When To Replace Your Cosmetics
Shelf Life Facts for Cosmetics
Keep track of how long you've had your beauty products, for two good reasons: To be sure they are still effective and to assess their possible contamination with bacteria that can cause rashes or infection. Save this handy guide.
FOUNDATION: up to 2 years
Throw out sooner if the pigment has started to change or the consistency becomes clumpy.
LIPSTICK: 1 1/2 to 2 years
When the waxes eventually dry out, you'll feel a loss of the slip that makes application easy.
MASCARA: 3 months
Because the process of applying involves moving the wand from lashes to bottle and back, the risk of introducing bacteria is high. A new tube every three months is simply sensible eye hygiene.
EYE SHADOW: 3 years
If either power or cream varieties exhibit an order or a color or texture change, discard sooner.
LIP AND EYE PENCILS: 2 years
If the pencil starts to stick and get more difficult to use, it's probably dried out. Time to toss it.
BLUSH: 3 years
Despite a long shelf life, be alert to changes in color, smell or consistency.
MOISTURIZERS: 3 years
Discard them sooner if you start to smell an off odor or the overall texture seems to have changed.
SUN PROTECTION: 2 years
When it's time to discard, you'll notice that the product starts to separate and may have an odor.
SELF -TANNERS: 6 months to 1 year
Self-tanners take on a funny smell when they're past their prime. They become less effective and you may get a lighter or inconsistent "tan".
FRAGRANCE: 1 to 4 years
Perfume fades in 1 to 2 years: Toilet water: 2 to 4 years. Store in a cool, dry place away from any sun light.
DEODORANT: 3 years
The active ingredients don't last forever, and once they're inert, the deodorant isn't effective.
Nail Polish: 6 months to 4 years
The less it's exposed to air and sunlight, the longer it last. Store in the refrigerator.
