Is Your Makeup Bag Expired?

You may not know it, but your makeup bag could be well past its expiry date. If you look a little closer, you’ll probably find a product or two that you’ve had a good few years.

Unlike medicines or foodstuffs, the law doesn’t require cosmetics to have an expiration date, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your favorite lip liner or mascara is safe to use.

Once a product has been opened, airborne bacteria can get in, so keeping your favorite shade of blue eye shadow for years is not ideal. Although no specific timelines have been set, it’s advisable to replace your mascara every two to four months, as it’s most prone to attracting bacteria. Liquids such as foundations should be replaced every six months, while powders, eye shadows and blush should be replaced every twelve months.