Make-up Does Have Expiration Times

[VickySGV]

I do not wear make-up very often these days and I guess I learned just how infrequently I use it last night and today.  Last night I dropped an eye shadow pallet, and when I picked it up, the shadow had broken and powdered up to the no use point.  One of my Xmas presents had been a gift card for Sephora, where the shadow pallet had come from.  The pallet compact was in good shape even with the drop and I thought I could get new shadow inserts for it.  I was told that the compact design had been discontinued three years ago and the current new singles of the colors would not fit in it.  I did not think I had had it that long, but I guess I had.  I now have a new pallet compact for only about twice the price of my gift card.  SIGH!

[tracy_j]

Perhaps not quite what you are getting at Vicky but something worth stating. They do recommend that things like mascara especially are discarded often as there is a buildup of bacteria which can cause health issues as well as physical deterioration of the product.

 

The only replacement I have got for anything was a refill for a powder compact I bought. This I got from a 1940's weekend market locally, and was (actually 1950's vintage) brand new old stock unused (and empty). I was able to fill it with powder so able to use. It is a bit sad with somethings though, that they are fitted with mirrors and work well but refills are not available.

 

Recently I found that one of my favourite shades of  lipstick is no longer available (at least locally). With eybrow pencils and my hair colour, it is difficult to find one that matches well. They are so rare and seem to discontinue so often that I need to buy a stock when I find one to be certain of having one, athough it is possible to brush eyeshadow through as well so not impossible.

 

Tracy

[Naomi Knowles]

A second hand makeup manual that I picked up some time ago suggests that liquids like mascara and liquid foundation are good for about 6 months, while pressed powders and the like should be good for up to 2 years with proper storage (though it bears frequently checking their viability during that time).

[Jani]

That's what I thought, that liquids surely have a shelf life and that bacteria is an issue.  As to powders (pressed or otherwise) I would think they would be fairly long lived.  

[Leo]

I use an online cosmetic calculator to check expiration dates prior to purchasing cosmetics for relatives, and also to check dates on other products like sunscreens.  Unfortunately, a lot of places sell cosmetics that are about to expire or already have.  So if you buy and don't use right away, it may not be any good or safe to use.