Makeup 101: How Long Your Fave Products Really Last!

You probably don't think about beauty products going bad like milk, but things like mascara and even nail polish have expiration dates. While using old foundation won't make you sick, it could cause break-outs or irritation (or just not work as well). Find out how long your fave beauty products last—and how to know when it's time for them to go.



Expiration Dates

Unlike say, food, cosmetic companies aren't required to put expiration dates on beauty products, but a few brands list them anyway, so start by taking a look at the package. Like food labels, some cosmetics have the month, date, and year printed on the package. Others have a symbol of a jar with an open lid, number, and letter. The open lid means the expiration date applies once the product is opened or the seal is removed. The letter is usually an "M" for month or "Y" for year. So if you see "12 M" on the symbol that means the product will last up to 12 months after it has been opened.

Don't see an expiration date listed on the package? Just follow these simple guidelines to help you figure out when it's time to toss your old beauty products and makeup.