Putting one make-up for cosplay is one thing, but putting on make-up that you’re not sure is expired is abother thing entirely!

Since you already put your skin through so much abuse (late nights cramming costumes, super thick theatre-style make-up to so you look nice in photos, etc.), let us help you keep your skin in tip top shape with this simple list!

LIPSTICK, LIP LINER, & LIP GLOSS
Shelf life: 1 year
Tip: Lipsticks and lip liners dry out when they’re expired (your matte lippies will get extra chalky!), while gloss becomes even stickier than usual.

MASCARA
Shelf life: 3 months
Tip: Mascaras start to smell weird (almost like gasoline) once they go bad. Also, the formula will clump due to the air that’s constantly pumped into the tube whenever you remove or replace the wand. Never share mascara with anyone—it’ll make the bacteria levels go through the roof, exposing you to nasty eye infections!

LIQUID OR CREAM FOUNDATION
Shelf life: 6 months to 1 year
Tip: You can tell your product is getting old when the color lightens or the formula starts to separate into layers.

PRESSED POWDER, POWDER BLUSH, & CAKE FOUNDATION
Shelf life: 2 years
Tip: Powder-based products get very dry, cakey, and flaky after the recommended shelf life has passed.

CONCEALER
Shelf life: 1 year for liquid and cream, 2 years for powder
Tip: Check the color of your concealer: if it has darkened, lightened, or gone streaky, it’s probably way past its prime.

CREAM STICKS & MULTI-PURPOSE PRODUCTS
Shelf life: 1 to 1.5 years
Tip: To give lip and cheek tints and multiple sticks a longer life, always use clean fingers during application. The texture will change more and more past the expiration date.

EYE SHADOW
Shelf life: Up to 2 years
Tip: Although eye shadows are quite long-lasting, you must be vigilant about keeping your brush or sponge applicators clean. If not, you can cut down the shadow’s lifespan to as short as 6 months.

EYELINER
Shelf life: 1 year for pencil, 2 months for liquid, 2 months for gel
Tip: Liquid and gel eyeliners start to deteriorate after a very short period of time, so get as much wear out of them as you can! Once they go bad, these formulas will dry up (as usual), losing their ease of glide and intensity of color payoff.

FAKE LASHES
Shelf life: 1 year for pencil, 2 months for liquid, 2 months for gel
Tip: Liquid and gel eyeliners start to deteriorate after a very short period of time, so get as much wear out of them as you can! Once they go bad, these formulas will dry up (as usual), losing their ease of glide and intensity of color payoff.

NAIL POLISH
Shelf life: Up to 2 years
Tip: Shake the bottle! A polish that is expired will settle into layers instead of blending back together. Also, if the lacquer has taken on a goopy, glue-like texture, it’s time to toss it.