Brands · 2 min read
Does Fenty Beauty expire?
Quick answer: Yes. Fenty Beauty says shelf life varies by product. Each product has a PAO symbol showing how many months it stays fresh after opening, and products with sunscreen carry an expiration date.
“If a product has a PAO of 12, that means it should be used within 12 months of opening.”
Fenty Beauty, FAQ
How to check your Fenty Beauty product
- Find the PAO symbol on the packaging and count the months from the day you opened it
- For products with sunscreen, go by the printed expiration date, which Fenty says applies whether or not the product was opened
- Replace anything that has changed in smell, color or texture
Why there is no single number
Fenty Beauty says shelf life ranges by product and that its quality team keeps testing batches, extending shelf life when the data supports it. That means the PAO on your own product is more reliable than any general rule for the brand.
Gloss and cream products
Fenty is known for lip gloss and cream products. Wand glosses and creams touched with fingers pick up bacteria faster than powders, so they are usually the first to go. Our lip gloss and cream blush guides cover the signs to watch for.
Shelf life by product type
General guidance from our sourced product guides, not specific to Fenty Beauty. Your product's PAO symbol comes first.
| Product | General guidance |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 6–18 months after opening |
| Concealer | 6–12 months after opening |
| Highlighter | 12–24 months after opening |
| Bronzer | 12–24 months after opening |
| Blush | 12–24 months after opening |
| Cream blush | 6–12 months after opening |
| Lip gloss | 6–18 months after opening |
| Lipstick | 6–24 months after opening |
| Mascara | 2–6 months after opening |
| Primer | 12–24 months after opening |
FAQ
What's the difference between PAO and an expiration date?
Fenty explains that PAO is how many months a product stays fresh after opening, while an expiration date, used on sunscreen products, applies whether or not the product has been opened.
Does Fenty Beauty foundation expire?
Yes. Check the PAO on the bottle. Our foundation guide explains the signs, like a change in color or separation.
Makeup Shelf is not affiliated with or endorsed by Fenty Beauty. Brand names are used only to identify products.
This is general guidance compiled from the sources below. It is not medical advice. Always follow your product's label, and stop using anything that irritates your skin or eyes.
Sources
- FAQ, Fenty Beauty. Accessed September 24, 2026.