How Long Does Lipstick Last? A Quick Guide on Lipstick Expiration

Table of Contents

• How Long Can a Lipstick Last?
• [5] Signs Your Lipstick Shelf Life Has Expired
• Tips for Increasing Lipstick Lifespan
• How Long to Keep Lipstick After It Expires
• Get Your New Favorite Clean Lip Products

Don’t you just love a bold lipstick? It ties your whole look together, bringing life to your face and highlighting your beautiful smile. But even perfect shades don’t last forever. Like all cosmetics containing natural ingredients like waxes and oils, lipstick eventually expires. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the how, why, and when lipstick goes bad, so you’ll know exactly when to refresh your favorite color. How long does lipstick last? Let’s dive in and find out!

How Long Can a Lipstick Last?

There’s no simple answer to “How long does lipstick last?” because different formulations have varying lifespans. For liquid and traditional lipsticks, here’s what you can expect:

• Liquid: 12 to 18 months unopened; 6 to 12 months opened
• Traditional: 1 to 2 years unopened; 1 year opened

While liquid lipstick typically has a shorter shelf life, many makeup enthusiasts prefer it for how long its formulas last in daily wear, as well as for the hydrating ingredients. Our clean matte liquid lipstick, for example, features moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil.

These timeframes serve as a starting point, but several factors can influence your lipstick’s lifespan. Let’s explore what affects longevity and how to spot when it’s time for a fresh tube.

Factors That Affect the Expiry of Lipstick

Ever wonder why your lipstick might not last as long as your friend’s, even when you have the same shade? Several key factors influence how quickly your favorite lip color reaches its expiration date:

• Ingredients. The timeframes we mentioned apply to lipsticks with synthetic ingredients. Our clean formulations, which prioritize natural components over synthetic preservatives, may have a slightly shorter shelf life. While natural ingredients can oxidize more quickly, they deliver the clean beauty experience you deserve.
• Temperature. Heat is lipstick’s worst enemy. High temperatures break down formulas and can turn your perfect tube into a melted mess. Store your lip products in a cool, dry place to maximize their lifespan.
• Light exposure. UV rays don’t just affect your skin — they’re also damaging to your makeup. Sunlight can weaken formulas and alter pigments, changing your lipstick’s color and consistency. Keep your cosmetics away from direct light for best results.

We believe proper storage and high-quality ingredients are the real secrets to lipstick longevity. Yes, clean beauty products might need more frequent replacement, but isn’t that worth it for color that’s both vibrant and better for you? Your lips — and the planet — will thank you.

5 Signs Your Lipstick Shelf Life Has Reached Its End

We’ve answered, “How long is lipstick good for?” — now let’s explore the telltale signs that your favorite lip color needs replacing, even if it hasn’t reached its expected expiration date.

1. Change in Color

Take a photo of your lipstick when you first open it. This reference helps you spot color changes over time. If your lipstick has faded or darkened, it’s likely oxidized or the ingredients have separated. Besides, if it’s no longer your chosen shade, why keep it?

2. Change in Texture

Fresh liquid lipstick has a smooth, even consistency. When it becomes thick, clumpy, or forms large globs on the applicator, it’s time for a replacement.

Traditional lipstick should maintain a moist, creamy texture. If yours becomes dry, crumbly, or develops moisture beads on the surface (a sign of ingredient separation), it’s past its prime.

3. Moldy Elements

If you spot mold, discard your lipstick immediately. Don’t try to salvage it by cutting away the affected areas or attempting to sanitize it. Mold likely extends beyond what’s visible and can cause health issues.

4. Difficult Application

Both liquid and traditional lipstick should glide smoothly across your lips without resistance. When your lipstick starts to snag, leave bare patches, or require multiple coats for full coverage, it’s deteriorating.

5. Expiration Date Reached

When your lipstick reaches its expiration date, it’s time to let it go. Even without visible signs of deterioration, expired products can harbor bacteria or mold. Your health isn’t worth the risk of keeping outdated cosmetics.

So, how long can you keep lipstick? While our guidelines provide timeframes, these five signs are your best indicators that it’s time to refresh your lip color collection. Trust your senses — they rarely lead you astray when it comes to product quality.

Tips for Increasing Lipstick Lifespan

Want to get every beautiful day from your lipstick before it expires? Follow these simple practices to maintain its quality:

• Avoid licking your lips. This doesn’t just remove your color, it introduces bacteria into your product during touch-ups. Saliva transfers germs that can compromise your lipstick’s formula.
• Keep it personal. As much as we love sharing beauty experiences, lipstick should remain yours alone. Sharing products transfers bacteria that can contaminate your lip color and potentially cause infections.
• Mind your meals. While you can’t avoid eating and drinking all day, try to keep food and beverages separate from application times. Residual germs from meals can transfer to your lipstick and accelerate deterioration.

With proper care, your lipstick will stay fresh and flashy until its natural end-of-life.

How Long to Keep Lipstick After It Expires

We’re often asked, “How long can lipstick last past its expiration date?” Our answer is straightforward: not a single day. Expired lipstick isn’t worth the risk, even if it looks perfectly fine. Beyond the visible signs of degradation, expired products can harbor bacteria that may cause skin irritation, inflammation, or even infections. When it comes to your beauty products — especially those you apply near sensitive areas like your lips — fresh is always best.

Get Your New Favorite Clean Lip Products from Only1 Cosmetics

Finding that perfect lipstick that captures your personality and elevates your style takes time. Once you’ve discovered it, parting ways can be difficult. But when your lipstick shows signs of expiration, it’s time to refresh. How long should you keep lipstick? While liquid formulas last 6-12 months after opening and traditional lipsticks last about a year, your senses are the best judge.

Old lipstick harbors bacteria that can irritate your lips and compromise your health. Plus, expired products simply won’t deliver the brilliant color and smooth application you deserve.

Awaken your color creativity with our collection of clean, vibrant lip products. From our vitamin C lip therapy for nourished, healthy lips to our lightly tinted hydrating lip balm for subtle color and our statement-making matte liquid lipstick for bold expression — we’ve crafted sustainable formulas with ethically sourced ingredients for a gorgeous smile you can feel brilliant about.

Brilliant. Radiant. You.

Have questions about creating your ideal look? Try our ColorEccentrics quiz, which recommends the perfect eye and lip shades and products for your skin tone and preferred look, or reach out to our beauty experts, who are ready to help!