Makeup hygiene is not about being fussy. Every time a brush, wand or fingertip goes from your face to a product and back, it carries skin oil and microbes with it. Preservatives keep products safe for a reasonable time, but they do not last for ever, and heat, moisture and sharing shorten that time. A few habits keep your makeup clean and your skin and eyes comfortable.
Handle products cleanly
- Wash your hands before applying makeup.
- Use clean tools. Wash brushes about weekly and sponges after use. See How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home and Makeup Sponges: How to Use, Clean, and Replace Them.
- Scoop, do not dip. Take cream from a jar with a clean spatula or cotton swab, not your fingers.
- Close lids firmly straight after use.
- Never add water or saliva to a dried-out product. It introduces bacteria.
- Sharpen pencils regularly for a fresh surface.
- Do not pump mascara. It pushes in air and dries the formula. See How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps.
Do not share
Sharing spreads infections such as conjunctivitis, styes and cold sores.
- Never share mascara, eyeliner, lip products or sponges.
- Avoid shared testers on the eyes and lips. Use a disposable applicator, or test on your hand.
- At a makeup counter or with a makeup artist, it is reasonable to ask that clean or disposable applicators be used.
Store products sensibly
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Keep makeup in a cool, dry place | Steamy bathrooms, if you can |
| Keep lids closed | Open pots and uncapped pencils |
| Store away from sunlight | Window sills |
| Keep products out of hot cars and bags | Heat above about 30°C (85°F), which weakens preservatives |
| Wipe containers and clean bags regularly | Loose products rolling in a dirty bag |
Beauty Storage Organizers: Sizes, Features, and Cleaning compares storage organizers.
How long makeup lasts after opening
In many countries there is no legal requirement for a use-by date on cosmetics. The times below are common guidance from manufacturers and safety bodies. Always go by the label on your own product if it gives a time.
| Product | Typical time after opening |
|---|---|
| Mascara, liquid eyeliner | About 3 months |
| Cream or gel eye products | 6 to 12 months |
| Liquid foundation, concealer | 6 to 12 months |
| Cream blush, cream bronzer | About 12 months |
| Lipstick, lip gloss | 12 to 18 months |
| Pencil eyeliner and lip liner | 12 to 24 months, with regular sharpening |
| Powder eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, face powder | Up to 24 months |
Eye products have the shortest life, because the eye area is the most vulnerable to infection.
The open-jar symbol
Many products carry a small symbol of an open jar with a number and the letter M, such as "12M". This is the period after opening: the number of months the maker expects the product to stay in good condition once opened.
Note the opening date
Write the month and year on a small sticker on each product. The Beauty Product Expiry Tracker keeps a list and tells you what is due for replacement.
Signs a product has gone off
- A change in smell: sour, rancid or like crayons.
- A change in color.
- A change in texture: separation, lumps, thickening or drying.
- Spots of mold.
- Stinging, itching or redness when you use it.
If you see any of these, throw it away, even if it is still within its expected time.
After an infection
If you have had an eye infection or a cold sore, discard the eye or lip products you used during it and wash your tools. Do not wear eye makeup again until the infection has cleared.
Keeping pressed powders clean
- Wipe the top layer with a clean tissue now and then.
- If a hard, shiny film forms on a pressed powder, it is oil from your skin. Lift it gently with a piece of sticky tape.
- Use clean brushes.
Buying safely
- Check that new products are sealed.
- Be cautious with unusually cheap "designer" makeup from unofficial sellers. Counterfeit cosmetics have been found to contain contaminants.
- Do not buy products with damaged or leaking packaging.
Related on ArniSun
- Beauty Product Expiry Tracker: Track Dates and Label Guidance
- How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home
- Makeup Sponges: How to Use, Clean, and Replace Them
- Beauty Storage Organizers: Sizes, Features, and Cleaning
- How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can expired makeup harm my skin?
It can. Old products may irritate the skin, cause breakouts or, in the case of eye makeup, lead to infections. Performance also declines.
How do I know when my makeup expires?
Look for a date or the open-jar symbol with a number of months. If neither is shown, follow general guidance by product type and note when you opened it.
Is it safe to use makeup testers in shops?
Testers handled by many people can carry germs. Test on your hand or arm, or with a disposable applicator, and avoid your eyes and lips.