How Long Does Makeup Last After Opening?

Most makeup does not come with an obvious expiry date, which makes it easy to keep using the same mascara or foundation for years. What most products do carry is a Period After Opening symbol: a small open jar with a number and the letter M, such as 6M or 12M. It tells you how many months the maker recommends using the product for once it is open.

The label on your own product is always the answer that counts. The ranges below are the periods brands commonly print for each type, so you know roughly what to expect and what to check.

Eye makeup

• Mascara: commonly 3 to 6 months.
• Liquid eyeliner: commonly 3 to 6 months.
• Pencil eyeliner: often 12 months or more. Sharpening removes the used surface.
• Powder eyeshadow: often 12 to 24 months.
• Cream eyeshadow: often 6 to 12 months.

Eye products are given short periods because they are used close to the eye and the wand goes back into the tube after every use. Replace eye makeup after an eye infection, and do not share it.

Face makeup

• Liquid or cream foundation: commonly 6 to 12 months.
• Concealer: commonly 6 to 12 months.
• Powder foundation, blush and bronzer: often 12 to 24 months.
• Cream blush: often 6 to 12 months.
• Primer: commonly 6 to 12 months.

As a general pattern, liquids and creams are given shorter periods than powders, because they contain water.

Lips

• Lipstick: often 12 to 24 months.
• Lip gloss: commonly 6 to 12 months.
• Lip balm: often 12 months.

Skincare

• Moisturizer and serum: commonly 6 to 12 months.
• Vitamin C serum: often on the shorter side, and it can darken as it oxidizes.
• Cleanser: often 12 months.
• Sunscreen: follow the printed expiry date.

Tools count too

Sponges and brushes do not have a PAO symbol, but they touch every product you own. Wash brushes regularly and replace makeup sponges when they start to tear, stain or smell.

How to find the period for your own product

Look for the open-jar symbol on the back or base of the product and on its box. If you threw the box away, check the brand's website. Our guide to the PAO symbol shows what it looks like and how it differs from an expiry date.

Signs to stop early

The printed period assumes normal storage. Stop using a product sooner if it smells different, has separated, has changed colour, or has dried out. See 10 signs your skincare has expired for the full list. If a product irritates your skin or eyes, stop using it and speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

The real problem is the opening date

Knowing that mascara is usually good for a few months only helps if you know when you opened it. Most of us do not. Three ways to fix that:

• Write the month and year on the product with a marker when you open it.
• Keep a list on paper or in a printable planner.
• Add the product to a CosmeShelf shelf with its opening date, and the app shows how long it has left.

Buy at the pace you use

Short periods are a good reason to own fewer open products at once. Two open mascaras do not last twice as long; they both run down together. Finishing one before opening the next is the simplest way to waste less. If backups and repeat buys are a habit, see how to stop buying beauty products you already own.