Makeup Expiry 101: Thrifty Swaps to Refresh Your Routine
Spilling tea here: most of us are slathering on cosmetics past their prime without even realizing it. A surprising 98 percent of people admit they’ve used expired products, and a 2019 study found that old makeup can breed bacterial colonies, triggering breakouts, irritation, and even eye infections (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2019). The American Academy of Dermatology Association lays out a simple shelf-life cheat sheet—mascara clocks out after three to six months, liquid liners and concealers around six to twelve months, foundations and lip balms up to a year, and powder products can survive two years if you’re meticulous about cleanliness. But let’s be real: few of us mark our empties with expiration dates or notice when formulas start to separate, thicken, or outright smell off.
Since stale makeup is basically a bacteria buffet, it’s time to clear the clutter and restock wisely. First, store everything in a cool, dry drawer—banish tubes and compacts from steamy bathrooms or baking dashboards. Regularly sanitize your brushes and sponges to nip cross-contamination in the bud. Then, upgrade your stash with wallet-friendly picks that perform just as well as high-end splurges.
Craving creamy color? Sacheu’s waterproof gel liners nail neutral everyday looks and bold pops of teal or purple for just $6 per. They glide on smudge-resistant and come in a rainbow of shades, so hoard a few without the guilt. For a vintage-vibe touch, Moira Cosmetics’ satin-finish lipsticks deliver a barely-there wash of pale peachy pink that’s perfect for work calls or weekend brunch—plus, they’re housed in a luxe gold bullet that looks way pricier than the $8 price tag.
When your skin needs base coverage, a soft-matte formula with medium to full coverage helps blur pores and control shine; hunt for one boasting oil-free ingredients and a versatile shade range to match your undertone. On the gloss front, a cherry-scented option infused with jojoba and sunflower oils gives you that “I woke up like this” sheen without feeling sticky.
Eye palettes aren’t off limits either: for about $12, scoop up a cool-toned nine-pan palette mixing ultra-mattes and luminous shimmers—smoky violet, icy gray, and a pearlescent highlight, all ready to wing out to your liking. Define arches with a dual-ended eyebrow pencil—micro-tip on one side, spoolie on the other—and swipe on a $7 liquid liner with a superfine tip for the blackest, most precise flick.
Toss those relics, embrace the expiration game, and let your skin thank you later. Anyway, that’s the low-key beauty manifesto—rummage your vanity, declutter the ancient, and layer on fresh color responsibly. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online
American Academy of Dermatology Association
Journal of Cosmetic Science (2019)
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
