Most women love cosmetics; whether it’s a lipstick, eyeliner or blush, we all tend to have an old favorite that we turn to time after time. And what happens if that item gets discontinued? Sadly, your fashion “necessities” don’t last forever.

Is it time to give your make-up bag a makeover? How do you know when it is time to part with an old beauty product? Makeup manufacturers issue suggested expiration dates for each of their products. Use these suggested average life spans for beauty products that have been opened and used.

Don’t forget: Using old makeup can cause breakouts and skin irritation, so it is important to keep track of your make-up bag.

Mascara
• Only use for 3 months
• Toss immediately if it becomes dry or you develop an eye infection
• Never, ever share mascara!

Pressed Powder Cosmetics
• Toss after 1 year
• If you have had an eye infection, throw out eye shadow to avoid re-infecting yourself

Concealer
• Don’t use after 1 year, especially if you use a makeup brush to apply it

Wand Applicators
• Expires after 6 months
• More likely to grow bacteria due to it’s liquid form

Foundation
• Discard after 3- 6 months

Make-Up Brushes
• Wash weekly with soap and water, makeup brush cleanser or a gentle detergent like Woolite

Eye and Lip Liner Pencils
• Last for about 1 or 2 years
• Time to trash when they become dry, crumbly or hard to apply

Lip Color
• Good for 1 year if in a tube
• Can use for 9 months if a potted gloss

All-Natural Cosmetics
• Can safely use for about 6 months
• Products do not contain preservatives

Additional Tips:
• Don’t ever share cosmetics.
• Don’t put your fingers into the product. Use the applicator provided or a makeup sponge.
• Keep containers tightly closed, and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Don’t use water or saliva to ease the application of a product. Doing so may introduce bacteria into the product, which can cause a host of problems.
• Immediately toss the product out if there is a change of color, texture, or consistency, if the ingredients settle or separate or if an odor develops.