How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup?

ByEditorial Staff

Makeup is great for boosting confidence, showing your natural beauty, and expressing yourself. But makeup doesn’t last forever, and knowing when to replace it is important for your skin and overall health. Using expired makeup can cause skin reactions, infections, or breakouts. Please continue reading to learn how often you should replace your makeup products.

You Should Replace Your Mascara Every Three Months

Mascara requires extra care. Since it goes near your eyes, mascara can collect bacteria, which might cause infections like styes or pink eye. The general rule is to replace mascara every three months. If it dries out or starts to smell weird before that, it’s time to throw it away. Also, avoid pumping the wand in and out, as this can let in air and make bacteria grow faster.

Liquid Eyeliners and Cream Eyeshadows Should Be Replaced Every Six Months

When it comes to products you use around your eyes, you need to be careful. Liquid eyeliners and cream eyeshadows usually last six months. Just like mascara, they can grow bacteria because they come into close contact with your eyes, making them more likely to pick up germs. If your liquid liner or cream shadow starts to get thicker, separates, or smells bad, it’s time to replace it.

Replace Liquid Foundations and Concealers Every Six to Twelve Months

Liquid foundations and concealers touch your skin directly, and over time, bacteria can build up in the bottle. Six to twelve months is the general guideline, depending on if they are water-based or oil-based. If you notice the formula separating, changing texture, or smelling strange, it’s time to get a new one.

To make your foundation last longer, try not to touch the opening of the bottle with your hands, and make sure your brushes or sponges are clean before you use them.

Replace Powder-Based Makeup Every 18 to 24 Months

Powder products like eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, and setting powder last longer. Eighteen to twenty-four months is a good rule for these. Just be sure to keep your brushes clean to stop bacteria from spreading. If you see changes in color, a hard layer on the powder, or a strange smell, it’s time to replace it.

Lipsticks and Lip Glosses Should Be Replaced Every One to Two Years

Lipsticks and lip glosses can be used for one to two years before you need to replace them. Since they touch your mouth, they can collect bacteria. If your lipstick starts to smell bad or changes texture, it’s best to get a new one. Also, if your lips start to get irritated, it could mean bacteria has grown, so replace it.

Replace Makeup Brushes and Sponges Regularly

Brushes can last for years if you take care of them, but washing them every one to two weeks is very important. Brushes and sponges collect dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can transfer to your skin and cause breakouts. Makeup sponges, like beauty blenders, should be replaced every three to six months, especially if you use them daily.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Makeup Sooner

Sometimes, you might need to replace products sooner than the general guidelines. Here are some signs that it’s time to let go of your makeup:

  • Texture Changes: If the product becomes clumpy or separates, it’s expired.
  • Smell: If it has a bad or strong odor, bacteria may be growing.
  • Color Changes: If the color changes, the ingredients might have broken down, making it unsafe.
  • Skin Irritation: If a product causes redness, itching, or breakouts that didn’t happen before, it’s time to throw it away.

Why It’s Important to Replace Your Makeup Regularly

Keeping makeup past its shelf life isn’t just about losing its effectiveness—it’s about your health. Expired makeup can grow harmful bacteria, which can cause skin irritation, breakouts, or infections. Eye products are especially important to replace on time because infections can happen easily and take a long time to heal.

Treat your makeup bag as part of your health routine. You wouldn’t eat expired food, right? The same goes for makeup. Make it a habit to clean out your makeup every few months and check for signs that products have gone bad.

Tips for Keeping Makeup Fresh for Longer

Here are some things you can do to keep your makeup fresh longer while making sure it’s safe to use:

  • Store Makeup in a Cool, Dry Place: Heat and humidity can make products go bad faster.
  • Avoid Sharing Makeup: Especially eye and lip products—sharing can spread bacteria and viruses.
  • Use Clean Tools: Clean your brushes, sponges, and applicators regularly to avoid contamination.
  • Avoid Touching the Product Directly: Don’t use your fingers directly in jars, as it can spread bacteria. Use a clean spatula instead.

The Bottom Line

Replacing your makeup regularly is important for keeping your skin healthy and avoiding infections. As a general rule, replace mascara every three months, liquid makeup every six to twelve months, powder products every 18 to 24 months, and lip products every one to two years. Watch for changes in texture, smell, and color to keep your beauty routine safe.

Taking care of your makeup isn’t just about looking good—it’s about protecting your skin and your health. Keep track of how long you’ve had each product, and don’t be afraid to get rid of it when it’s time.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Mayor Boss is a team of expert writers who are passionate about health and wellness. They are dedicated to creating well-researched, highly detailed content that is easy to read and trustworthy. You can count on them to provide you with authentic and up-to-date information.