Trash it or stash it?

If only makeup were more like milk. Glance at the carton and the “throw it away or this is going to be a sour, nasty mess” label is as clear as can be. Cosmetics, for the most part, do not come with this expiration date convenience. But makeup DOES go bad. And while it may not grow little blue moldy spots like your cheddar, expired makeup is unhealthy for your skin and can potentially cause breakouts or infection.
When to toss it…
• It’s smelly!
• Oil Free Foundation-1 year
• Oil Based Foundation- 18 months
• Concealer: 1 year
• Powder: 2 years
• Blush or Bronzer: 2 years
• Cream Blush: 12-18 months
• Powder Eye Shadow: 2 years
• Cream Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
• Mascara: 4 months. Don’t pump the wand, it let’s air in and makes your mascara go bad much quicker.
• Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
• Pencil eyeliner: Sharpen often and toss after 2 years
• Lipstick: Between 1 and 4 years (Keep it in the refrigerator to really make it last!)
• Cream and Gel Cleansers: 1 year
• Lip gloss: 18-24 months
• Lip Liner: Up to 3 years
• Nail Polish: 1 years
• Sponges: Wash weekly and throw out monthly
• Natural cosmetics: most natural products go bad sooner that regular products, so check with the maker of your natural brand for expiration times!
**Here’s a little tip I remember watching my mom do as I was growing up… When you get a new tube of mascara, take a sharpie and write the date on the cap. That way you’ll always have a reference as to when to throw it out. Or, if you’re a Type A personality like me, start an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the purchase and expiration dates of all your beauty products!