https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:17:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319995 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:12:01 +0000 Anonymous 1319995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a keen sense of smell, and I can tell if a lipstick is bad when it starts to smell rancid. I've even returned new lipsticks to the store when I've detected that smell (not to mention foodstuffs!). I bought a case of lipbalms for my Mom because they were unavailable in her area (and I had to buy the entire case online). Too bad she forgot to store them in the refrigerator. They went bad after a year or so, probably because they were all natural and didn't contain any preservatives.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319986 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:08:05 +0000 christieanne 1319986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found that certain brands last longer than others. Nars and Stila are two I have found with shorter shelf lives - opened anyway. Unless the lipstick is shrink wrapped in plastic, I would say a couple years is what you have before it turns a little - hardens and scent changes. It may be wearable at that point though.&nbsp;<br />I have been guilty of doubling up on colors I love as well :)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319978 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:02:30 +0000 Diana 1319978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I toss when it starts to smell funny.&nbsp; (I have an extremely good sense of smell.)&nbsp; But I've never had one change color on me.&nbsp; I have some lipsticks that are probably 10 years old and still fine.&nbsp; I don't wear it often these days.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319957 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 15:37:14 +0000 Gaylene 1319957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I think it's pretty rare for someone to be harmed by old makeup, but I also think it's good to be sensible about what you put near your eyes or on your mouth. Infections on your face can be nasty business. </p> <p>After hearing some stories from a friend who is a doctor, I now play it safe by tossing opened mascara after 3 months or so and the rest of my opened liquids, pastes, gels, and even powders after a year. Pencils get two years because the ends get renewed every time they are sharpened. The possibility of an infection just isn't worth it. I don't wear much makeup so the cost isn't really much of a consideration. </p> <p>Unopened makeup is another story. Most of the information I've read seems to agree that products are so packed with preservatives (organic products may be different) that they can last quite nicely for 3-5 years if stored at a constant cool temperature away from sunlight. Changes in texture, color, and smell during that time are a sign that the product is decomposing usually because of improper storage. After that time decomposition starts to set in regardless of storage but the timeline obviously varies depending on the product formulation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319912 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:58:49 +0000 Aziraphale 1319912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ew ew ew! Yuck. I don't think your experience is typical. I'm a total lipstick hoarder too, and I've never had that happen. Perhaps that lipstick experienced too much variation in temperature over the years, or somehow got exposed to moisture?&nbsp;Makeup should probably be left in a cool, dry place. Or maybe it was just that particular product.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319897 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:50:48 +0000 Janet 1319897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ew, that's not encouraging. </p> <p>I have lipsticks that were my mom's (she passed away almost 6 years ago) that still seem fine, and come to think of it, one of my favorite MAC colors which was discontinued, is probably 8 or so years old too. But it still seems great. </p> <p>But anything that changes color, consistency or smell like that is no good. What a bummer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shelf-life-of-unopened-lipsticks#post-1319874 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:27:41 +0000 ironkurtin 1319874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admit it, I hoard lipstick colors. &nbsp;I so seldom find one I really like that when I do, I buy multiples (some of them date back to before my kid). Recently I opened one of my precious last Stila Natalies only to find the color and material had completely transformed into a gray waxy tube (ugh). Into the bin! &nbsp;I'm wondering, is this typical? I'm assuming that when the colors goes, and it smells like wax and not vanilla or whatever, I should just chuck them. &nbsp;Sigh... there go all my lipsticks... </p>