Keep Your Christmas Glow Safe: How to Make Sure Your Make-Up Isn’t Past Its Best

With Christmas parties, winter weddings, school nativities, office dos, and family gatherings filling the calendar, December is the one month when our make-up bags work overtime. 

But before you reach for that trusty lipstick or the mascara you think you bought last year, it’s worth checking that your beauty favourites are still safe to use.

Old cosmetics don’t just perform poorly, they can irritate winter-sensitive skin, cause breakouts during the busiest season of the year, and even trigger eye infections. A fresh, festive glow begins with products that are still in their prime.

Here’s your Christmas-ready guide to how long make-up should stick around.

Why Expiry Dates Matter (Especially at Christmas)

Winter weather already puts pressure on skin. Using expired products can make things worse by introducing bacteria, reducing hydration, and triggering irritation. 

And when your diary is packed with festive events, the last thing you need is a reaction from out-of-date make-up.

If something smells odd, has separated, looks discoloured, or feels different on your skin, it’s time to pop it in the bin.

How Long Your Beauty Products Should Last

These timelines apply once the product has been opened. Unopened items kept in a cool, dry place will last longer — handy if you’re planning to buy beauty gifts for Christmas stockings.

Moisturisers and Face Creams

6–12 months

Great skin prep is essential for Christmas sparkle, but once creams change scent or texture, they’ve expired.

Liquid Foundations and Tinted Moisturisers

6–12 months

If your base has started to separate or smell a bit off, it won’t sit smoothly under festive shimmer.

Concealers

Liquid: 6–12 months

Stick: Up to 18 months

Powders (pressed powder, bronzer, blusher, highlighter)

18–24 months

Perfect for creating a party glow, powders last longer — but keep your brushes clean to avoid contamination.

Mascara

3 months

Mascara is the quickest to expire. With lots of photos and twinkly lights around at Christmas, keeping your eyes safe is vital.

Liquid Eyeliners

3–6 months

If the formula thickens, don’t risk it. Replace before the party season starts.

Pencil Eyeliners and Lip Liners

12–24 months

Sharpening helps keep them fresh, but once they feel dry or scratchy, it’s time to upgrade.

Lipsticks and Lip Glosses

Lipstick: 12–18 months

Lip gloss: 12 months

Christmas is all about kisses, toasts, and smiles — so make sure your lip products are fresh and comfortable.

Eyeshadow

12–24 months

Powder shadows last longer; cream shadows should be replaced sooner.

Nail Polish

12–24 months

If it’s gone gloopy or separated, it’s time for a new festive shade.

How to Help Your Make-Up Last Longer Through the Festive Season

Keep products away from radiator heat

Wash hands before application

Clean brushes and blending sponges regularly

Close lids tightly

Avoid sharing products during gatherings or nights out

A little pre-Christmas make-up audit keeps your skin healthy and ensures you’re looking your best for every party, family get-together, and Christmas morning photo. Fresh products help your festive looks last longer, perform better, and stay safe.