Yes, they do expire, and it depends on the products from how they are stored and if they are already opened and used.
In general cosmetics and personal care products has “period after opening” or PAO symbol. The symbol is a graphic of an open container or jar with numbers and the letter “M” representing month. For example, “9M” means after product is opened for the first time, the product remains good for approximately nine months if it is stored properly.
Products and expiration dates
| mascara | opened: 3 – 6 months, susceptibility to bacteria buildup because it is liquid, therefore has a shorter PAO, please toss if you notice change of smell, texture and/or color unopened: 1 – 2 years, check for deterioration |
| liquid eyeliners | opened: 3 – 6 months, similar to mascara unopened: 1 – 2 years, check for deterioration |
| foundation | liquid/cream based: 6 – 12 months, please toss if you notice change of smell, texture and/or color powder/mineral based: up to 2 years or even longer, if properly stored and not expose to moisture |
| blush | cream blush: 6 – 12 months, please toss if you notice change of smell, texture and/or color powder blush: up to 2 years, if properly stored and not expose to moisture |
| eyeshadows | 1 – 2 years, if properly stored and not expose to moisture |
| lipstick | 1 – 2 years, if properly stored |
| lipgloss | 6 – 12 months, properly stored |
| skincare products | 6 – 12 months, please check for PAO provided on packaging and if there is no PAO in general please toss if you notice change of smell, texture and/or color. |
It is best to store your cosmetics as labeled on your packages. In general you should store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Those factors can degrade the quality of the products and shorten their PAO.