It has been said that all good things must come to an end, and this adage can apply to the shelf life of our makeup. Even our favorite products must get tossed on occasion, when they have outlived their life expectancy in our cosmetic drawer. Keeping products past their prime is a recipe for disaster in terms of skin irritation and bacteria build up. However, there is no law that states that cosmetic manufacturers must put expiration dates on their products, so it can be difficult to know what to toss and what to keep. Do you know when to toss your makeup? Read on and we`ll give you all the guidelines you need to keep your makeup bag clean, safe and bacteria free.

Short Timers

Mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives, and should be tossed after three months if it is not used up by then. Once that mascara wand has come out of its tube and touches your lashes, it is a bacteria breeding ground. Three months is the maximum amount of time that you can use the product without running the risk of an eye infection. Other eye products, like cream eye shadow and eyeliner should be tossed out after six months. Powder shadows can last much longer – up to three years in some cases. Think about that the next time you are standing at the cosmetic counter trying to decide between the electric blue cream shadow, and the shades of blue powder quad. You might get a better run with that powder choice. Cream blush is another short timer in your makeup bag, and should be tossed after six months with your cream shadow and eyeliner.

Annual Farewells

Some experts will recommend throwing out powder blushes and eye shadows after a year, although others will extend that deadline by as much as a year or two. When in doubt, perform the look and sniff check and if anything appears or smells off, toss it. Other products with a one-year shelf life include foundation (although some experts will recommend tossing within four to six months), powder and lipstick. If these products change consistence, color or texture, throw them out sooner.

Old Timers

Depending on who you listen to and how well you take care of them, you can keep powder blushes and eye shadows two or three years. This is assuming that you have not shared your cosmetics with anyone and you have always applied them to a freshly washed face with clean hands. Make up brushes that are cleaned regularly can last up to two years, so take good care of these important tools. Wash monthly with a gentle shampoo and use a sanitizing spray between washing.

Breaking up can be hard to do with your favorite makeup products, but keeping your cosmetic drawer clean and rotated will help to ensure that the substances you are putting on your face are safe and free of bacteria. So bid adieu to those old favorites and wipe your tears. Now you have an excuse to go shopping for new makeup. Every cloud has a silver lining.

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