dates are not just suggestions. They are warnings meant to keep you safe. Go through your collection and check your products. Start with the oldest or most questionable ones and replace them as needed. 

FAQs

1. Can I use makeup after it expires?

It is not recommended. Expired makeup can contain bacteria that cause irritation or infection.

2. How can I tell if my makeup is expired without a date?

Watch for smell, texture, or color changes. Those are classic signs your makeup is expired.

3. Does unopened makeup expire?

Yes. Most unopened products last two to three years, but heat and light can shorten that time.