Lipstick is the holy grail of every makeup lover out there. Whether you are in a rush or aiming for a minimalistic look, a swipe of lipstick is all you need to elevate your style.
You’ve probably been using your favorite shades for quite some time, but have you ever considered if your lipstick has an expiration date? Is it safe to use a tube that has been sitting in your makeup bag for months or even years?
So, the big question is – does lipstick expire? Well, I will share some important insights you should be aware of before picking up any old tube of color!
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the shelf-life of your favorite lipsticks.
Does Lipstick Expire?
Lipstick is an essential cosmetic item that has the power to accentuate or destroy an outfit or makeup look! It comes in various forms, including traditional bullet-shaped tubes, liquid lipsticks, lip stains, and lip glosses.
We love it very, very much, and that is why we have to know – does lipstick expire?
Yes, lipstick does expire. However, the good news is that most lipsticks come with a date printed on the packaging indicating how long they should be used before being discarded. So be sure to check that out!
The expiration date of lipstick widely depends on the ingredients included within each individual product. Lipsticks usually contain oils, waxes, pigments, and preservatives, which all have different shelf lives.
If your lipstick contains fewer preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc.), it will tend not to last as long as products with more of these additives. Generally speaking, lipsticks without any preservatives will expire faster due to oxidation from exposure to air over time.
Generally, if you store your lipsticks properly (more on that later), they should remain usable for 12 months after opening them up initially. Of course, different forms of lipstick can have different expiration dates.
Bullet lipsticks have a longer shelf life than liquid lipsticks or lip glosses, which can dry out or become sticky over time. Lip stains, on the other hand, have a longer shelf life than most lipsticks since they contain fewer oils and emollients.
Does Liquid Lipstick Expire?
Yes, liquid lipstick does expire as well. The expiration date is usually indicated on the packaging or the product itself. Over time, the ingredients in liquid lipstick can break down, which can affect the product’s quality, texture, and color.
The average lifespan of liquid lipstick is around one to two years. However, this can vary depending on the brand and formulation.
Some liquid lipsticks may last longer if they contain preservatives or antimicrobial agents. It’s essential to check the product’s expiration date or the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol to determine its freshness.
If you notice any changes in the liquid lipstick’s smell, texture, or color, it’s a sign that it may have expired or gone bad.
Does Lip Gloss Expire?
Yes, lip gloss also has an expiration date. Like other cosmetic products, lip gloss can degrade over time and become less effective or potentially harmful.
The typical shelf life of lip gloss is around one to two years, but this can vary depending on the brand and formulation. Like liquid lipstick, lip gloss can develop an off-putting smell, change in texture, or alter color when it’s expired.
Using expired lip gloss can lead to potential risks, such as lip irritation or infections. It’s advisable to discard any lip gloss that has passed its expiration date or shows signs of spoilage.
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 designated shelf life, which means that after this time, they should not be used as their formula may have broken down.
This will result in your lipstick becoming significantly less effective. More importantly, it will no longer provide the protection you need from bacteria and other contaminants.
Unused lipstick usually lasts for up to two years. However, if stored properly, it may last for up to three years before needing to be replaced.
It’s important to note that even though your lipsticks may still look perfect after two or three years, it does not mean that their protective properties are still intact. That’s why I recommend discarding any lipstick product over two years old, no matter how hard it is to let go.
How To Tell If Your Lipstick Has Expired?
To ensure that your lipstick hasn’t gone bad and to protect your skin from any undesired effects, it is important to know when it’s time to toss out that old tube.
Now that you know that lipstick DOES expire, you may wonder if there are any telltale signs to indicate it has gone bad.
No worries, I’ve got your back! Here are some ways you can tell if your lipstick has expired:
- Texture and Consistency: If you notice any changes, such as moisture on the product or color separation within the formula, then it could be time for you to get rid of it.
Additionally, if your lipstick feels dry upon application or does not have its typical creamy finish anymore, it could also be an indication that it is past its due date.
In some cases, lipsticks may even start flaking onto your lips, which means they should definitely be thrown away!
- Smell: Never forget about the smell! A rancid scent coming from either inside or outside the tube indicates that something’s gone wrong with this particular batch – better grab a fresh one instead!
- Color: If you notice any changes in the color, like darkening or patches, it is best not to give it another try.
- Mold: Yes, you read that correctly! Mold may also begin growing inside your tube, which cannot be fixed by cutting away the obviously rotten part.
Most lipsticks do have an expiration date on their packaging. However, when looking at individual manufacturers or brands, it’s important to check their specific expiration date guidelines since different formulas can have different lifespans.
If there isn’t one on yours, then keep track of purchase dates and note down how long each product lasts in order to avoid using anything too old in future applications.
Can You Use Expired Lipstick?
When it comes to the realm of beauty products, there are a few things that we should never skimp on. And one of those things is discarding expired lipstick, as its quality and composition can have a major impact on our lips.
Once your lipstick has passed its expected lifespan, you should not use it anymore, even if it looks good and smells fine too! The active ingredients within the product can start breaking down and cause several side effects – something no one signed up for!
According to Mayo Clinic, using expired makeup, including lipstick, can lead to several risks. Firstly, expired products can harbor bacteria, which can cause skin irritation, infections, and breakouts.
Secondly, expired products can lose their effectiveness, texture, and color. In the case of lipstick, expired products may become dry, clumpy, or change color or texture, making them less desirable to use.
This holds especially true for dark-colored shades like deep reds or purples, which need steady pigment concentrations at all times for optimal performance.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Lipstick
The shelf life of lipstick is a burning question for many cosmetic lovers. It can make a difference between having to purchase a new, costly beauty product or being able to use your favorite lipstick for an extended period.
The shelf life of lipstick depends on several factors, such as the formulation, storage conditions, and exposure to air and bacteria. It can also depend on the preservatives used in the formula.
Some formulations are more resistant to bacteria growth than others. Similarly, some lipsticks can last longer than others if they contain specific preservatives or antioxidants that help prevent spoilage.
Generally speaking, lipsticks tend to have a shelf-life of up to two years from the time of purchase. However, this period may be shorter if the product has been exposed to improper conditions.
What Can Affect The Shelf Life Of Lipstick?
The shelf life of lipstick is affected by many factors, such as its ingredients, the environment in which it is stored, and how often it is used.
The most important factor affecting a lipstick’s longevity is its composition. Lipsticks that contain natural waxes and oils tend to have shorter shelf lives than those containing synthetic waxes like polyethylene or paraffin.
Additionally, lipsticks with added antioxidants are designed to last longer due to their protective properties that prevent oxidation over time.
Storage conditions also play a major role when considering the shelf life of lipstick. Excessive heat or cold can cause products to break down faster.
Also, keeping your lip product away from moisture will help prolong its lifespan since water can introduce bacteria into the formula, which could lead to spoilage and reduce effectiveness over time.
Lastly, frequent use of a particular product may shorten its overall lifespan due to more frequent exposure to air.
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 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or hairdryers. This helps prevent the oils in the product from breaking down and losing their color over time.
- Close the caps of any open lipsticks tightly after each use so no air can get inside the tube, which could cause them to dry out more quickly.
- Avoid sharing lipstick with other people since bacteria can be easily transmitted via contact with another person’s mouth or skin – thus shortening your product’s lifespan significantly!
- If you use a brush to apply lipstick, do not “double dip” to apply multiple lipstick colors. Doing so may create bacteria growth due to contamination between different shades/formulas. This will cause discoloration of all involved colors and potential spoilage of other products stored nearby!
- Avoid applying too much pressure on the bullet itself when swiping across lips. Excessive force could cause damage internally, which would then translate into decreased efficacy and longevity.
- Refrain from leaving your makeup bag exposed to while traveling since extreme temperature changes, such as those happening on airplanes, may cause damage.
Pro tip: Wrap each individual item separately in tissue paper first before storing them in an airtight container that won’t let moisture escape or creep inside.
- Avoid storing multiple items together where they can touch directly against each other, resulting in smudged messes instead of vibrant lips!
Pro tip: Keep items separated by utilizing separators within containers like plastic tabs/dividers specifically designed for makeup storage; this will ensure that nothing gets muddled together, nor does it take up unnecessary space!
With these simple steps, you will maintain your prized lipsticks fresh throughout every season without having to worry about expiration dates coming sooner than expected.
Does Lipstick Expire? A Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the expiration date of your favorite lipstick. Different formulas, packaging, and brands may have different shelf lives, so it’s essential to check for the date on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website.
Lipstick that has gone bad can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation, infections, and breakouts. It can also lose its effectiveness, texture, and color.
Therefore, it’s recommended to discard any lipstick product over two years old, even if it still looks and smells fine. Remember, your health is more important than holding onto a beloved shade of lipstick!
Frequently Asked Questions
