How Long Does Makeup Last?

If you’re a makeup junkie then you probably invest a lot of time and a lot of money in the latest, greatest, sexiest and most beautiful cosmetics around—but have you ever stopped to ask: how long does makeup last? You thrive on stocking your makeup bag and flaunting a new shade of lip-gloss, and if it makes you feel gorgeous then we are all for it. We’re right there with you, and we’re not alone.

The makeup industry is a huge moneymaker, with women spending a lot to look their best. A recent study conducted by PopSugar Insights found that “59% of women spend over $150 per year on cosmetics, and 45% of women spend over $200 each year.” It’s a lot of money on a lot of new products, which means that you probably aren’t using everything you buy.

You need a make-up scrub

Raise your hand if there’s a lip-gloss in the back of your makeup drawer that’s been there since college. Or do you still have that neon pink nail polish you bought for spring break back before you had kids (hint, it was a LONG time ago). Just like your wardrobe, your pantry and your desk, your makeup bag needs to get a little spring-cleaning makeover as well.

And while all makeup is different, some brands might last longer than others, and some products have a longer shelf life than others, as a rule of thumb, if you opened your makeup and you haven’t used it in while, it’s destined for the garbage, not your face. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve ever asked, how long does makeup last?

Lipstick

As Everyday Health reports, anything that you apply to your lips (lipstick, lip liner, even lip gloss) will last for about one year, potentially a little longer for lip-gloss, which can last up to two years. This is because lip products typically have a high water content, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Plus, you use these products on your lips every day, which means they are covered in germs. And always remember that if you recently had a cold sore you should toss that lipstick immediately.

Foundation and Concealer

Products that you apply to your face are designed to make you look good, but if you are using old foundation or face makeup then you could actually be doing more harm than good to your skin. Older makeup products could have increased bacterial growth, which could cause acne outbreaks and skin irritation—the exact things you are trying to avoid and mask when you use makeup. Replace foundation and concealer products every six months to play it safe.

Blush and Powder

Any products that are a powder base, such as blush, face powder and even eye shadow can last for about 2 years. That’s because this form of makeup rarely gets wet, so they don’t breed germs or lose their texture in the same way that liquid makeup can. That said, you typically apply your shadow/powder/blush with a brush or sponge, and that you need to replace often.

Sponges should be washed after each use and replaced every six months, and brushes should be washed every few weeks. As Elle reports, to properly wash your brushes, makeup guru Bobbi Brown suggests that you “take a drop of brush cleaner or very gentle soap in your palm and swirl the bristles around until they’re sudsy. Rinse thoroughly, and then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel. Reshape the brush head if needed and let the brush dry with the bristles hanging off the counter edge so they keep their shape—this is very important.”

Mascara

According to Good Housekeeping, New York City optometrist Andrea Thau, O.D., “a mascara tube is a dark, wet environment—the perfect breeding ground for bacteria…Preservatives in a mascara only work for so long,” so after about three to six months you need to toss that tube. By then you probably are running out of product anyway, but if you’re not, you’ll start to notice the mascara is a bit clumpier and it doesn’t apply in the same smooth coat it once did. Those are signs it’s time to kiss that wand goodbye and invest in a new, fresh bottle of mascara. You’ll notice the difference when you put it on, we promise. And you’ll thank us when you don’t get an eye infection, which looks as bad as it feels.

Nail Polish

Nail polish is less concerning than some other makeups when it comes to their shelf life, but over time you’ll notice the consistency will change and polish will get a bit more goopy and clumpy instead of looking smooth as you apply it. And the best place to store nail polish to maximize the life span is in a cool, dry place, away from sunshine, humidity and heat. Ironically your medicine cabinet is not the best spot because bathrooms often get really damp after you shower; try another room. Some people even store polish in their refrigerator to make it last.

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