How long does make-up keep? Shelf life of mascara, foundation, lipstick and skincare (and the PAO symbol)

That mascara you bought two years ago for a wedding and still think is "good enough"? Bin it. Make-up is not wine: it does not get better with age, and around your eyes old make-up can do real harm. But you do not have to throw everything away every six months either. Below we explain how to read the shelf life, how long each product really lasts and how to enjoy it for longer.

The PAO symbol: the open jar

European cosmetics with a shelf life of more than 30 months must carry a PAO symbol: "Period After Opening". You recognise it by a drawn open jar with a number and an M in or next to it, for example 6M, 12M or 24M. That is the number of months the product remains safe and effective from the moment you open it. Products with a shelf life of less than 30 months (many skincare products with active ingredients, sheet masks) carry an hourglass or a regular "use by" date instead.

A practical tip: write the month you open the product on the bottom with a fine marker. You will be surprised how old your drawer actually is.

Shelf life per product

Guidelines based on the PAO symbols of the manufacturers in our shop and general advice. The number on your packaging always takes precedence.

How to tell something is past it

• Mascara: clumps, smells like old paint or petrol, feels dry, or the brush comes out of the tube "bare". Also read which mascara to choose if you need a new one anyway.
• Foundation: a layer of oil on top that no longer blends after shaking, the colour has become darker or more orange, the smell is sharp.
• Lipstick: white film or droplets on the bullet, rancid smell, feels grainy.
• Lip balm: grainy, change of smell, white layer.
• Creams and serums: discolouration (vitamin C turns orange or brown), gone watery, smell changes, suddenly stings on the skin.
• Nail polish: gloopy and stringy, no longer dries or chips after a day.
• Powder: a hard, shiny layer on top (skin oil), cracked or a strange smell.
• Eyebrow tint: the tint from the tube is dark or grainy instead of creamy, the result becomes patchy.

Why old eye make-up is a real risk

Every time you take the wand out of the mascara tube, bacteria from your lashes and the air get into the tube. In a moist, dark tube at room temperature they happily keep growing. After a few months that can lead to eye irritation, a stye or an infection. It is the reason eye doctors say with every eye infection: "throw away all your eye make-up and start again". So never share mascara or eyeliner with anyone else, and always use a new one after an eye infection.

How to keep your make-up good for longer

1. Do not pump your mascara. Twist the wand out. Pumping pushes air into the tube and dries it out.
2. Close everything properly, straight after use. Half a day open costs a week of shelf life.
3. Store cool, dry and dark. The bathroom is actually the worst place: warm and humid. A drawer in the bedroom is better. Nail polish and perfume definitely not in the sun.
4. Fingers out of the jars. Use a spatula or choose tubes and pumps, especially for creams and concealer.
5. Wash your brushes weekly with a mild shampoo, your sponges after every use.
6. Do not buy too big if you use little. A multipack of mascara is smart if you use two a year; not if you have one open that you forget about.

Shelf life in the shop versus online

A common concern when buying online: "will I get old stock?" A fair question. With us the stock rotates fast because we sell bestsellers in large volumes, and we check batch numbers and dates on receipt. If in doubt on delivery, look at the PAO and the production date (the batch code) on the packaging and email us with any questions. Read more about how we work in buying cosmetics online in Belgium.

Frequently asked questions

How long does mascara keep after opening?

3 months is the safe rule, 6 months the absolute maximum. Unopened 2 to 3 years, check the PAO symbol or the date.

Can I make dried-out mascara liquid again?

Better not. Adding eye drops or water brings in extra bacteria and changes the formula. A dried-out mascara is simply finished. Standing it in warm water for a moment to bridge the last week is possible, buying a new one is better.

How long does foundation keep?

Usually 12 months after opening (PAO 12M), slightly longer with a pump bottle than with an open bottle. If it separates and no longer blends after shaking, or turns darker, it is finished.

Can I use lipstick that is past its date?

If it smells normal, feels smooth and has no white film, a few months past the PAO is usually no problem. If it smells rancid or feels grainy, bin it.

How long does a sheet mask keep?

Unopened 2 to 3 years, the date is on the sachet. Once opened it must be used straight away. A mask past its date is rarely dangerous but works less well. Also read how to use a sheet mask.

How long does eyebrow tint keep?

Unopened 3 years, opened 12 months provided the tube is closed properly and kept cool. The separate oxidant has its own date. See our guide tinting eyebrows with RefectoCil.

Time to clear out your drawer and replace what is finished? Our bestsellers come fresh from stock, or see all make-up.