If you can't remember when you bought your favorite mascara or foundation, you're not alone.
Many makeup products have expiration dates, and using them long after they've expired can affect everything from how your makeup applies to overall product performance.
As you refresh your beauty routine this fall, now is the perfect time to take a closer look inside your makeup bag.
Here's what our Blushington Pro Artists recommend.
Mascara
Replace Every: 3 Months
Mascara has one of the shortest lifespans of any beauty product because it's repeatedly exposed to air and bacteria.
Signs it's time to replace it:
- Dry texture
- Clumping
- Flaking
- Unpleasant odor
Liquid Eyeliner
Replace Every: 3–6 Months
Liquid formulas dry out over time and can become less precise.
If it skips during application or no longer glides smoothly, it's time for a replacement.
Foundation
Replace Every: About 12 Months
Liquid foundations eventually separate and lose their consistency.
If your foundation changes color, develops an unusual smell, or won't blend like it used to, it's likely time for a new one.
Concealer
Replace Every: 6–12 Months
Like foundation, concealer can separate over time.
If the texture changes or the formula begins creasing more than usual, consider replacing it.
Powder Products
Replace Every: About 2 Years
Powders generally last longer than liquid products, especially when stored properly.
Keep brushes clean to help extend their lifespan.
Lipstick
Replace Every: 12–24 Months
Lipsticks can begin drying out or developing changes in texture and scent.
If something feels off, don't take chances.
Makeup Brushes
Brushes don't necessarily expire—but they do need regular cleaning.
Dirty brushes can collect oil, bacteria, and leftover makeup, making application more difficult.
Aim to wash your brushes regularly with a gentle brush cleanser or mild soap.
Beauty Sponges
Beauty sponges should be cleaned frequently and replaced every few months, depending on use.
If your sponge starts tearing, doesn't bounce back, or won't come clean, it's time for a new one.
Signs Your Makeup Has Expired
Sometimes the date isn't obvious.
Watch for:
- Changes in smell
- Separation
- Dryness
- Changes in color
- Difficulty blending
- Changes in texture
- Irritation during use
When in doubt, it's better to replace the product.
Don't Just Toss It—Learn How to Use It
Cleaning out your makeup bag isn't just about getting rid of old products.
It's also about making sure the products you keep actually work for you.
That's why we encourage guests to bring their makeup bags to their Makeup 101 appointment.
Your Blushington Pro Artist will help you:
- Decide what stays
- Decide what goes
- Recommend products that fill any gaps
- Teach you how to use your favorite products more effectively
- Create a routine that's simple, personalized, and easy to recreate at home
Save $25 on Makeup 101 This August
August is the perfect time for a beauty reset.
Book a Makeup 101 appointment Monday through Wednesday and receive $25 off with promo code ARTISTRY25.
Offer valid through September 3, 2026.
You'll also receive 10% off products purchased during your appointment, making it easy to replace expired products with recommendations from your Pro Artist.
Ready for a Beauty Refresh?
Whether you're preparing for back-to-school, fall events, or simply a fresh start, there's no better time to clean out your makeup bag and build a routine that works for you.
Book your personalized Makeup 101 lesson today and let one of our expert Pro Artists help you create a beauty routine you'll love all season long.