It’s so important to observe expiry dates on our makeup and skincare products.
Just like food, or household cleaning products we use, everything has a date where it needs to be used by, to prevent the formula from spoiling, and to ensure the product remains effective.
With makeup and skincare, it’s particularly important, as we’re applying the products to our eyes, face and lips.
If you have a large makeup collection like me, you possibly own a lot of eyeshadow palettes, but how long do eyeshadow palettes last? When should you throw away your eyeshadow palettes? Keep on reading to find out the answer…
Why Do Makeup Products Have Expiration Dates On Them?
Makeup products are a staple in the beauty industry and many of us use them on a daily basis.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that makeup does have an expiration date, and it should be replaced once the product has exceeded its shelf life.
Doing so is necessary for both your health and the performance of your makeup.
Bacteria can develop in cosmetics over time, which can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, and other eye infections if they come into contact with your skin.
Not to mention that as eye products ages, the color pigments may fade or change hue, making your beloved products no longer useful. This is why, you need to throw away your expired cosmetics.
How Important Is It To Observe Expiration Dates On Makeup?
It’s very important to pay attention to makeup expiration dates, especially since many items such as eye shadow, liquid eyeliner or blush can be a breeding ground for bacteria post-expiration.
Bearing in mind the delicate nature of skin and eyes, applying makeup that has exceeded its shelf life poses a serious risk of irritation, infection and other medical issues like sinus infections.
Makeup manufacturers work hard to create products with the latest innovations to ensure safe and effective use; however, it’s still important for consumers to confirm those safety measures by following expiry instructions.
It can be an added expense restocking makeup, but this small cost is much less expensive than the potential healthcare costs from using out of date cosmetics.
What Happens To Expired Makeup?
Expired makeup can cause a variety of skin irritations, and can potentially even be a health hazard if left unused for too long, and allowed to go bad.
It’s important to be aware of what the expiration date is on each piece of old makeup in your collection, as different products have shelf lives drastically varying between one month and six months.
Neglecting to throw out expired makeup can not only cause breakouts or other skin issues, but it can also expose your face to bacteria that could lead to infections or other health problems if left unchecked.
It’s vital to take note of expiration dates from the moment you put something new in your makeup bag to ensure you always remain safe and healthy when applying any product onto your skin.
What Is The Best Way To Store Eyeshadow Palettes?
Properly storing your eyeshadow palettes is key to making sure they last as long as possible without losing any of their beautiful shimmer.
To keep them safe from damp, heat or too much light, make sure to store them away from the bathroom, choosing a dark and dry closet or desk drawer instead.
Direct sunlight should be avoided for both pressed and loose powder eyeshadows – it can make the colors fade quicker and also makes them more likely to create bacteria.
It may require less of an effort to place your palettes in your bathroom, but it’s best to find the right spot out of reach of any potentially damaging conditions in order to maintain their top condition.
How Long Do Eyeshadow Palettes Last?
Eyeshadow palettes tend to last for quite a long time if taken good care of and stored properly.
On average, an eyeshadow palette can last anywhere between 6-12 months, depending on the type of eyeshadow you buy.
If you buy a powder eyeshadow, it may last up to 24 months – but always check the little open jar logo on the back of your palettes individually, to check their expiry dates as brands differ.
However, cream eyeshadows generally have a shorter shelf life and should be replaced more frequently, as they have greater chances of drying out or becoming contaminated.
It’s also important to keep palettes away from direct sunlight and store them in cool, dry places.
It is important to clean your eyeshadow applicators regularly to prevent them from spreading bacteria, which could decrease the lifespan of your eyeshadow palette.
How Long Do Cream Eyeshadows Last?
Cream eyeshadows can be a great option when you want a long-lasting, vibrant color for your eyes.
However, it is important to know how long they will last so that you can determine if they are a good fit for your needs.
Generally speaking, cream products are formulated to last anywhere from four to six hours, depending on the type of product used and how it is applied.
Factors such as how long you wear your makeup and the environment you wear it in can also affect how long your cream eyeshadow will stay in place.
To get the most out of your cream-based products, you should apply a primer before applying it and make sure to properly blend it out, as this will help it to last longer.
You should also make sure to set the eyeshadow with a powder shadow and reapply it throughout the day to help maintain its vibrancy.
How To Sanitize Your Eyeshadow Palettes Between Uses?
Cleaning and sanitizing your eyeshadow palettes is an essential part of makeup maintenance, for every makeup addict, and not just makeup artists.
Not only will this help to avoid bacterial growth and keep you safe from germs, but it will also help your eye makeup stay vibrant and last longer.
To make sure there is no bacteria or other nasties getting between uses, reach for a make-up sanitizing spray.
This product can easily be spritzed over the surface of the palette without even needing to open it, leaving it looking shiny and smelling fresh.
Make sure to follow any directions on the packaging for extra assurance that your eyeshadows are completely safe for use.
You need to make sure you sanitize your makeup brushes, too, so they don’t transfer bacteria into the active ingredients within your makeup palettes.
How To Tell If Your Eyeshadow Palette Has Expired?
There are a few simple ways to tell if your eyeshadow palette has expired. The first thing to check is the ingredients list.
If any of the ingredients are unrecognizable or have changed since you bought them, it’s time to get a new one – check out your beauty product labels for all cosmetic products you own.
Plus, unfamiliar odors, discoloration and a hard change in texture on the eyeshadow can all be signs that your palette needs to be replaced, as they’re expired products.
You can check out for any signs of mold on your shadows, but also for your pencil eyeliners and mascara products too – products like mascara has a short shelf life.
One good rule of thumb is to replace an eyeshadow palette after two years of use, regardless of what it looks like – this helps avoid any irritation from changes in the formula, you don’t want to use expired makeup.
What Will Make Your Eyeshadow Palettes Expire Than The Manufacturer’s Expiration Date?
Your eyeshadow palettes will expire quicker than the manufacturer’s expiration date if not taken care of properly.
Proper storage, such as in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, is essential to ensure your eyeshadows last and remain safe for use.
Always make sure to use clean and sanitized brushes, sponges, and other applicators you use on it.
Also, if your eyeshadows start to change color, become harder to blend, or look different, it’s best to throw them away immediately.
If you notice an odd smell coming from it or any white powder that appears around your product, discard them as well; this could be a sign of bacteria or mildew growth.
It’s also a good practice to clean the surface and rim of your eyeshadow every month or so with rubbing alcohol to help prevent contamination.
Lastly, always be sure to properly close the eyeshadow lids after each use and avoid dipping your fingers inside of it.
What Can You Do With Expired Eyeshadow Palettes?
Have you ever faced the dreaded task of throwing out a beloved eyeshadow palette that is expired? Don’t despair!
You can still get a lot of mileage out of those shades by using them to create your own custom nail polishes.
All you need is to mix up some clear polish with a little bit of your eye shadow and voila, you have shimmery shades that are now perfectly suitable for nails.
You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to creating your own custom nail looks.
Is It Possible To Prolong The Shelf Life Of Your Makeup?
Prolonging the life of makeup can be a challenge as most cosmetics have a shelf life and natural ingredients cannot last forever.
However, there are some tips and tricks we can use to get the most out of our makeup products.
Investing in high quality products with natural ingredients helps them to last longer, as does carefully storing them when not in use.
Ensuring that all tools used in application are clean is also important, as it will minimize the risk of bacteria transferring to your products.
Another trick is to add a few drops of eye drops or saline solution to revive dried out mascaras and make liquid lipsticks more workable.
When Do Pencil Eyeliners Expire?
Pencil eyeliners do not have a specific expiration date, but it is important to take into account their ingredients and how often you use them.
If your pencil eyeliner contains natural ingredients like beeswax, then it has a shorter lifespan than those that contain synthetic waxes because the natural wax degrades more quickly.
The same goes for water-based formulas which will degrade over time as soon as they are exposed to air. Generally speaking, pencil eyeliners can last around two years if they are stored properly in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight; however, they should be replaced sooner if you notice any change in smell or texture of the product.
Keeping your brand-new pencil sharpened on a regular basis will help keep bacteria at bay and prolong its life kept out of moisture and heat sources.
When Do Liquid Eyeliners Expire?
Liquid eyeliners should be replaced every 6 months to 1 year. As with any makeup product, bacteria can easily build up over time and, if not properly removed or cleaned after each use, the liner can expire quickly.
It is also important to note that liquid eyeliners often contain fragrances and other ingredients that can break down over time, resulting in diminished color payoff and clumping when applied.
To maximize the life of your liquid eyeliner, always store in a cool place away from direct sunlight and make sure to close it tightly after each use.
If you experience any discoloration or smell from your product, it’s best to throw it out and purchase a new one for optimal results.
Summary
If you have eyeshadow palettes within your beauty collection, you need to keep an eye on their expiry dates for powder products, to make sure you use them whilst the ingredients are active and safe to use.
Organic beauty products will expire a lot sooner than non-organic beauty products, as they don’t contain preservatives.
Always check the labels on makeup products within your collection, and keep a note of the dates you bought your makeup products, so you can make the most out of them before they expire.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!