Makeup Expiration Calculator: When to Throw Out Your Makeup

That mascara you've had since last spring? That foundation that smells a little "off"? Makeup doesn't last forever, and using it past its prime can mean clumpy formulas, patchy color and, worst case, bacteria on your skin or in your eyes.

Pick a product and the day you opened it, and this makeup expiration calculator tells you when to toss it. Add everything in your bag to the tracker, and it remembers your whole collection for next time.

What is the PAO symbol?

Look at the back of almost any beauty product and you'll find a tiny open jar with a number inside, like 6M, 12M or 24M. That's the period after opening (PAO): the number of months a product stays safe and effective once you've opened it.

In the European Union, cosmetics rules require a "best before" date on products that last 30 months or less, and the PAO symbol on longer-lasting products. That's why many items show the little jar instead of a date. The catch? You have to remember when you opened it. This calculator does that part for you.

How long does makeup last?

Product	Typical lifespan after opening
Mascara and liquid eyeliner	3 months
Cushion foundation	About 6 months
Liquid foundation and concealer	12 months
Cream blush, lip gloss	12 months
Lipstick	18 to 24 months
Powders and eyeshadow	24 months
Pencils (sharpened regularly)	24 months

These are general guidelines. Always follow the PAO symbol or printed date on your specific product if it's shorter.

Why expired makeup is a problem

• Bacteria: every time a mascara wand goes back in the tube, it carries bacteria from your lashes. The dark, wet tube is a perfect place for it to grow. That's why mascara has the shortest life, and why eye infections are the biggest risk.
• Oxidation: oils and actives break down over time. Foundation can turn darker or orange, and vitamin C serums turn brown and lose their power.
• Weaker protection: SPF ingredients degrade, so old sunscreen or foundation with SPF may not protect you as much as the label says.
• Worse performance: separated liquids, dry clumpy mascara and hard, patchy powders never look as good as fresh ones.

Signs your makeup has gone bad

• A sour, waxy or "off" smell
• Separation that won't mix back in
• Color changes or darkening
• A hard, shiny film on powders or lipstick
• Stinging, itching or breakouts where you apply it

How to make your makeup last longer

1. Don't pump your mascara wand. It pushes air in and dries the formula faster.
2. Store makeup away from heat and steam. A drawer in your bedroom is better than a humid bathroom shelf.
3. Wash brushes weekly and sponges after every few uses.
4. Sharpen pencils before use to expose a clean tip.
5. Never share eye or lip products, and toss anything you used during an eye infection.

Clearing out your makeup bag is literally day one of our 30-day glow-up checklist. Once it's clean, rebuild it smartly with the 5-minute baddie makeup routine, find your new signature shade with the red lipstick finder and match your base to your undertone.

Makeup expiration FAQ

Does unopened makeup expire?

Yes, but slowly. Most unopened products stay good for around two to three years if stored somewhere cool and dry. Check for a printed date on sunscreens and skincare with actives.

Can I use expired lipstick?

If it smells fine and looks normal, it's usually low risk, but the texture and color payoff will be worse. If it smells waxy or sour, toss it.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes. Sunscreens often have a printed expiry date. Once opened, aim to finish it within about a year, and use the sunscreen amount calculator to make sure you're using enough.