Your Makeup Is Probably Expired. Replace It With These Thrifty Finds
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Every once in a while, I rummage through my vanity and throw out any makeup that might be expired.
It can be painful saying goodbye to that discontinued lipstick or the eyeshadow you used once for a special occasion, but your skin will thank you.
That's because using expired cosmetics can harbor bacteria and lead to breakouts, skin irritation, and even infections, according to a 2019 study.
Like me, you've probably got some makeup that's begging to be tossed, and you're likely not alone.
In fact, one study found that almost 98% of participants used makeup that was past its expiration date.
Apart from wreaking havoc on your skin, expired products aren't as effective and don't perform as they were intended.
Some makeup products have expiration dates printed on the packaging, often with an "M" symbol next to the date. However, many products don’t include this marking.
While it can be easy to tell if some makeup has expired (think products separating or drying out), other times you may not be able to tell at all.
But even if expired makeup feels and performs just like it did when you first bought it, it doesn't mean that it's safe to use on your skin or near your eyes and mouth.
Instead, it's best to find out a product's shelf life before deciding if you should throw it out or not.
Since makeup expiration dates vary by product, here's a shelf life cheat sheet based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology Association:
- Liquid eye makeup (such as liquid eyeliner, mascara): 3 months
- Lip Balm, Lip Gloss, Cream or Liquid Eyeshadows and Blushes: 6 months
- Powder Eyeshadow: 6-9 months
- Foundation and Concealer: 1 year
- Eye, Lip, and Brow Pencils: 1 year
- Lipstick, Face Powders, Lip and Eye Pencils: 2 years
While you can't change the expiration date of a product, you can take certain steps to keep its shelf life as intended.
For starters, always store makeup in a cool, dry place with limited sun exposure. Avoid hot, humid rooms such as bathrooms, the car, or leaving your items in direct sunlight.
Another tip? Clean your makeup brushes regularly to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
We know getting rid of all your old makeup means you'll likely be on the hunt for new products. No problem!
We've found a bunch of must-have, budget-friendly makeup options below.
Consider this your sign to cleanse your makeup bag!
It's time to toss those expired products and replace them with affordable makeup picks from Sacheu, Moira Cosmetics, and more below.
The looks you can create with these highly pigmented, waterproof gel liners are endless.
They come in tons of neutral and bold colors. At just $6, you can stock up on a few shades guilt-free.
Boasting a satin finish and a barely there, long-wear formula, this pale peachy pink lip stick will be a staple in your makeup collection.,
Plus, it comes in a beautiful vintage-inspired gold bullet.
Offering medium to full coverage, this foundation helps control shine, combat oil, and blurs the appearance of pores.
Featuring a soft-matte finish, it comes in tons of shades and undertones so you're sure to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Achieve the juiciest pout with this cherry-flavored lip gloss.
Made with hydrating jojoba and sunflower oil, this gloss delivers a sheer wash of color with a red undertone that creates a natural, flushed look.
Featuring a mix of highly pigmented ultra mattes and lustrous shimmers, this is the ultimate cool-toned palette.
For just $12, you'll get nine stunning shadows to create endless looks, from bold and smoky to natural and ethereal.
The secret to full, sculpted brows? This eyebrow pencil, of course! One end boasts a slanted micro-tip pencil for precision while the other has a convenient built-in spoolie.
Choose from six shades.
I'm something of a liquid liner connoisseur and in all my years, I have never come across one as black and juicy as this one — and it's only $7.
The tip is ultra thin and perfect for crafting sharp, precise winged liner. Plus, it won't dry out like so many competitors.
Offering medium to full coverage, this foundation helps control shine, combat oil, and blurs the appearance of pores.
Featuring a soft matte finish, it comes in tons of shades and undertones so you're sure to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
The girlies went wild when TikTok-viral brand Sacheu Beauty dropped these cheek stains. I can attest that they are worth the hype!
Buildable and blendable, these stains provide a dewy summer flush that actually lasts.
Choose from six shades, but hurry, because these sell out quick!
Define your pout with these creamy, pigmented lip pencils.
Boasting 12 shades at just $5 a pop, you can buy a few without spending a fortune.
Want fluffy, showstopping lashes? Apply a few coats of this volumizing mascara.
Available in a lengthening or curling formula, ingredients including jojoba oil, castor oil, biotin, and vitamin E help keep lashes hydrated.
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