How Long Does Makeup Last?

“How long does makeup last” is one of those questions most people don’t think about until a foundation starts separating, a mascara smells a little off, or an old favourite suddenly doesn’t perform the way it used to.

Not because they suddenly “go bad” overnight the minute they hit 12 months, but because formulas change. Ingredients degrade. Preservatives become less effective. Bacteria can build up. And eventually, performance (and sometimes safety) starts to shift.

And this isn’t just about getting the best out of your makeup — it’s about protecting your skin, too. Because knowing how long makeup lasts isn’t really about memorising arbitrary dates. It’s about understanding what affects product longevity, how to spot when something has turned, and how to keep your makeup performing beautifully for longer.

This guide breaks it all down: how long different products last, what affects their lifespan, and how to tell when something is no longer worth using — with insight from Demi Simpson, our Regulatory Manager, on how expiry is measured, labelled, and why it matters.

Does Makeup Expire and Why It Matters

Yes. All makeup expires. Even the most well-formulated products will eventually break down, and that process begins the moment they’re opened.

There are two key factors at play:

Bacterial growth from repeated use
Ingredient degradation caused by exposure to air, light, and humidity

Every time you dip into a product, you introduce small amounts of bacteria. Over time, preservatives become less effective, and active ingredients — particularly in skincare-infused formulas — begin to lose their potency.

This goes beyond a formula simply not performing as well. Expired makeup can lead to:

Skin irritation
Breakouts
Allergic reactions
Eye infections, especially with products used close to the eyes

As Demi Simpson, Regulatory Manager at VIEVE, told us: “Cosmetic regulations require brands to indicate a minimum durability (best before end) or indicate how long a product is safe to use after opening (represented by the open jar symbol).”

That guidance exists for a reason. Makeup expiry is not just about dates on packaging, it’s about whether a product is still safe and able to perform the way it was designed to.

How Long Does Foundation Last

Foundation is one of the faster-expiring products in your routine. Most formulas last between six months and one year after opening.

Liquid and cream foundations: 6–9 months
Pump packaging: up to 12 months, thanks to less exposure to air and bacteria

Several factors can shorten that lifespan:

Frequent opening
Applying with fingers
Storing in warm or humid environments
Using dirty brushes or sponges

That last one matters more than people think. If your tools are carrying bacteria, they are carrying it straight back into the formula too.

Signs your foundation has expired:

Separation into oil and pigment layers
A change in smell
Patchy, streaky, or uneven wear
A formula that no longer blends the way it used to

If you are already wondering whether your foundation is past its best, that is usually your sign to check it properly.

How Long Do Eyeshadows Last

Eyeshadow is one of the longest-lasting products in most makeup bags.

Powder eyeshadow: 2–3 years
Cream eyeshadow: 6–12 months

The difference comes down to formulation.

Powder formulas do not contain water, which makes them less hospitable to bacteria and more stable over time. Cream formulas, on the other hand, contain emollients and moisture, so they tend to degrade faster.

Watch for:

Changes in texture
Reduced pigment payoff
Difficulty blending
A different smell or surface appearance

If it no longer performs the way it used to, it is probably time to let it go.

Makeup Expiry Timelines by Product Type

A general guide to how long products last after opening:

Mascara: 3 months
Concealer: 6–12 months

Blush:

Powder: up to 2 years
Cream: 6–12 months

Lipstick:

Traditional: up to 2 years
Liquid lipstick or gloss: 6–12 months

Eyeliner:

Pencil: up to 2 years
Liquid: 3–6 months
Gel: 6–12 months
Setting powder and bronzer: up to 2 years
Skincare-infused makeup: 6–12 months

Products containing actives like SPF, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid often need treating more like skincare. They may still look fine, but their performance can shift faster than a standard colour cosmetic.

Does Makeup Expire After Opening

Yes. And opening a product is what starts the countdown.

This is exactly what the PAO symbol is there for. PAO stands for Period After Opening, and it is shown as the small open jar icon on cosmetic packaging.

As Demi told us: “The open jar symbol represents how long the product can be kept after opening before it begins to deteriorate. The number in the jar followed by the letter ‘M’ indicates the number of months that the product can be used after opening.”

So if you see:

6M = 6 months after opening
12M = 12 months after opening
24M = 24 months after opening

Before opening, most products last much longer because the formula is sealed and protected from exposure. Once opened, oxidation begins, bacteria can enter, and the formula gradually starts to change.

A simple habit that makes life much easier? Write the opening date on the product. It takes two seconds and saves you having to guess later.

How to Check Makeup Expiration Date

How to Check Makeup Expiration Date

There are a few reliable ways to work out how fresh your makeup really is.

Look for the PAO symbol

This gives you the recommended timeline after opening.

Check for a best-before date

This is especially relevant for products with active ingredients.

As Demi explained: “The best before end (BBE) represents the time the products remains safe and continues to perform its intended function.”

So, if a product has a best-before date, that is telling you how long it should remain stable and effective before opening.

Check the batch code

Usually printed on the base or back of packaging, this can tell you when the product was manufactured.

Use your senses

If something looks off, smells off, or behaves differently, that matters just as much as the date.

Signs Your Makeup Has Expired

Sometimes the packaging gives you the answer. Other times, the formula does.

Texture changes

Foundation separating
Mascara drying out or turning clumpy
Cream products becoming grainy, crumbly, or stiff

Smell changes

Sour
Rancid
Unusually chemical

Colour changes

Oxidation
Darkening on the surface
Pigment looking uneven

Performance changes

Harder to blend
Patchier on the skin
Less pigment payoff
Wearing differently throughout the day

Skin reactions

This is the biggest red flag of all. If a product suddenly starts causing redness, irritation, breakouts, or sensitivity, stop using it.

Even if it technically falls within the timeline on the packaging, it is not worth pushing through if your skin is telling you otherwise.

How to Make Your Makeup Last Longer

Good habits make a real difference here.

Clean brushes and sponges regularly
Avoid dipping fingers directly into products
Seal packaging tightly after use
Store products away from heat and humidity
Do not share makeup, especially eye and lip products
Write opening dates on the packaging

It is also worth knowing that not every product needs the same labelling.

Demi told us: “Some products do not need either. This can be because they are single use products, are not opened (e.g. aerosols) or they do not deteriorate.”

So, while most products in your makeup bag will have either a best-before date or an open jar symbol, there are exceptions depending on the formula and packaging type.

Refresh Your Makeup Kit with Confidence

There is something satisfying about clearing out products that are no longer doing what they should.

If something looks different, smells strange, or is no longer performing the way it used to, trust that instinct.

Liquid products like foundation and concealer are usually the first to go. Powders last longer, but nothing lasts forever, and premium formulas are no exception. They may be beautifully made, but they still respond to air, bacteria, heat, and time.

When you are ready to refresh your routine, start with the products you use most often — especially anything you apply close to the eyes or directly onto the skin every day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does unopened makeup last?

Unopened makeup typically lasts two to three years when stored correctly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, the PAO timeline applies.

Can expired makeup damage your skin?

Yes. Expired makeup can cause irritation, redness, clogged pores, breakouts, and, in some cases, infections — especially around the eyes.

How long does mascara last after opening?

Around three months. Mascara has one of the shortest life spans because the wand repeatedly introduces air and bacteria into the tube.

How to store makeup to extend shelf life?

Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and humidity. Avoid storing products in bathrooms where steam and fluctuating temperatures can speed up degradation.

How to tell if your foundation has gone bad?

Look for separation, changes in texture, smell, or colour, and any shift in how it applies or wears on the skin. If it starts causing irritation or breakouts, stop using it.