A quick swipe of lipstick can brighten the face and boost confidence in seconds. It’s often the finishing touch that completes an outfit or mood.

But there’s one question many people forget to ask: how long does lipstick last before it expires?

Like food or skincare, makeup doesn’t stay fresh forever. Over time, formulas can dry out, lose their shine, or even collect bacteria. Using old lipstick may not only spoil your look but also cause problems for your lips.

Here you’ll learn how long lipsticks last, the signs they have expired, and simple tips to keep them safe and fresh.

Do Lipsticks Really Expire?

Yes, lipsticks do expire, though many people don’t realize it. They are made with oils, waxes, and pigments that naturally break down over time. As this happens, the lipstick no longer feels smooth or looks the same as when it was new.

Preservatives are added to slow the process, but they only work for a certain period. Once they lose strength, the product may develop an odd smell, lose its creamy glide, or become sticky.

Expired lipstick is more than just a quality issue. It can dry out lips, cause irritation, or even spread bacteria. Checking expiry helps keep your lips safe and comfortable.

How Long Does Lipstick Last on the Shelf?

Every type of lipstick has its own shelf life. Knowing the difference helps you decide when it is safe to use and when it is time to let go.

Traditional Bullet Lipstick

Bullet lipsticks usually last 1–2 years after opening. Their wax and oil base makes them more stable than liquid products. When stored properly, they can maintain smooth texture and rich color for a long time.

Still, heat or frequent use can shorten their life. If the bullet starts to smell strange, feel sticky, or lose pigment, it should be replaced even before the 2-year mark.

Liquid Lipstick or Gloss

Liquid lipsticks and glosses last 6–12 months once opened. Their water content makes them expire faster. Bacteria can also grow more easily in these formulas.

If you see the product separating in the tube or turning clumpy, that’s a clear sign it’s time to toss it. These products should be replaced within a year at most.

Unopened Lipsticks

Unopened lipsticks may last 2–5 years, depending on the ingredients and packaging. A cool, dark storage space helps keep them fresh longer.

Even so, no lipstick lasts forever. If it has been sitting unused for several years, always check for smell or texture changes before applying.

How to Tell if Lipstick Has Gone Bad

Lipsticks often show changes before they fully expire. Learning these signals can help you avoid problems.

• Texture feels different: When a lipstick turns dry, crumbly, or sticky, it is no longer safe to use. A smooth product should never feel rough or uneven.
• Color looks off: If the shade becomes darker, uneven, or patchy, the formula has started to break down. Lipstick that no longer matches its original color should be replaced.
• Strange smell: A sour or strong chemical odor means the formula has spoiled. Fresh lipstick usually has little to no noticeable scent.
• Surface changes: A film, mold, or unusual spots on the surface show bacterial growth. This makes the lipstick unsafe for the lips.

These signs are more reliable than the printed shelf life, so if you notice them, it is best to stop using the product.

When to Discard Makeup Products

Even though lipstick is the focus, other makeup items also have expiry dates. Here’s a quick guide to help you know when to replace them:

This table gives a simple timeline so you can keep your makeup safe and effective.

What Happens If You Use Expired Lipstick?

Expired lipstick may irritate lips. It can cause redness, dryness, or an itchy feeling that wasn’t there before.

There’s also the risk of bacteria building up. Old products can spread germs and trigger breakouts or even infections around the mouth.

Performance suffers as well. Instead of gliding smoothly, expired lipstick feels rough, patchy, and dull. Instead of improving your look, it makes applying lipstick frustrating.

How to Store Lipstick for Longer Use

How you store your lipstick can affect how long it lasts. A few simple habits help keep it safe and usable for a longer time.

• Keep in a cool, dry place: Heat and sunlight can cause the formula to break down faster, lowering the product’s quality and safety.
• Always close the cap tightly: Sealing the tube prevents air and bacteria from entering, keeping the lipstick smooth and fresh.
• Avoid storing in bathrooms or cars: These areas often have changing temperatures and high humidity, which shorten a lipstick’s life span.
• Refrigeration may help: Placing lipsticks in the fridge can keep them stable for longer, though the texture may feel slightly different.
• Practice clean use: Apply with clean hands or a brush to reduce contamination and keep the formula free from germs.

These small steps are easy to follow and can protect your lipstick. With the right care, lipsticks last closer to their full shelf life.

Understanding Expiration Labels

Most lipsticks include a guide called the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol. This is shown as a small open jar icon with numbers like “12M” or “24M.” It tells you how many months the product is safe after you first open it.

Some lipsticks may not carry this symbol. In such cases, it helps to write down the date you opened the lipstick with a marker. This makes it easy to track without guessing later.

Even with labels, trust your senses. If the product smells odd, looks different, or feels off before the recommended time, it’s best to stop using it early.

How Long Do Different Lip Products Last

Different lip products have different lifespans. Here’s a simple guide:

This table helps you track when to replace each product and stay on the safe side.

Tips to Extend Lipstick Lifespan

To make your lipstick last longer, a few simple habits can help. Wipe the tip clean with a tissue now and then to remove dirt and buildup.

Always clean your lips before applying and avoid using lipstick right after eating. If you need to share, lightly wipe the product with alcohol to keep it more hygienic.

It also helps to keep your makeup bag clean so that dust and germs do not spread onto the product. These small steps are easy to follow and can keep your lipstick fresh, safe, and ready to use for a longer time.

Conclusion

Lipsticks don’t last forever, but understanding their expiration keeps your lips healthy and your look flawless. Bullet lipsticks typically last 1-2 years after opening, while liquid formulas and glosses expire within 6-12 months.

Trust your senses over dates because changes in smell, texture, or color signal it’s time to replace them. Proper storage in cool, dry places helps extend their lifespan, but expired products risk bacterial growth and irritation.

Remember, replacing expired makeup isn’t wasteful but rather essential self-care. Fresh lipsticks glide smoothly, deliver true color, and give you confidence knowing you’re protecting your health.

Make checking expiration dates part of your regular beauty routine. Check your lipstick collection today and toss expired products.