Does Makeup Primer Expire

Posted by Elizabethmott on October 18, 2024

We’ve all been there - you saw a sale, added a new primer to your daily routine, and completely forgot about that other one that got crammed into the back of your vanity.

Or, maybe there was a deal that was just too good to pass up and you bit off more than you can chew, and you’re wondering if that final tube of primer is still good to use a year later.

Either way, does makeup primer expire? More specifically, how long does makeup primer last before it’s past its prime (pun intended), and what can you do to extend the makeup primer shelf life as much as possible?

We’ll cover all this and more below, including the signs your primer may need to get tossed out and replaced. In general, you can expect this skincare essential to last anywhere from 12 to 24 months depending on whether it’s opened or not, how it’s stored, and other factors.

Learn more below, including why when it comes to Korean primer, Elizabeth Mott is your trusted choice. Whether you need color correction, sun protection, illumination, or anything in between, we have the perfect face primer for you!

Does Makeup Primer Expire?

So, does makeup primer expire? Yes - like all beauty products, primer has a shelf life that you need to be aware of. In fact, if your primer doesn’t expire, you should probably toss it out as you’re putting chemical slop on your face.

On the other hand, natural, high-quality primer is made from ingredients that can break down and lose their effectiveness over time. Deciding to use primer after its expiration date puts you at risk of an unpleasant reaction, too.

That being said, when does makeup primer expire? It all depends on the product itself, which is why you need to look for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, which will give you a better understanding of how many months you have to use the product once it’s opened.

This symbol looks like a little jar icon with a number inside it - that being said, how long does makeup primer last typically?

How Long Does Makeup Primer Last?

Just like with food, there are far too many moving pieces for us to give you a one size fits all answer on the makeup primer shelf life.

So, let’s break it down below based on whether it’s opened or unopened, water or silicone-based, and the telltale signs you need to cut ties with your primer and start fresh.

Unopened vs Opened Primers

Sealed primer that has been properly stored (meaning it’s kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight), can last for 2-3 years. It hasn’t been exposed to air or bacteria, which are the main culprits in breaking down cosmetic products.

The clock starts ticking the moment you pop the top on that primer, though. Again, the specific ingredients and storage conditions dictate exactly how long your primer will last, but in general, 12-24 months is a fair guideline.

Water-Based vs Silicone-Based Primers

Let’s get more specific - how long does makeup primer last exactly? It depends on whether it’s a water-based or silicone-based product. Different types of primer makeup have different shelf lifes.

Water-based primers have a shelf life of roughly 12 months, which is shorter than their silicone-based counterparts, especially if they contain fewer preservatives. They’re more likely to get contaminated with bacteria or break down quicker once exposed to air and moisture.

On the other hand, silicone-based primer is more stable and thus less susceptible to degradation. The silicone forms a barrier that prevents air and bacteria from easily entering, so you can expect these primers to last up to 24 months - with proper storage, of course.

Signs Your Product is Past its Prime

While the makeup primer shelf life serves as a good gauge, it’s far more important that you can identify the signs your product is past its prime. After all, the risks of using expired makeup primer are severe, as we’ll explore below. Here’s what you should watch out for:

Texture Changes: Clumping, separation, or a grainy feel when applied are all clear signs the formula has begun breaking down.
Color Changes: Similar to texture, changes in color - especially a yellowish tinge -can indicate the ingredients have started degrading.
Smell: Fresh primer should have little to no smell. So when you start noticing a sour, funky, or chemical odor, take it as a sign your primer has expired and should be tossed.
Effectiveness: If your primer used to smooth your skin beautifully but now seems to be doing nothing, it’s likely expired. An expired primer won’t grip your makeup as well, and you’ll notice that your foundation won’t last as long or sit as smoothly. At that point, it’s not doing you any good anyway!

Now, maybe you’re thinking - what’s the harm in squeezing a little more life out of that primer even if it’s not as good as it once was? Here’s why expired primer has no place in your Korean skincare routine.

What Happens if You Use Expired Makeup Primer?

Whether you’re using homemade primer for makeup or a professional product, freshness matters. First and foremost, expired primer simply won’t even do its job.

Why do you need primer for makeup, exactly? The goal is to create a smooth, flawless base for your foundation. Unfortunately, an expired primer might do the opposite. Its ingredients can start to clump together.

This can leave your makeup looking patchy by midday. Or worse, the primer might not even out your skin texture from the start, failing to settle into the fine lines from the initial application.

But performance aside, expired makeup primer can cause irritation because its ingredients aren’t as stable as they once were. You might notice redness, itchiness, or even a burning sensation.

This is especially common for those with sensitive skin, but allergic reactions aren’t uncommon even for those who feel their skin is typically pretty resilient. If you continue to use the primer after it has begun breaking down, you could be compromising your skin health - and it’ll show.

Old primer clogs pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads, or even painful pimples. Water-based primers are more problematic in this regard as they’re the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause acne.

Beyond breakouts, you could be exposing yourself to certain bacteria that can lead to infections. This risk is even higher if you’re applying primer around sensitive areas like your eyes or mouth.

So, don’t take any chances. With our cruelty-free Korean skincare just a few clicks away, why bother with expired primer? Stock up on something fresh today and see for yourself what makes our products so powerful.

In the meantime, we’ll share some tips on extending the makeup primer shelf life.

Tips on Extending the Makeup Primer Shelf Life

All good things come to an end, and your makeup primer is no exception. But there are a few things you can do to make the most of every primer you purchase and prevent waste. Ultimately, it comes down to proper storage.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat, humidity, and sunlight are your primer’s worst enemies. They speed up the degradation process, leading to separation or changes in texture.

The bathroom might seem like a convenient place to store your products, but the constant changes in temperature and moisture from showers can actually shorten their lifespan. Instead, keep it in a cool, dry place like a vanity drawer or makeup bag that stays out of direct sunlight.

Tightly Seal After Every Use

You’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes! We mentioned earlier that exposure to air can dry out the formula, cause it to oxidize, and allow bacteria to enter the product. So, double-check that the primer is fully closed before storing it.

Use Clean Tools

Fingers are convenient, but they can introduce bacteria into your primer if you’re applying directly from the tube or jar. Instead, use tools like a makeup brush, sponge, or spatula to keep your primer free from contamination as you apply it.

Shop Smart

At the end of the day, you know primer is going to expire within 12 months - so think carefully when shopping and be realistic about whether or not you really need another primer.

Sure, it’s tempting to stock up when a sale pops up, but what’s the point of getting a good deal if you have to throw the product out anyway?

Similarly, consider whether it makes more sense to buy travel sizes instead of their full-sized counterparts. You might pay a bit more, but you won’t end up wasting anything with this approach, and you’ll always have the freshest primer possible.

Plus, travel-sized products are easy to take on the go if you travel frequently!

If Your Makeup Primer is Expired, Spoil Yourself With Something New at Elizabeth Mott!

Discovering your primer has expired and needs to be disposed of can be frustrating and disheartening, but we hope these tips above on how to extend the makeup primer shelf life help you avoid the issue going forward.

Now, it’s time to spoil yourself with the #1 selection of primer from your favorite vegan Korean skincare brand, Elizabeth Mott. We’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a color correcting primer, blurring face primer, illuminating face primer, or something else entirely.

You can also find the Korean makeup brushes you need for effortless application, along with plenty of other Korean hair care and beauty essentials. Here are some of our most popular collections:

From Korean primer to snail mucin serum, this is your one-stop shop for all your skincare needs. Don’t take any chances on old primer. Start fresh today at Elizabeth Mott and set the stage for effortless makeup application so you can look and feel your best daily!

Parting Thoughts on Makeup Primer Shelf Life

So, does makeup primer expire? Perhaps a better question is, how long does makeup primer last? In closing, you can expect your primer to last anywhere from 12-24 months depending on the type and its storage conditions.

But given the risks of using expired makeup primer, you need to make sure you’re staying vigilant for the signs your products are past their prime and avoiding continued use when you notice changes to texture, color, smell, or performance.

Our blog has additional resources like why is Korean skincare so good, is snail mucin good for oily skin, is Korean skincare vegan, does snail mucin clog pores, and more.

At this point, though, the only thing left to do is browse our K-beauty catalog here at Elizabeth Mott and upgrade your primer today. Consistently create a fresh, flawless base for the rest of your makeup and keep your skin glowing with our primer!

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