Is There a Shelf Life on Nail polish?

By AuttyW Sep 15, 2012

I have always thought that nail polish would last forever and not go bad but I was wrong. The FDA does not designate the shelf life of nail polishes, instead they leave it up to the companies. Typically a nail polish can last from 18 to 24 months if they are kept in a cool dark place. You can however use the nail polish LONGER than 24 months if it has not gone bad.

It is easy to tell if your nail polish has gone bad then to simple toss it after 2 years. Especially if its one of those expensive bottles! There is one pretty easy way to know if you nail polish has gone bad though!

The texture of your nail polish is a dead giveaway if your nail polish has gone bad. If your nail polish has gone thick and gloopy and basically very hard to manage, then more than likely your nail polish has gone bad. When a nail polish has gone bad, it becomes very very hard to make an even coat that does not come out looking clumpy.

Here are some of my tips that you can do to make your nail polish last forever, if you do take particular care of your bottles.

Store them in a cool and dark place
Clean the necks of the bottle with acetone. (Nail polish remover)

It really is that simple to help keep your nail polish lasting for a long time, possibly FOREVER! (If you don't use it up by then!)

Do you have any beauty tricks to share? How long does your make up usually last?

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Comments

by jewls_her | Schofield, WI

Sep 20, 2012

Thanks for the tips. I love nail polishand have a bunch but don't have much time to put them on so would hate them to go bad when I haven't used much of them at all.

by jaye1975 | DREXEL HILL, PA

Sep 19, 2012

Thank you so much for this information...very helpful!

by ValAnnNicole | TULSA, OK

Sep 18, 2012

I heard you can store nail polish in the fridge as well. Also a couple of drops of nail polish remover keeps it from clumping. Thank you for the information!

by Hiiyooitscat | LOS ANGELES, CA

Sep 18, 2012

I recommend using a nail polish thinner instead of acetone (i read someone's comment).. It will take care of the goopy and thickness of an old polish. You can get it at sally's beauty supply.

by alwaysblabbing | RACELAND, LA

Sep 18, 2012

Great tips I love nail polish and like to buy tons of different colors.

by babsywabs | Notre Dame, IN

Sep 18, 2012

I don't think it's a matter of the polish "going bad" - it's just dried out a bit. It's easily salvageable: just pour two or three drops of acetone nail polish remover into the bottle (either with a medicine dropper or with a steady hand), then shake the bottle well. Your polish will be good as new.

by Mothermercury | LA PINE, OR

Sep 18, 2012

Keep the nail polish in the fridge. It will last just about forever.

by simbalala | Rockaway, NJ

Sep 18, 2012

Thank you for the great tips. Very informative.

by lisaalcala10 | Los Angeles, CA

Sep 18, 2012

wow thanks

by abbykane | BURIEN, WA

Sep 17, 2012

I change my polish in my storage area on a regular basis. Thanks for the tips