With makeup, it’s a slippery slope from collector to hoarder. While cosmetics contain preservatives, the formulas don't last forever. So when is it time to toss your old lip balms? Well, it depends.
With makeup, it’s a slippery slope from collector to hoarder. While cosmetics contain preservatives, the formulas don't last forever. So when is it time to toss your old lip balms? Well, it depends.
Shelf Life Rules of Thumb
Generally, lip balms last from 1 to 5 years. The longer all beauty and personal care products go without being opened, the longer they stay fresh. Once a lip balm has been exposed to the air, your lips, and possibly other surfaces or substances, the product begins to breed bacteria.
It's tempting to hold on to old lip balms just in case. But if an open tube has been floating around in a drawer or your bag for a couple of years, the product is probably not worth holding on to. Lip balms are generally inexpensive, so do yourself a favour and simply replace any questionable items.
Exceptions to the Rule
- Any lip balm with SPF, such as the iconic Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15, generally becomes less effective after the first year of use.
- Additionally, lip balms in tins pick up extra bacteria from your fingers, so you don't want to hang on to them more than a year.
- Hydrating and moisturising lip balms dry out faster than protective ones do. Such products aren't much good a year past opening.
Want to stockpile a fave?
Sometimes, of course, you find a balm you love and want to buy more than one. If this is the case, make sure your investment is solid by using only one at a time. You'll waste less if you can restrain yourself from bouncing 10 or so glosses, balms, and lipsticks around in your purse or makeup bag.
Tossing out old beloved products is difficult, but look at it this way: if you carefully curate your collection, you’ll always have something current and amazing on hand!
Out With the Old, In With the New
If you’ve been using old lip balms and now feel the need to toss them out, no worries! We’ve got tons of options for you to restock. Some of our favourites are:
- Antipodes Lip Balm With Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter
- ASAP Hydrating Lip Balm+ SPF 15
- Hurraw! Vanilla Lip Balm
Check out our full selection of lip balms for more options!
