How long to keep makeup: the shelf life of cosmetics.

Just like many things we use throughout the day, there is a shelf life of cosmetics. How long should you keep that blue mascara from high school you can't buy anymore?

Makeup shelf life various on the kind of cosmetics and the type of cosmetics you purchase. There are some simple guidelines of how long to keep your cosmetics. Just because you have a little bit of lipstick still in the tube doesn't mean you should be using it. For beautiful, healthy skin you need to know makeup shelf life.
Makeup shelf life guidelines to follow:

First off, if it smells, stinks, has a distinct odor that should not be, throw it away! I am amazed at how long women will keep cosmetics that have a bad odor. Do yourself a favor and trash it.

Another good rule of thumb, if you can't remember when you purchased it, trash it. Makeup should not stir up memories from ten years ago. If you makeup bag does, throw it out!
The following is a simple guideline to follow when you are cleaning out your makeup bag.


* Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
* Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
* Concealer: 12-18 months
* Powder: 2 years
* Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
* Cream Blush: 12-18 months
* Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
* Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months Eyeliner: 2 years
* Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
* Mascara: 3 months
* Lipstick: 2 years
* Lip liner: 2 years
* Lip gloss: 18-24 months
* Nail Color: 1 year

If you are using natural cosmetics, these should be thrown out sooner. Regular cosmetics contain ingredients that do help prolong shelf life. But of course natural cosmetics do not. Please check with your favorite natural store for the information on the cosmetics you love.

My favorite tip to make throwing out your cosmetics a little easier: Buy yourself a Sharpie to keep with your makeup bag. Write your own expiration date on the cosmetics that way you will always know when it is time to replace.

Read more at Suite101: Makeup Shelf Life: How long to keep makeup: the shelf life of cosmetics. http://cosmetics.suite101.com/article.cfm/makeup_shelf_life#ixzz0xdreV6yX