At BeautySwapp, we have a simple rule: no products over 3 years old. But some formulas age really well, and some cult products can't be found anywhere anymore. So we created a clear exception.

Why 3 years?

Most cosmetics carry no expiry date. When a product keeps for more than 30 months, EU law only asks brands to show how long to use it once opened: that's the little open jar with "12M" or "24M". To keep things simple and careful, we normally refuse anything over 3 years old.

Formulas that stand the test of time

What makes a product go off is mostly water: where there is water, bacteria can grow. Water-free products, called anhydrous, are much more stable. That's the case for stick lipsticks, pressed powders, powder blushes and eyeshadows. Alcohol-based fragrances also keep very well away from light and heat.

Always excluded: mascaras, liquid eyeliners, foundations, lip glosses, skincare, sunscreens and any unsealed liquid.

Vintage piece or iconic piece?

Vintage piece: a product over 3 years old with a stable formula. You'll see it in the small box on the product page, with its year of manufacture.

Iconic piece: a vintage piece the brand no longer makes and everyone is looking for, like a discontinued best-seller or a cult limited edition. It carries the ★ Iconic tag on its photo. BeautySwapp sets it, never the person selling.

How do we know the year?

From the batch code, the small code engraved or printed under the product. Each brand has its own system, and we read it for you before the listing goes live. To learn more, read our article Batch code vs barcode.

Before you apply it

Check three things: the smell (nothing rancid or unusual), the texture (not dry, cracked or oily on top) and the colour. Do a small test on the inside of your wrist before first use. And keep your product away from heat and humidity, so ideally not in the bathroom.

At checkout

For each product over 3 years old, you tick a box: "I understand this product is more than 3 years old". That way, you know exactly what you're buying. All the rules are in our Accepted Products Charter.

Feeling like a treasure hunt? Turn on the "Iconic pieces only" filter in the shop.