12 Beauty Products You Probably Didn't Know Have An Expiry Date

Being a makeup hoarder is just a part of being a makeup lover! Any new product that hits the market, I want it! Even though I have a semi-new lipstick I rarely use, I want that new one that just came out. I know it's bad, but I can't help it! But after recently going through my makeup, I found an old product that looked and smelled a little funky. That's when I realized I have had it for a while, which is why it looked so weird. That product was definitely expired, and contrary to popular belief, makeup does expire! I know most makeup lovers keep old makeup "just in case," but that habit needs to change! Do you want expired makeup on your face? The answer should be no! I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty guilty of buying new makeup when my old stuff is not even close to being finished. But that's about to change after learning about these makeup products that need to be tossed out! Learn about these 12 beauty products that you probably didn't know have an expiry date! 

1. Concealer 

The expiration on concealer all depends on the concealer applicator. If you have a wand applicator, then your concealer should be tossed out within six months. This is because the wand applicator is more likely to grow bacteria. Stick, twist-up tubes, or compact concealers can last up to one year. If you use a makeup brush to apply the concealer, then you're safe for 18 months!  

2. Lip Gloss 

The life on lip gloss isn't too bad! With an expiration date of 18 to 24 months, it’s easy to use up the whole tube before then! Between the 18 to 24 months, if your lip gloss gets gloopy or streaky, it's time to chuck it out of the window. 

3. Gel Eyeliner 

This product easily traps bacteria, which is why it has an expiration date of only three months. It's not long, but you don't want to use expired gel eyeliner! Ain't nobody got time for an eye infection! 

4. Foundation 

Foundations are water-based, which means bacteria is all up in there. You have one year to use your foundation. I repeat: you have one year! 

5. Bronzer

You can stay bronzed for two years! After that, it's time to hit the drugstore to buy a new one! I have a bronzer that I have had for longer than two years and I still haven't hit pan! To the trash it goes! 

6. Beauty Blender 

Although you can get a special cleaner for it, you should replace this sponge after one year! The cleaner only gets out so much product, and because you need to add water to the sponge, bacteria grows rapidly.

7. Cream Compact Foundation 

If you have had your cream compact foundation for longer than 18 months, then it's time to get yourself a new one! The consistency will probably have changed in that 18-month period, so no more applying it to your face.  

8. Lipstick 

The expiration date on this one had me scared. Lipstick has a one-year expiration date, and I'm just thinking about my collection at home. My garbage is going to be full tonight! 

9. Mascara

Mascara is that one essential makeup item that most of us have in our makeup bag. It also has a very short lifespan of only three months! I feel like three months is nothing because my mascara lasts me a while! But I'm definitely tossing mine out; I don't want to risk getting an eye infection! Better to be safe than sorry! 

10. Cream Eyeshadow 

Great, another thing I need to throw out! This product needs to hit the trash can after 12 to 18 months! Repeat after me: I will not buy more makeup until I finish my old makeup. 

11. Lip Liner 

The more I go through this list, the more I know I'm going to have to do some major cleanup tonight! Lip liner has a one-year lifespan, so I'm going to be lining my lips all the time now, using my makeup to the fullest! 

12. Blush 

Powders last longer than creams, which is why you can use your blush for up to two years! So do not go crazy in the blush department at Sephora, because this product takes foreverto get through! I don't want see any more barely-used products in the garbage again! 

You can keep track of the expiration dates by marking off on your calendar when you bought your makeup! What product do you need to throw out? Comment to let us know!  Main image via Instagram / @nikisbeautychannel

Collage image via Reddit / taramisu22