Yes, makeup expires. Every product in your bag has a working life, and most of it is shorter than people expect. The date that matters is not the one printed on the box. It is the day you opened it.
The short answer
Once opened, makeup is designed to perform for a set number of months, then it starts to break down. Formulas separate, colors shift, textures turn dry or gritty, and application stops looking the way it should. Sealed and unopened, most products keep for one to two years. Once you open them, the clock speeds up.
How long each product lasts
These are general ranges. Always follow the number printed on your own product.
| Product | Typical life after opening |
|---|---|
| Mascara | 3 months |
| Liquid eyeliner | 3 to 6 months |
| Liquid foundation | 6 to 12 months |
| Cream blush and concealer | 6 to 12 months |
| Lipstick and gloss | 12 to 18 months |
| Powders (eyeshadow, blush, setting powder) | 12 to 24 months |
How to tell if your makeup has expired
- The texture has changed: dry, clumpy, separated, or gritty
- The smell is off from how it was when new
- The color has shifted or gone patchy
- It no longer applies or wears the way it used to
If a product shows these signs, it has done its job and it is time to replace it.
Where to find the date
Look for the small open-jar symbol on the packaging, with a number and the letter M. That is the period after opening, and it tells you how many months the product is good for once opened. Here is our full guide to what the PAO symbol means.
Eye makeup is worth the most attention
Eye products like mascara and liquid liner have the shortest lives of anything on your vanity, so they are the ones worth staying on top of. See how long mascara lasts and when to replace it for the details.
The simple way to keep track
The hard part was never knowing the rules. It is remembering the day you opened each product. EyeVida beauty reminder cues fix that in one step: mark the cue when you open something, stick it on, and you always know when it is time for a fresh one. Created by eye doctor Dr. Melissa Barnett, EyeVida keeps your routine fresh without the guesswork. True Beauty Remembers.