Shelf life of cosmetic products - How long do your favorite products last?

Not all creams, lipsticks and perfumes have an expiration date. But how can you tell if they have expired, and should you still use expired cosmetics? Here’s everything you need to know about the shelf life of cosmetic products.

You can usually tell at a glance whether a product has gone bad. If its color or smell has changed, you should dispose of it as a precaution. The best place to store cosmetics is somewhere dry and fairly cool, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the refrigerator, as the cold can also cause problems with emulsions (the oil and water separate), make powders crumbly and cause lipsticks to lose their color.

Lipstick

The higher the fat content of a lipstick, the shorter its shelf life, usually between 12 and 36 months.

If you’re prone to cold sores, you should stop using your lipstick as soon as blisters appear. The herpes virus quickly transfers to lipstick, which can lead to recurring outbreaks.

Powder

This essential finishing touch for makeup lasts forever. However, to ensure it keeps well, don’t let any water get on the powder.

Mascara

Mascara is a sensitive product. If you pump the brush in and out of the tube frequently, the mascara will dry out more quickly. It’s better to wipe excess mascara off on the rim instead of pumping it back into the tube. The eyes are especially susceptible to germs that may be present in products, so as a precaution, I recommend disposing of mascara after six months at the latest (you’ll usually have used it up by then anyway).

Nail polish

Nail polish can be stored and used for a long time without worry, as long as it hasn’t thickened. However, even the highest-quality nail polish will dry out after five years at most. As long as it isn’t too thick, you can use it with a clear conscience. Thinning nail polish with nail polish remover can change its consistency and color. Special solvents or a warm water bath can be used to thin nail polish again.

Pressed powder, eyeshadow

Blush, eyeshadow and pressed powder remain effective for up to three years. Their dry texture means there is hardly any breeding ground for germs. Important: Always seal them and protect them from moisture. In my opinion, however, they can be kept for much longer.

Kohl and eyeliner

Kohl pencils are low-maintenance beauty essentials, as they keep almost indefinitely. Liquid eyeliners are similar to mascara.

Skincare products

Skincare products keep for up to six months. As a rule of thumb, the more water-based a product is, the shorter its shelf life. So use lotion more regularly than cream. Cleansing milk and cleansing water can be stored for almost indefinitely. If the smell changes, dispose of them as a precaution.

Sunscreens

You can still use sunscreen from last summer in winter without worry. Its sun protection factor usually remains effective for one year. However, opened creams should be discarded after a year, especially those intended for children.

Perfume

Perfume generally has a shelf life of 36 months. Opened perfumes keep for at least 6 to 12 months. Unopened perfumes can even last up to 56 months.

Foundation

Water-based foundation lasts between 6 and 12 months at most. This is because water attracts bacteria, which can get into the product when it is opened and closed. Foundation should not be exposed to high humidity or high temperatures. If its texture or smell has changed, it should definitely be discarded to avoid the risk of infection.