After spending some major moolah on designer/high-end makeup products it’s difficult to throw it away, even when you know its past its prime. Most people, myself included, have products in their makeup bags that last months, years or even decades. When used, it looks perfectly fine and you think what could be the harm right?

Over 50% of samples tested from old makeup contained bacteria such as STAPHYLOCOCCUS which, although commonly found on the skin, can be harmful as it causes eye infections as well as skin lesions and rashes. Another bacterium found was STREPTOCOCCUS, which causes sore throat, breakouts, boils and even abscesses.

Most of the bacteria are normally found on the skin but have overgrown in your makeup over time due to constant contamination, touching and a breakdown of the antibacterial agent over time. The most shocking aspect is the concentration of the bacteria, which was 100 times that found normally.

One of the most common adverse reactions to old makeup is skin infection and/or breakouts. For your eyes, using expired mascara or eyeliner can lead to eye infection of varying severity as well as constant sensitivity.

Make up Shelf-Life ?

Some companies include a sell by date on the container. However all include this symbol called the ‘’period after opening ‘’ or PAO seen below with a number that indicates how long you can use the product once opened.

Let see what this is for most products:

1). Mascara: 3 – 6 months

Some brands include an expiration date, however you need to make sure you throw it away 3 months after you open and use the product. To reduce the likelihood of eye infections, do not pump the wand it allows air into the tube making it a breeding ground for germs. Please throw it away once it dries out don’t try to revitalise it! This goes on your eyes you don’t want to lose them.

2). Lipstick: 2years 

Lipstick which has gone ‘’off’’ usually smells or feels funny so keep an eye out for that and get rid of it once you notice..

3). Lip Liner: 2 years

These generally last much longer since they are sharpened regularly which removes the exposed ends. So you can use them for the stipulated 2 year or you have sharpened them down to a nub.

4). Eye Shadow- 1-2 years 

Eyeshadows come in different formulations with the drier formulations being able to last much longer. Power eye shadows last 2 years while cream eyeshadows last only 6 months .You can extend the lifespan of cream shadows buy ensuring you use a clean brush each time and never using a dirty brush which can introduce gems.

5). Eyeliner- 6 months – 2 years

Again this depends on the type, for gel liners which come in a pot 6 months is the magic number while pencil liners last up to 2 years for the same reasons lip liners do, – they can be sharpened.

6). Foundation: 2 years

This also depends on the formula and packaging. Powder foundation lasts up to 2 years , this is the same for liquid foundation that come in a pump. Liquid foundations without a pump are exposed to the elements so have a much shorter shelf life of six to eight months.

7). Powder, Bronzer and Blush: 2 years

8). Concealer: 2 years

There it is! Definitely handy information to know. If you have any questions let me know in the comments!