Makeup, like food, has expiration dates. Bacteria can build up and can lead, in the worst case, to rashes and infections.
So here’s a tip: Place a small sticker on the product and write the month and year you open it. Better yet, calculate the date it expires and write that down. And if anything has a strange odor or is starting to separate, crackle, or clump, just toss it!
How Long Should You Keep It?
Makeup
Concealer: 1 year
Foundation: 1 – 1½ years
Facial powder: 2 years
Blush, Powder: 2 years
Blush, Cream: 1 year
Bronzer: 2 years
Pencil Eyeliner: 2 years
Liquid Eyeliner: 3 months
Eye Shadow, Powder: 2 years
Eye Shadow, Cream: 1 year
Mascara: 3 months
Brow Liner or Powder: 2 years
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip Gloss: 1 ½ – 2 years
Lip Liner: Up to 3 years, if pencil
Makeup Brushes: Wash every 3 months with a brush cleanser
Nail Polish: 2 years
Skincare Products
Cleanser: 1 year
Moisturizers: 1 year
Eye Cream: 1 year
Sunscreen: 1 year
Makeup Primer: 6 months –1 year
Lip Balm: 1 year
Exfoliators: 6 – 9 months
Anti-aging Masques & Treatments: 6 months – 1 year