Skip to main content
Eyeshadow

Does Makeup Expire? Everything You Need to Know

Josie Wilkins
Writer and expert2 years ago
View Josie Wilkins's profile

We all have that one eyeshadow palette that's been around as long as we can remember. Failing that, it's a tube of mascara that appears to be bottomless. The point is that we all have some makeup products that stick around longer than others, but does makeup expire? If not, there's no real incentive to declutter our makeup stations and waste what seems to be perfectly intact makeup products. However, we're here to burst the bubble and say what we all may have needed to hear- all makeup expires eventually, so it's time to refresh our makeup bags.

Here's everything you need to know about eye makeup expiry dates.

Colour Pencil Eyeliners

How long does mascara last?

So, does makeup expire? Yes, yes it does. However, some products thankfully last longer than others.

For example, one of the most common queries is how long does mascara last. A daily essential, it makes sense to be concerned about the shelf-life of this make-up bag necessity. However, it's a question few know the exact answer to. You will find some clues that your mascara is reaching its shelf life when the formula feels clumpy and dry. However, the exact period of time how long a mascara lasts is six months.

Luckily, our innovative squeezy-tube technology that's used in the packaging of our mascaras, such as the iconic Eyeko Limitless Lengthening Mascara, means you can use everything up before it expires- reduce waste and get the most out of your hard-earned money!

  1. Firstly, when you squeeze our mascara tubes, you warm up the product inside, making it easier to apply and get out onto the wand.
  2. Secondly, the tubing packaging means you can avoid pumping. Pumping the wand in and out pushes air into the tube which will make the product dry out faster, decreasing how long mascara lasts to far before its expiration date. If you want more product, simply twist the wand back and forth while it is inside the tube to pick up more mascara.

So, while makeup does expire, there are steps that you can take to make the most of your products up until the sad day comes when it's time to toss.

When do eyeshadows expire?

Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas. Therefore, they don't harbor as much bacteria as other, liquid makeup products.

To get the most out of your palette before the time comes when eyeshadows expire, always make sure to close it after using it to avoid oxidation, which can change the color of powders. Also, always make sure your fingers or brushes (however you apply your eyeshadow) are clean before rubbing them onto the different shades! It's the least you can do to stop bacteria from getting all over your lovely new Limitless Eyeshadow Palette.

When does liquid eyeliner expire and how long do pencils last?

So when does liquid eyeliner expire? Liquid eyeliner has the same shelf-life as an eye-pencil, which is six months.

If you notice the pigment has faded or the formula has a strange smell, these are often good indicators that the time when your liquid eyeliner expires is approaching. To prolong your favoriteeyeliners, make sure you always replace the cap tightly and if the time has come for an eyeliner refresh, why not give the Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner a go? The smooth, fluid, single-stroke color glides on and lasts for an all-day finish without fading, helping you to get the maximum use out of it!

When do brow gels expire?

The must-have product at the moment, the brow gel, is loved for sealing all of those stray eyebrow hairs into place in an instant. Easy-to-apply, our Brow Gel is guaranteed to give you a laminated brow look without the salon up to six months after opening. To ensure you’re keeping your gel at its highest quality, always keep the lid tightly secured. What’s even better? Just like our mascaras, our eyebrow gel also comes in a squeezy tube so you’re certain to make the most of every drop!

How long do eyebrow pencils last?

Finally, let's take a look at how long eyebrow pencils last. The least of your worries, eyebrow pencils last as long as 36 months and 12 months when opened. Plus, with the angled tip of our Define It Brow Pencil, you can get the most precise application and leave nothing to waste!

In conclusion, unfortunately, if you ask does makeup expire, the answer will always be yes. However, while all products do ultimately see the end, there are certainly little tips and tricks you can take to get the most out of your essentials. When the time does come, treat yourself to a brand new version of your favorites and give your makeup a spring clean. Our eyes are delicate and precious, so it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Shop This Post:

Josie Wilkins
Writer and expert
View Josie Wilkins's profile
Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep.
eyeko