Like food, makeup has an expiration date and over time, cosmetics can harbor harmful bacteria that can lead to infections. In fact, the more moisture the product has or the closer it comes to your eyes, the shorter its life span. So follow these helpful tips and tricks to know when to throw out certain makeup products.
• Jot down the date you buy your foundation on the base of the product so that you never lose track of time and won’t be using a rancid shade that is bad for your skin. If you notice your foundation start to separate, it’s definitely time to toss it.
• Always keep products airtight. Mascara wands should never be “pumped” in and out of the tube as this will only invite air in and dry them out faster. Instead, sweep them around the inner-sides of the tube to collect product. Mascara should also never be shared and should be replaced every three months or sooner, especially if you notice the formula getting clumpy or starting to smelly funny.
• If in doubt about the product’s life span upon purchase, look for a small symbol that looks like an open jar with numbers and the letter M next to the numbers, like 24M or 12M. This represents how many months it will last before you should toss it.
• Never add anything to your foundation, even water, to get it back to its old consistency. This would be akin to rolling out the welcome mat for bacteria.
• A well looked-after lipstick should last around two years, but as soon as it takes on a strange odor or you notice a change in texture, it’s time to ditch it.
Expiration dates—beginning from the time you first open these products
Brow pencil and kohl eyeliner: 1 year
Liquid eyeliner: 3 to 4 months
Eyeshadow: 3 to 6 months
Foundation: 6 months to 1 year
Lipstick, liner, and gloss: 1 year
Mascara: 3 months
Blush and powder: 2 years
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly, using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly or when sponge becomes dirty
