Two Reasons to Know the Shelf Life of your Cosmetics.
1. To be sure they are still effective
2. To assess their possible contamination with bacteria that can cause rashes or infection.
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 odor or a color or texture change, discard sooner.
Lip/ 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 sunlight.
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.
