Do you follow the “period after opening” time found on the back of makeup products? Somewhat? Not at all?
Not at all! I’m fairly good about mascara after 3-4 months.
Thanks to Laura for today’s question! Do you have a question idea? Submit yours here.
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
Not at all!
If I notice a difference in smell or texture, the products gets thrown out, but not until then 😉
This is exactly what I do! I do not follow and I go by smell. Once in a while you even hit that funky smell, BEFORE it’s time to throw it out. So I say it’s a good indicator!
Exactly the way I think about it, and the way I do it.
Oh and I do the same with food, though I don’t eat meat, but if the milk looks, smells and tastes OK it probably is whatever the date on the package says. OT, sorry 🙂
Nah, I generally use a product until it’s gone. I’ve only had makeup go bad on me once, a couple cheapo drugstore eye shadows got flaky and crusty one summer when I was working at a camp and we had no a/c in our cabins.
(I don’t wear mascara and that’s the main one people worry about.)
Definitely not! I will toss something if it changes in smell, texture, or color or if I feel uneasy or unsafe using it.
Nope, but I chuck products when the smell/color/texture changes. Mascara always dries up pretty quick anyway and is duly disposed of.
I think the use-by dates for powder products are often silly–I’ve had one blush harden, but the rest of my eyeshadows and blushes apply as well as they day they were purchased!
Never! I trust the scent, consistency and color of my products more than the given period.
Almost never! My motto is if it doesn’t smell funny, it’s good to go! Sounds gross but i’t nearly impossible for me to finish products…
No, I don’t think that’s gross. But, as already stated, if something starts to smell odd or the texture changes, I get rid of it.
Nope. I even keep mascaras around forever and never had a problem. If I threw out my makeup as recommended, I would be dead broke trying to replace everything. I usually wait until it’s obviously gone bad – bad smell, turned color, pigment has separated, dried out, then I toss it out. But fortunately, stuff doesn’t go bad that often. For cream based shadows, I always use clean hands and brushes to apply to a clean face, then tightly close the lid.
I used to, but then I realized I was just throwing away money. How often do I really use my mascara, or my blush, or foundation? I don’t wear makeup everyday and tossing a foundation that I’ve not contaminated “just because” seemed like a huge waste of money. Same with mascara. I mean, you can’t avoid contaminating it, but I was wearing it once a week at best and I like YSL. At $30+ a tube I don’t want to toss something that isn’t clumping, smells fine, and is still mostly full. I just try to keep my brushes clean, and if something seems off, changes color, or I suddenly start breaking out then I toss stuff. But otherwise it stays.
Only for mascaras. Lippies, though, get the smell test when I know I’ve had them a few years. If they smell rancid, I toss them. If they still smell fine and the texture is good, what’s the harm?
Nope! I am guilty with only one exception: mascara, unless it’s a special occasion mascara, in which case it may be a year or slightly longer. Basic gel liner, roughly 9-10 months. But the rest I just use up!
Well I don’t know… I have 3-4 eyeshadows since 2005. o.O I’m not looking at the “period time” at all. If I see that the product performs bad on me or creates problems, I’ll throw it away, but I never had issues with something that I have a long time..
Not at all! If I did it would mean 90% of my stash would have to go to the trash!
I throw things away if their texture changes, the color seems different or they smell wrong. Mascaras don’t last very long, but I’ve never thrown away a powder product.
Not even a little. I just avoid getting things in jar packaging as much as possible, and go by look/smell/consistency before throwing things out.
Same answer as you, Christine! I never really follow it, I just throw it away when the smell or the texture start to change. But I switch my mascara every 3 months religiously!
For most makeup, Hell no..
I toss mascara after about a month. I hate when it gets the slightest bit dry or goopy. The rest I look for changes in smell or texture.
Nope! The only items where I’m conscientious are those with sunscreen although I’ve read that even they are good for 3 to 6 months after the expiry date….they do start to lose their effectiveness, but only gradually. Since I wear mascara so infrequently, I’d be tossing tubes that had been barely used if I followed the mascara guidelines so with those, I “live dangerously” and go by smell and texture. Interestingly, a few years ago, a consumer/women’s issues program here decided to test old cosmetics in an independent lab to see just how bacteria-filled old products were. They got staffers to bring in all manner of old and expired products and there was a THREE YEAR OLD mascara among the items they tested and yet not a single one grew any bacteria in the lab!
That’s a good point about sunscreen! That is a product where we should be checking the date.
Oh, dear! I never noticed that! I’m more about trying to make my makeup last as long as possible by keeping it sanitary, spraying products with Beauty So Clean, etc. I’m trying to get better about not keeping mascara so long. After all, I usually have deluxe samples to try, and there’s some good drugstore mascara available, and I’m a fanatic about cleaning my eye brushes with alcohol, so what excuse do I have for hanging on to mascara? I just hate throwing things out if they still seem usable.
Not really. For skin care always but make-up? Nah. I have several eyeshadows in my stash that are at least 5 years old.
I only follow a 3 month rule for mascara. Other than that, I get rid of items when they change consistency/texture, when I’m not using them anymore (that’s often older items that I’m bored with) or when I have some other reason to think it might be off (doesn’t perform the way it did).
There’s no way I would toss every eyeshadow at the two year point and I don’t see why that would be necessary for powder products given that I always use a clean brush with them and keep them away from moisture.
The only one I apply this rule to is mascara – everything else is good until proven otherwise. I’ll judge by smell and texture but I feel powder products are good for well beyond their “shelf” life.
Nope. The only thing I tend to follow that on is cleanser, moisturizer and lipgloss. Other than that, I throw something out when the consistency or smell changes.
No. Never. I go by a funky smell or texture when it comes to knowing when to toss things.
not at all, mascara every 3 months, everything else I go by smell, texture and appearance.
Nope. Hardly ever. (except for mascara because it dries more or less after the recommended discard date anyway.) Like I’m sorry but I just don’t believe that my lipstick is magically going to go off 6 months after it first touches my lips… and although some people argue that it’s not hygienic, I sanitize mine when I clean my vanity and my lipsticks and glosses that I’ve had for over 3 years look and taste exactly the same as they did when I first bought them. The other day when I was at my grandmother’s house I dug out my mum’s old make-up bag that she left behind about 10 years ago, and surprisingly all the shadows and eye pencils in there were just as creamy and pigmented as they once have been.. (I didn’t dare to test them on my eyes though because 10 years is a long while and I only have one pair of eyes 😉 )
I do with SPF or natural/organic skincare that could degrade or putrefy, as there is an absence of paragons/stabilizers. But I generally cycle through that stuff on the regular. I keep mascaras 3-4 months, generally. I learned the hard way getting an eye infection years ago after repeatedly using old mascara. I also tend to toss glosses and lip products/balms in tubs that my fingers touch after 1.5 years. But everything else I hold on to until it either smells or looks strange.
I have a Dior foundation that is going on year 3 that I still use. It’s in a pump and I keep in stored out of light. So far, so separation and no bad smell.
Anything in liquid form that i use around my eyes (ie: waterline liners and mascara), i will throw out within months suggested but liquid foundations, cream/liquid blush and highlighters will hang around alot longer and anything powder (i’m afraid to say) has been in my stash for years!
With lipsticks (that i wipe with alcohol after every use….yes, i’m a Virgo!) the only criteria is the smell test.
No way! I am embarrassed to say how long I have had some of my makeup :-/
Only for mascara. Otherwise, I just throw something out when/if it changes consistency. I am just finishing up an eye shadow I’ve had for well over 10 years. Never had an issue with it and color payoff was fantastic until the end.
I don’t know if we should or not. But no.. I don’t. I just use it as long as it smells and looks good in terms of texture and all.
The only rule I follow is for mascara, as it will begin to clump after exposure to air (3-4 months) is my rule. I do regularly smell lipsticks and glosses. I will toss liquid foundations, polishes if not used and have begun to separate.
Not at all!! I use the products until they smells different or their texture changes..
I use a waterproof mascara that dries out fairly quickly, so I write the date opened in marker on it and pitch it after 4-6 weeks. (it’s Covergirl lash Blast WP) so not a huge investment. The rest of my makeup is mostly powdered minerals so no, they don’t go bad, I make sure to wash my brushes regularly, but i tap out product so I don’t worry about bacteria
Mascara is one that stick with, most product shelf life is just a recommendation as it’s not governed by anyone. If you take care of how you use a product and clean them, they can last for years.
Yeah that’s what I thought – as long as everything is being used/ cleaned hygienically!
not really other than mascaras and I keep only one foundation at a time and I find it takes me a year to use up a bottle of foundation…I was wondering though, how do you know when a lipstick is no longer usable? I have too many lipsticks and I’ve done some googling but haven’t really found a definite answer
When they get those moldy white/green spots on them, change color, start to smell different than when you bought them, or when they break your skin out in any way, like an allergic reaction. Lol, or when its time to go shopping for this years’ colors!
Same here – I almost never follow packaging “best before” suggestions, except for mascara I’ll get rid of after 3-4 months. I’ve just realized my Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (liquid) in Opal is 2 years old and contains SPF! It doesn’t smell bad and the consistency seems the same. It’s pretty well-loved but there’s still tons of product. If I repurchase I’ll definitely go with the travel size. I think powders much last longer than the packaging states anyway, and I have a ton of palettes so I think they’ll last forever.
I don’t either, unless it already has an awful smell, other visible changes on product or it has already caused itching. I remember one time when my mother handed me down a pressed powder that she bought/received few years ago but was never used. I tried it on but it caused me itching but I’m not sure if it was because it was old or I was really allergic to Avon powders (I used another powder prior to this – newly purchased – and I got itching as well). With that, I tossed it away.
Mascara yes- I get a new tube every 6-8 weeks. ( I buy drugstore mascara so I can do this). But everything else as long as it still works , im good
Pretty much only Mascara!
No, I keep a product until I can see that it’s going/gone bad!
I’m so glad other people do the same thing as me. Otherwise, I’d be tossing hundreds of dollars into the trash. I’ve had some MAC shadows for yearrrrs and they still do great! I watched a YouTube video where she threw away older products that were “past their date” and I almost cried. If it’s not a cream product or a mascara that’s gone bad, you’re just wasting money!
I feel like that date is only relevant if you use the product daily. I’m not going to throw out a waterproof mascara after 3 months when I only use it a couple times a year. That seems like a waste to me.
Never. I just go by instinct and overall impression that it’s OK vs. not-OK.
Nope the old one I manage to finish in time is mascara and that’s because I only open one at a time.
I’m pretty good about mascara expiration dates but not so much with other products. I have gotten much better at washing brushes. I don’t share any makeup or brushes.
they have such a thing?!? i’ve never noticed it! is it on just drug store or high end items too??
so with that said – never LMAO
Not at all lol I’m the one who wears makeup every once in a while and doesn’t keep track very well need to get better that goes with brushes too and I’m a Laura but didn’t submit that question
Never.
No, I don’t. I got by look, smell, feel. I don’t go by the 3 mo. mascara thing either. I don’t wear makeup if I’m not going anywhere, so I don’t use up a mascara, or even come close, in 3 mos.
No way! Haha, I think it’s funny when people argue that you should, citing that you could get an eye infection or something from old liner or mascara. Like, I don’t know where YOU’RE putting YOUR mascara/liner, but mine’s only being used by me, in a sanitary way. I keep everything until it changes scent/color/texture. Waste not, want not!
Nope! I’ll toss toss lipstick when they stand smelling bad. I’d toss liquid products if they start to seperate or othwise appear to go bad, but I’ve never had that happen. Mascara gets tossed when it starts to feel dried out, not based on a date. I’ve had some poweder eyeshadows and blushes more than 20 years and never had an issue with them.
yes! yes! YES!
No, to be honest I don’t.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! No.
Nope! I try to be careful with mascaras, but I generally will use them until they dry up or until their smell changes. I look for the same signs with anything else. Changes in texture, color, or smell. I need to throw away some of my OCC lip tars because they’re a few years old and no longer emulsify back together.
Nope. I tend to go through thinks I like before that date. Usually I pay enough attention to notice any changes in texture or smell. If my eyes and ears didn’t notice a change the sensitive skin on my face would definitely let me know – usually with a rash, hopefully a mild one.
Nope – I keep my makeup in a clean and dry place and I chuck it out when I think the product has altered in any way.
No. I stick to a 3-month rule with mascara unless it gets funky before that time. Otherwise, I keep things till they change smell, taste, texture or color/appearance.
I don’t bother checking the date except for sunscreen. I even keep mascara longer than I should, but I just don’t wear it often enough and it’s hard enough to throw out drugstore brands, let alone something expensive and only half empty.
I only follow the rule more with mascaras, sunscreen products, and LUSH/other natural products.
I have a ton of mascaras, but I only open 1 or 2 at at time. After 3-4 months, I’ll toss and choose something new so it kinda makes me excited a bit. Haha
I tend to use mascara almost everyday so I’m satisfied with 3-4 months of use.
Nope–not for makeup, but for skincare it’s a different story. Some active ingredients (like vitamin C and chemical sunscreen ingredients) can change in the bottle. Sunscreen I toss after a year and vitamin C after a few months. I toss out mascara quite regularly–sometimes less than 3 months. Liquid eyeliner I also toss if I’ve had more than a year. Lip gloss I try to apply with lip brushes to prevent contamination. Otherwise, as long as texture, smell, and general formula is the same, I hang onto it.
Generally I don’t, unless it is obvious that a product’s gone bad 🙂 The only exceptions are mascaras (as for everyone here, it seems) and foundations. Mascaras I do not usually keep past 6 months (yes, that’s long, but I’m the only one who uses it and, of course, I’ll toss it earlier if I see changes in texture, etc.). Foundations I usually remember roughly when I opened it and the recommended period and try to use it up before that, but I do not automatically toss it if it has been open for a bit longer, I check how it looks and performs and decide based on that.
Nope, unless its mascara, smells, or has changed colors or texture. Powder products dates are just wierd, most don’t change colors or texture after the 2 or 3 years.
Same here, I believe the product is good until it’s no longer good. If it’s the same texture, smell, etc. then an arbitrary date will not make be believe it’s “gone bad”.
You’re right about mascaras though, that’s a bit different. I’m not *that* good about mascaras because it’s trickier… But if I have doubts, it’s gone! It happened once or twice that I wore a mascara that I felt might’ve caused some eye irritation, so it was thrown out that day. Ideally I’d have a better idea of how long I’ve had it but time gets away from me sometimes and there are times when I don’t use mascara for more than 3 months.
No!!! I would have to toss like 25 eyeshadow palettes, every eyeliner I own, and a similar number of blushes if I did. I don’t really pay attention with mascara, but naturally I find it gets thick and clumpy anyway after around 3-4 months, so I wouldn’t want to keep it longer anyway.
Not at all. I won’t use mascara for more than about three months, but with anything else, I need an actual reason to throw it out (it looks funny, it smells funny, it doesn’t work anymore).
Sure don’t!
I’m a bit late to the party for this question. I will toss mascaras after about 6 months. And, I will toss out my sunscreen lotions based on expiration dates. I keep everything else until I finish it or get tired of it.
Only with mascara or if a lipstick starts to smell.