Good to know: this is how long your beauty products are shelf-stable
I recently sorted through and examined my mother's gigantic makeup case that she had to buy about forty years ago during her makeup artist training. The most beautiful red lipsticks, blushes, and bronzers were inside. On the outside, nothing was visible, as if they were brand new, but the smell that came from it spoke for itself: this is past its expiration date. In fact, many years past its expiration date. An opened lipstick has a shelf life of a maximum of one year if you keep it dry and cool. If unopened, it can last about five years, but it must be airtight. This applies to everything you use; once opened, the countdown to the expiration date begins, and with that comes the gathering of bacteria that can cause trouble. It's actually just like with food: they make it easy for us because the date is clearly stated. With makeup and skincare, it's a different story; you should actually write the (end) date with a waterproof marker to know until when it's good. By the way, that's not a bad idea at all; maybe I'll start doing that right away. To help you with the end date, I have a list for you of all the products that most of us have lying around with their shelf life. Here it comes.
Makeup
Mascara and eyeliner
Opened after three months, unopened 3 years.
Concealer
Opened and water-based a maximum of 4 to 6 months. Cream, oil, or camouflage sticks about 18 months.
Foundation
Opened a maximum of 12 months, unopened 3 years.
Lip gloss
Opened a maximum of 12 months, unopened 5 years.
Lipstick
Opened a maximum of 12 months, unopened 5 years.
Bronzer and blush
These naturally last a bit longer, but use the product with a clean brush, blender, or your fingers; otherwise, bacteria will also gather in the product, leaving a greasy layer behind. Opened about 24 months, unopened it can last for years, but do smell it before using. Always check everything, of course.
Nail polish
Do not leave it in the sun; if you take your nail polish on vacation, it's wise to put the bottle in the fridge for a maximum of ten minutes before using it. Remains good for about 24 months after opening.
Skincare
Makeup remover and skin cleansing
Opened 12 months, unopened and stored dry 3 years
Toner, exfoliant, serum, moisturizer, and oils
Opened 6 to 12 months; this varies greatly per product and packaging. If it's in a jar, quick bacteria and air always get in. Then after a few months, it's questionable how active the ingredients you apply are. As soon as you notice impurities, it's time for a new variant.
Body cream or body oil
Opened 12 months if it's in a tube and 18 months if it's in a sealed bottle with a pump. Store it outside a humid shower area.
Sunscreen (SPF)
The packaging states: opened twelve months, but I would take the safe route and buy a new one every year. The one for your face you use (hopefully) daily, so you'll quickly shop for a new one and always be well protected.
Mask
In a jar a maximum of 12 months; a sheet variant has no date attached. If it smells weird upon opening, do not apply it to your face and throw it away.
Razor blade
You can hardly believe it, but it's wise to throw away your blade after one month, preferably even sooner.
Hair
Shampoo and conditioner
This varies greatly by brand, but if it's in a tube or bottle with a pump, then about three years. If it's a shampoo bar, it lasts about three months; much shorter. This is due to the natural oils that work antibacterial; they can't last indefinitely. It's also important how you store the bars: the best is in a container or bowl with holes underneath so that the water can drain away and the bar doesn't stay moist at the bottom.
Masks
Opened about 12 months, some also 24 months, but that also depends on the packaging
, my mother chose the eyebrow pencil. Now we are still softly dreaming about that amazing body cream and my mother is fantasizing
Opened about 24 months
Hair spray
This is an exception and doesn't really have an end date, at most 24 months, but the smell can change, and if it does, you better throw it away.
Oil
Opened 12 to 24 months, depending on the brand. If it's in a packaging with a dropper, make sure the dropper doesn't touch your hands. This reduces the chance of bacteria in your oil and keeps the product good longer.
Perfume
Storing it dry and dark is best so that the contents do not discolor and change. I always store my perfume in the closet, and I even keep some in the packaging. Otherwise, the advice is: opened 24 months.
Want to check how long your product is good for? Check the back and look for the opened jar with a 3M, 6M, 12M, or 24M. The M stands for months in this case. The picture is sometimes super small, so it's not strange if you don't see it quickly, but keep in mind that brands are required to mention it, so it will definitely be there. If it's so small, take a photo with your phone and zoom in on the photo; you'll definitely find it.
