Is your makeup still good? Know in seconds.
Track every product you open, get a nudge before it expires, and finally finish what's already in your drawer.
Shelf-life basics
PAO symbol
12M
= use within 12 months of opening
Mascara
3 mo
often recommended replacement after purchase
EU rule
30 mo
or less: a best-before date is required
Sources: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Art. 19; U.S. FDA, Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics. General guidance, not medical advice. Always check your product's own label.
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Pan tracker
Tap to log each use and watch every product fill toward hit pan.
Expiry tracker
Add the PAO or expiry date and get a gentle reminder before it runs out.
Savings tracker
See the cost per use of every product and the money you save by finishing it.
Collection insights
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Free tools
Guides worth reading
Does makeup expire?
Yes, makeup expires. How long products last after opening and sealed, how to read the PAO symbol, and the signs something has gone off.
What is Project Pan?
Project Pan means finishing the makeup and skincare you already own before buying more. How it works, how to start, and how to keep going.
Project Pan rules: how to set up your own
There are no official Project Pan rules. Here are the common ones people use, how to choose yours, and which rules keep you safe.
What does the PAO symbol mean?
The open-jar PAO symbol shows how many months a cosmetic lasts after opening. How to read it, where to find it, and when products use a date instead.
How we know what we know
Our shelf-life guidance comes from regulators, eye doctors, dermatologists and brands' own published statements. We draw on 31 cited sources so far, and every page lists the ones it uses.
A named editor reviews every guide before it goes live. We don't run ads and we don't accept payment for coverage. Read our editorial policy, or tell us about a mistake on our corrections page.
Questions, answered
Is Makeup Shelf free?
It is free to download on iPhone and iPad. The free version tracks up to 5 products, which suits a focused Project Pan, and Premium unlocks unlimited products.
What is Project Pan?
Project Pan is a challenge where you pick a few products and use them up completely before buying anything new. Makeup Shelf tracks your progress and the money you save.
How do I know if my makeup has expired?
Look for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, an open jar with a number like 12M, which tells you how many months a product lasts after opening. Changes in smell, texture or color are also signs it is time to toss it.
Do I need an account?
Yes. You sign in with Apple or Google, and your collection is stored with your account so it can power features like friends and leaderboards. Our privacy policy links to the full app privacy policy.