Your Makeup's Shelf Life

You don't drink milk that has reached its expiration date do you? So why use old makeup you bought years ago? The last thing anyone wants is to develop a nasty infection – and that's what will happen if you continue using that mascara you love so much but have to pump before application.

THE TIMELINE
Not all experts agree on how long you can keep certain items, but we've put together a timeline you can follow.

Toss after 3 months:
Mascara

Toss after 6 months:
Foundation
Facial cleansers
Facial moisturisers

Toss after 12 months:
Pressed powders such as blushers, eye shadows and concealers
Facial toner
Sunscreens
Eye and lip pencils (or when they become dry, crumbly and difficult to apply)

Toss after 2 years:
Lipsticks & lip glosses (also as soon as you develop a cold sore)
Nail polish
Bronzer
Fragrances

Practice good hygiene and replace the contents of your makeup bag every now and then to get rid of bacteria and prevent skin infections.

Author: Megan Kakora