How long does makeup actually last? The definitive guide to spring cleaning your kit

There comes a time when we take a look at our Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes and limited edition Juicy Tubes and wonder: “Is this still safe to use?”

Pic: iStock

Step one: Out with the old

There comes a time when we all take a look at our Urban Decay eyeshadow palette and limited-edition Juicy Tubes and wonder: “Is this still safe to use?”

Let me be the first to tell you that makeup was not meant to last a lifetime.

No matter how guilty we all are of holding onto creams, powders, and mascaras, the sad truth is that— just like food — you could be harming your health by using outdated products. 

Once preservatives in makeup break down, the product is more susceptible to harbouring bacteria. And efficacy can be affected, too. This can lead to your once favourite product not applying as evenly, looking duller than ever, or even leading to product buildup. And in worse cases, skin irritation can occur.

So, how can we tell that our products are out of date? The easiest way is to look at the packaging. Most come with a tiny image of an open-lid pot with a number like ‘12M’ which means the product has a lifespan of 12 months once opened. If that doesn’t exist on your product, then the general guide is:

• Lipstick: 2 years
• Lip gloss: 1 year (But this is only true if it is anhydrous; glosses made with water will expire before that.)
• Blush/contour/bronzer: 3 years
• Foundation: 2 years
• Eyeshadow: 1 to 3 years
• Eyeliner: 3 to 6 months (Proximity to the eye makes it a prime target for infection.)
• Mascara: 3 to 6 months
• Concealer: 1 to 2 years
• Highlighter: 6 months to 2 years

I know all of us are guilty of holding on to things much longer than the above, but for those wondering why eye infections won’t shift, or your bronzer isn’t going on like it used to… this may be the reason.

Step two: Clean, clean, clean

The next step is to clean your brushes and sponges. For hygiene’s sake, you should be washing your makeup brushes twice per week. Or after every use, if eye health is an issue.

The best thing about this is that no fancy products are needed. Any of the professionals I’ve spoken to use either washing-up liquid, baby shampoo or a bar of soap — along with warm, not hot, water — to wash their brushes. 

Ella & Jo’s Squeaky Clean Makeup Brush Cleaner (€22, ellaandjo.ie).

If your brushes were expensive, and you’re looking for something more delicate, I really like Ella & Jo’s Squeaky Clean Makeup Brush Cleaner (€22, ellaandjo.ie). Also, sustainable brand Et Al’s Brush Set (RRP €93) comes with a solid brush cleaner.

When that’s all done, lightly towel dry and allow them air dry. Some people like to angle the brushes in a way that doesn’t allow water to trickle down into the ferrule, which contains the glue that holds the bristles and the handle together. Others like to lay them flat. Either way is perfect. Then, as your makeup bag looks fresher than ever, you might begin to wonder where is the best place to store your products.

Et Al’s Brush Set (RRP €93) comes with a solid brush cleaner, which is grooved and thus brilliant at excavating all pigment.

Step three: Evaluate storage

All makeup products should be kept in a cool, dry place.

For face creams and foundations, try and use only clean hands to extend their viability. (Unless the product is packaged with an airtight pump, bacteria on your fingers and moisture from the shower can contaminate the bottle.)

For the makeup minimalists currently reading this open-mouthed, let me firstly say I’m sorry, and secondly, don’t panic. Just do yourself a favour and chuck out the old stuff.

If you are looking to update your stash, may I recommend investing in excellent double-duty products such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Lip and Cheek (€34.50, Space NK) or Poco Beauty’s new TFD Brow Pen (€28, pocobeauty.com) which can be used to add freckles, outline lips to cheat a deeper shadow and thus fuller pout.

Try to bear in mind shelf life when purchasing products — your face (and bank account) will thank you.