How Often You Should Throw Away Your Makeup

Sorry beauty hoarders (myself included), but it’s time for some tough love. I know how much you love the perfect nude lipstick you’ve owned for five years, but it’s time to say goodbye. While it can be tempting to hold on to every last piece of makeup you’ve accumulated over the years, it’s just not the smartest thing to do. Even sentimental pieces, they should go in the trash after so many years.

It’s time to grab your makeup bag and a trash can because believe it or not cosmetics do have expiration dates. Not sticking to the “use by” dates can cause makeup to become a breeding ground for bacteria. GROSS. And trust me, the very last thing you want to do is put those products on your face. You can end up with an infection, sties, pink eye, and breakouts.

I’m sharing a quick guide on when everything should go in the trash below, a good rule is that if you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s time to toss!

A few helpful hints on expiration dates

• The more moisture in a product (like mascara and foundation), the shorter its life span will be.
• The “use by” time frame begins from the moment you open a product, not from the time you purchase it.
• Don’t expose makeup to extreme changes in temperature. Think hot, humid beach to cold winter location.
• If you can, write the date you opened a product on it (use a permanent marker!).
• Try to stay away from products packaged in jars because fingers add unwanted bacteria.
• Don’t share makeup with friends, it’s ok to say no.

Pencils (1 to 2 years)

Pencils (lip liner, eyeliner, and brow pencils) may be sharpened, so the good news is that you can start with a clean slate after a good sharpen and spritz with alcohol. But that doesn’t mean they will last forever. If a pencil dries out and starts tugging on your skin, it’s probably time to toss it.

Lipstick and Glosses (1 year)

Since lipstick and lipgloss are applied to the mouth area, it’s a good idea to replace them every year or so. Don’t keep your lip products in your hot car and do sanitize them with alcohol every so often! And if you have a cold sore, and use a lipstick product, toss it!

Concealer (1 to 2 years)

Bacteria loves any concealer, especially if they are in a pot. Any change of smell, colour, or consistency means it’s time to toss because most likely applying it could cause irritation or breakouts. These products are meant to cover your blemishes, not cause them!

Powders (2 years)

These powder products (powder foundation, blush, eyeshadows, bronzers, and highlighters) last longer than any other colour cosmetic, but if it breaks before it’s expiration date is up, go ahead and throw it out.

Liquid Foundation (6 months to 1 year)

Whether you use your fingers, a sponge or a brush, chances are you’re not washing either every time you apply your foundation, right? No judgment here, but you are introducing bacteria to the formula with each use. Don’t let it fester.

Mascara and Liquid Liner (3 to 6 months)

Don’t pump your mascara like those commercials. It pushes air into the tube, causing it to dry out and lets in bacteria. Using liquid eye products passed expiration dates can cause redness, itchiness, pinkeye, and sties. And it goes without saying, don’t ever share these products with a friend!