Reviewed and updated 20 October 2026.
An old compact can have sentimental value without remaining suitable for use. This guide replaces an earlier personal-collection story with practical advice on reviewing makeup you already own.
Check the product’s history
Look for the purchase date, opening date and manufacturer instructions. Storage matters: heat, moisture and repeated contact with fingers or applicators can affect a product over time.
If you cannot establish how a product was stored or whether it was previously used, be cautious about putting it on your skin, particularly around the eyes.
Notice changes
An unusual smell, separation, drying or a changed texture can be a reason to stop using a product. The absence of an obvious change does not prove that an old cosmetic is safe.
Do not add water or saliva to revive dried mascara. Avoid sharing makeup, and keep applicators and containers clean.
Follow the right type of label
In the United States, cosmetics generally are not required to display a specific expiration date, while products regulated as drugs, including sunscreens, have different requirements. Check the product’s own directions rather than applying one universal lifespan to everything.
Ask the manufacturer when instructions are unclear. A period-after-opening symbol, where provided, applies to an opened product under the relevant use and storage conditions.
Preserve memories without continued use
If a compact or palette matters to you, consider keeping the empty packaging as a keepsake. Label it so it is not accidentally returned to everyday use.
Review your collection periodically and buy quantities you are likely to use. A smaller set of suitable products can be easier to maintain than a large collection with uncertain opening dates.
Source: FDA: Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics.
Explore related guides
- How to Check a Skincare Seller Before You Buy
- Buying Mascara Online: Formula, Seller and Safety Checks
Cover photograph: Amanda Wolbert / Unsplash.