When does your makeup expire? And know when to toss it!

Did you know that makeup has its own shelf life?
Yes, just like food, makeup can go bad, but luckily, makeup has a much longer shelf life than yummy treats!
Here are some expiration dates on some beauty products....

Mascara 

3 months

Unlike all other makeup products, mascara has the shortest shelf life.  As one smart makeup guru, along these lines, once said, 'You shouldn't have to buy an expensive mascara, since mascaras have such a short shelf life, instead go for the drugstore mascara, they are much easier to stock up on!  Save your money for things like foundation, lipstick, or blush, items that last much longer.'

Lip Gloss & Lip Stick

1 to 2 years (generally 2 for lipstick)

This is the time to buy en expensive product, one that will last a long time.  The general rule for lipgloss is 1 to 2 years, but some say 3; but if it smells bad, don't hesitate!  Throw it out!!  (TIP: some say if you store your favorite lip product in the refrigerator, it can last even longer.)

Eye Shadow Powder

2 years

Most of the time, my fingers don't even go near eye shadow, I leave all that work to the brush, thus the long shelf life!  Splurge on popular eyeshadow items such as the Naked Palette, it comes with many different colors, and lasts a long time!

Cream Eye Shadow

12-18 months

Cream eye shadow is another matter than powder eye shadow.  Using your fingers in cream eye shadow, shortens the shelf life, so don't keep it for a long time.  General rule: lasts for about a year and a half.  Looking for a inexpensive, yet great cream eye shadow?  Try the Maybelline Color Tattoo, my favorite color being 'Barely Branded'.

Eyeliner

3 months

Eye liner is one of those products you want to be careful of.  Eyeliner has a short shelf life partially because the application itself requires it to touch your waterline/tightline, which can transfer bacteria on old liners.  Keep your eyeliner for about 3 months to help keep your eyes safe from getting 'sick'.

Powder Blush

2 years

Blush is one of my favorite things to wear for makeup products, so when it comes to blush, since it has a long shelf life period, I splurge on a few knowing that I'll have them for a long time to come.  My favorite?  MAC's Well Dressed, it's a very light gorgeous doll pink color.

Cream Blush

6 months

Keep cream blush for only 6 months.  The cream products, since they have more moisture in the product than powder, be careful with them; it can be more practical to spend your money on a powder blush.

Foundation

Varies for fondation type

The shelf life for foundation can vary.  For oil-free, its generally 12 months, and for cream foundation, its 18.

Concealer

12-18 months

If your someone who loves concealer, and wears it everyday, then jump for joy, because concealer has quite a long shelf life, which can come in handy if you ever find that 'holy grail' concealer product.

Though I have yet to get seriously into this habit, it can really help by labeling your products when you open and first use them, so next time you look at the expiration date, you can know if its time to throw it in the garbage, and go and buy another.

Good Luck!

xoxo

-Meg