It’s hard to throw away your favorite shade of lipstick, especially if its been discontinued, but when it’s time, you gotta’ do it. Many cosmetic products can simply go bad after a while because of certain ingredients they use, while others tend to build up bacteria and can be hazardous to your health over time.
Foundations, Powders, and Concealers- Depending on the ingredients and how you use them, these types of makeup can last you from 6 months-2 years. If it does not contain water (anhydrous) then it can last longer. Water-based products can dry up and separate so toss them after 1 year. If you use a sponge to apply them and not your fingers, they will last longer. If you use your fingers, toss it after 6 months.
Eyeliner – Pencils can last a couple years if sharpened regularly, ideally before each use. Liquid eyeliner should be thrown out after 3 months because of the bacteria that can build up inside.
Eyeshadow- You can replace your powder shadows every 2 years. Cream shadows should be replaced every 6-12 months as long as you use a brush to apply them and not your fingers. Using your fingers can spread bacteria and shorten the products life span.
Lipstick – 6-12 months. The same rule about your fingers applies to lipstick. Because it has direct contact with your lips, bacteria can build up on the stick. If it starts to smell or taste different, throw it away!
Lip Gloss – A good gloss can last a while, up to a year, but it won’t be as smooth and shiny as the day you bought it. When it starts to thicken and smell different, it is time to be thrown away.
Mascara – 3 months! Possibly the shortest life span of cosmetics because of the bacteria that grows inside the tube. Mascara also dries out very quickly. If it starts to dry out earlier than 3 months, you should definitely throw it out.
Blush – Powder- 1-2 years. Cream- 9-12 months. Once again, make sure to use a brush and not your fingers or prepare to toss ‘em out earlier.
Cleansers and Moisturizers – Because of the ingredients used, such as fatty acids, these products can go bad rather quickly. So always check if they smell and look the same way they did when you first bought them or toss them out at the 6 month mark.
If after reading this you realized that you shouldn’t be using anything in your makeup bag, it’s probably time to replace all of your cosmetics. Browse through SkinDirect’s wide variety of makeup, and hey, maybe you’ll find yourself a new favorite shade of lipstick.
