Every makeup enthusiast’s holy grail is lipstick. However, do you know how long do lipstick last?
Normally, lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.
Discover everything you need to know about your favorite lipsticks’ shelf life by reading on.
Does Lipstick Expire?
Lipstick does indeed lose its effectiveness over time.
The good news is that most lipsticks have a date printed on their packaging that indicates how long they should be used before being thrown away.
Therefore, be sure to do that!
Related Post: What is Lipstick Made Of?
How Long Do Lipstick Last?
The expiration date of lipstick widely depends on the ingredients included within each individual product. Typically, lipsticks are made up of preservatives, pigments, oils, waxes, and waxes, each of which has a different shelf life.
Less preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc.) are used in your lipstick, which is better.), it will tend not to last as long as products with more of these additives. Lipsticks without any preservatives typically have a shorter shelf life due to oxidation from exposure to air over time.
In general, if you store your lipsticks correctly (more on that later), they should continue to work after being opened for 12 months. Of course, the expiration dates for various types of lipstick can vary.
Liquid lipsticks and lip glosses, which over time can dry out or become sticky, have a shorter shelf life than bullet lipsticks. While most lipsticks contain oils and emollients, lip stains contain less of these ingredients and therefore have a longer shelf life.
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Does Unused Lipstick Expire?
Yes, even when it comes to unused lipstick (to the disappointment of us all), the answer is that it can also expire.
Lipsticks have a set shelf life after which they should not be used because the formula may have changed.
This will result in your lipstick becoming significantly less effective. The protection you require from bacteria and other contaminants won’t be available anymore, which is more important.
Lipstick left unused typically lasts up to two years. It could, however, last up to three years with proper storage before needing to be replaced.
It’s important to remember that just because your lipsticks may still look great after two or three years doesn’t mean their protective qualities are. So, despite how difficult it may be to let go, I advise getting rid of any lipstick that is more than two years old.
How to Tell If Your Lipstick Has Expired?
Make sure to quickly go through this checklist before throwing away your priceless lipstick.
It’s More Than 2 Years Old
The shelf life of all lipsticks is two years. It’s time to throw yours away if it’s older than two years.
You see, using out-of-date lipstick can lead to lip irritation and inflammation. As a result, prevention in this instance is preferable to treatment.
It Smells Funny
Lipsticks usually smell delicious, but if yours smells weird, then there is a high possibility that it’s gotten rancid. Lipstick that has gone bad typically has a waxy or potato-like odor.
Avoid applying strange-smelling lipstick because if you ingest it, it will be bad for your body as well as your skin.
There Are Moisture Beads on Its Surface
Does your lipstick look like it’s sweating? If this is the case, your lipstick has likely lost its freshness.
When moisture beads appear, the separation of the ingredients and formulas in the lipstick is typically to blame.
The Product Appears Mouldy
The most obvious indication that lipstick has expired is moldy patches. The product is still dangerous to use even after sanitization because the ingredients have already deteriorated.
It won’t help to cut the moldy part of the lipstick off, either. It is useless because it is already contaminated.
Do a Swatch Test
It’s likely that your lipstick has lost its potency if it does not apply evenly to your skin and provides patchy, dull coverage.
Additionally, you can feel the texture to see how new the lipstick is. Does it have a squishy, grit, or clumpy texture? You should make a decision based on this aspect.
Can You Use Expired Lipstick?
There are some aspects of the world of beauty products that we should never cut corners on.
The quality and composition of expired lipstick, which can have a significant impact on our lips, is one of those things.
Even if your lipstick still smells and looks good, you shouldn’t use it after it has outlived its usefulness.
Nobody intended for the product’s active ingredients to begin to degrade and cause a variety of side effects!
How to Properly Store Lipstick for a Longer Shelf Life?
Knowing how to properly store your lipstick will ensure that it remains fresh and usable for as long as possible (hurray!). Here are some tips on how to store your lipstick for maximum longevity:
- Always keep your lipsticks out of the sun and away from heat sources like radiators and hair dryers. The oils in the product are shielded from deterioration and color fading as a result.
- After each use, tightly snap the caps on any open lipsticks to prevent air from entering the tube, which might hasten the drying process.
- Keep in mind that bacteria can be easily transferred from one person’s mouth or skin to another, drastically reducing the lifespan of your product. Don’t share your lipstick with others!
- If you use a brush to apply lipstick, do not “double dip” to apply multiple lipstick colors. By allowing contamination from various shades and formulas, this could lead to the growth of bacteria. All the colors involved will become faded as a result, and nearby products that are stored may also become spoiled.
- Swiping across lips shouldn’t be done with excessive pressure on the bullet itself. Excessive force may result in internal damage, which would compromise effectiveness and shorten lifespan.
- Avoid exposing your makeup bag to extreme temperature changes while traveling because this could harm it, such as those that occur on airplanes.
Final Thoughts: How Long Do Lipstick Last
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the expiration date of your favorite lipstick. It is crucial to check the date on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website because different formulas, packaging, and brands may have different shelf lives.
Lipstick that has gone bad can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation, infections, and breakouts. Additionally, it might lose its color, texture, and efficacy.
Therefore, it is advised to throw away any lipstick product that is more than two years old, even if it still looks and smells fine. Keep in mind that maintaining a favorite lipstick color comes second to your health.
FAQs
What Are Expired Lipstick Side Effects?
If ingredients in a product are past their expiration date, your skin could react to them. This might cause irritation or redness.
How to Check Expiry Date of Lipstick?
All cosmetics must be marked with an illustration of an open jar, a number, and the letter M.
Does Makeup Expire If Not Opened?
Most unopened and completely sealed makeup products should last for 2 to 3 years when kept in a cool, dry environment.
