Does make-up ever go off?

Question

I recently ofund an unused eyeliner I bought about two and half years ago. I have several bottles of nail varnish and some are 5 years old, and my mum gave me her make-up bag she found from when she was a teen that isn't used either. I thought it was safe to use all this but my friend told me it wasn't. Is it? Thanks.

Answer 1

if it is more than 6 months (maximum 1 year old) you should probably throw it, it may cause an infection and you don't want that.
if it changed color or has a strange odor throw it away as well, the oils in it form a good place for bacteria to grow, imagine putting the contents of a petri dish on your eyes.
these are tips by dayle haddon in an interview on cbs in 2002 and as far as i know these rules still are the key when it comes to make up:
Cosmetics:

Liquid Foundation, 3-6 months (Cream foundation can last 4-6 months)

Foundation in a bottle should last 3-6 months, but wide mouthed jars can expose the product to more air and should be tossed sooner. You'll know it's time to purchase a new bottle, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture thickens or thins, or the smell changes.

Concealer, 6-8 months

Powders, 1 year

Pressed powder, eye-shadows, blush

Mascara, 3 months

You should never keep mascara for any longer than 3 months (air pushes bacteria back into the tube). Never "pump" your mascara.

Lip gloss & Lipstick, 1 year

Eye/Lip Pencils, 1 year

Eye and lip pencils should last 1 year or more, but you should sharpen pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area. You'll know the product has gone bad if it dries or crumbles.

Skincare

Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers, 6 months

Facial Toners, 1 year

Natural Cosmetics, 6 months ("all-natural body washes", etc.)

Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are "all natural" products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.

Brushes And Tools

Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of the brushes. Wash natural-bristled brushes once a month, and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so that the bristles don't break, and to maintain the shape of the brushes. There are brush cleansers out there, but you can also use mild soap. You may also use baby shampoo to wash your brushes.

Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/05/08/earlyshow/contributors/daylehaddon/main508404.shtml
http://www.dayle.com/

Answer 2

Yes, makeup and other cosmetics have a shelf life. They can and will go bad. It does thinks like loosing consistency, gooping up, clumping, ingredients that separate in liquids, etc... So it won't give you the best application or finished look.

But for almost every product, it's not going to do you any harm to use it. It will just look bad. Test each product on a day when you don't have to go anywhere to know just how good or bad the product is.

Answer 3

Lipsticks and creams can carry germs, bacteria, not good to share! Or even to keep after a few months. If you are like me, my eyes are especially sensitive to product. Your mom's stuff Might be nice for a retro look, but I wouldn't chance it. LIners and pencils you can sharpen, I would think they would be oK. Nail polish usually dries out, but if not I would use it. Never use someones lipstick, (Herpes Simplex, cold sores) and who knows what else.

Answer 4

make up expires pretty quick, the longest to keep the same make up is 2 years. mascara expires after 3-6 months though.

Answer 5

The polish might be a little thick- yes at can go bad. I'm not sure about the eyeliner- it's basically just a pencil.........but if you have any old mascara- throw it away- it can have bacteria in it.

Answer 6

I prob wouldn't use it. If you really wanted to, test an area on your skin before using a whole lot. If it has a smell or it looks old then don't use it.

Answer 7

its safe but makeup does expire now it might not work as good as it should because the date is expired on it but you can still use it with no harm

Answer 8

yes i do think that wearing old make up is good
does mak up have an expiration date?
well yeah and make up will come off sooner or later

Answer 9

yeah I think the makeup can go off ,certainly dont use products that are so old.It can harm your skin.

Answer 10

Only makeup with an SPF can "go off".