It is not always obvious whether an old lipstick, dried mascara, or half-used palette is still usable. Start with safety, then separate the product from its packaging.
Do not remix questionable cosmetics into new makeup. Changes in smell, color, or texture are reasons to stop using the product.
Sort Your Makeup Into Three Groups
- Set aside products with changed smell, color, texture, separation, mold, or damaged packaging for disposal.
- Keep products that are still within the maker’s directions and have been stored and handled properly.
- Separate clean, empty packages for a curbside or specialty recycling check.
If you had an eye infection, FDA says to throw away the eye makeup you were using. Do not pass it to someone else.
Do Not Rely on a Universal Makeup Expiration Chart
US law does not require ordinary cosmetics to carry expiration dates. Shelf life varies with formulation, storage, packaging, and use.
Products that are also drugs, such as makeup or moisturizer with SPF, follow drug expiration requirements. Use the printed date and label directions.
FDA notes that manufacturers often recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. That is not a universal timeline for every eye product.
Writing the opening date on a container can help. Keep cosmetics closed, clean, and away from temperature extremes.
Do Not Share or Donate Used Makeup
FDA advises against sharing makeup because it can spread infection. So opened lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, and products touched with fingers are poor donation choices.
A charity or mutual-aid group may accept sealed, unused products, but its rules may exclude certain dates, brands, or product types. Ask before bringing anything.
Do not sell or donate a product that smells different, has separated, looks contaminated, or may have been tampered with.
Dispose of Product That Is Still Inside
For ordinary solid or cream makeup, check the label and local waste instructions. Montgomery County, Maryland, lists cosmetics and makeup with trash, but that is a local example.
Nail polish, remover, perfume, and aerosols can be flammable or otherwise hazardous. Your household hazardous-waste program may handle them differently from ordinary makeup.
King County, Washington, accepts household nail polish at its hazardous-waste collection sites. This does not establish a national rule, so check your own county.
Keep leftover products in their original containers with labels attached. Do not mix cosmetics or pour them into a drain unless your local authority and product label specifically direct it.
For more detail, see our guides to nail polish, nail polish remover, and aftershave bottles.
Recycle Empty Packaging Carefully
Makeup packages often combine pumps, mirrors, magnets, brushes, glass, and several plastics. A recycling symbol alone does not prove that the whole package belongs in your curbside bin.
Ask your local program about the empty base container. Remove pumps, caps, mirrors, or applicators only when its instructions request it.
Ulta’s Beauty Dropoff program currently accepts qualifying cleaned-out beauty packaging at all Ulta Beauty locations under Pact’s guidelines. Check the accepted list before visiting.
Specialty programs change. Confirm that the bin still accepts your package type and whether it must be empty, clean, dry, or taken apart.