Big question: what’s the shelf life of makeup? Some products don’t get used up within the expiration time and then others, such as mascara or foundation, a girl can run through them.  And I know it’s hard toss a product you may have shelled out some bucks for, but you don’t want to put on your face products that have become a breeding ground for bacteria. Here’s the guideline of when to keep and when to toss.

Lipstick

Lipsticks don’t necessarily have an expiration because they are oil based, but the scent or taste could tell you it’s too old. I would say toss your lipstick after a year if you don’t wear it, as most lipsticks are not that expensive anyways. (If it is expensive, then wear it every second of every day, darling!) If you do use it daily then replace it with a new trendy color once its finished.

Powders

Anything in a dry powder form: eyeshadow, pressed powder, bronzer, blush, or loose powder may have a longer lifespan but not if you don’t clean your brushes weekly. Oil, skin debris and dust can leave a bacteria breeding film on them, especially if again you keep them in the warm, damp environment of your bathroom. So toss out if there is a film. If not they should easily last a year or two.

Again, pay special attention to eye shadows, especially if you use your fingers in any way to apply. ALWAYS wash your hands before you use them to apply any makeup directly onto your face.

Foundation & Concealer

Foundations are water based and can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cared for. It’s best to keep them out of the warm/moist environment of the bathroom if possible. If they are in an air sealed pump they should last a year. If it’s in a jar, because of how we mostly dip out fingers in, I would toss after six months. And if you ever see them change color, do yourself a favor and toss. The last thing you want is your skin to breakout because your foundation has gone bad.

Concealers if they are in a tube like  lipsticks can follow the rules of lipsticks, but if they are cream based or liquids, then follow the rules of foundations above, especially because these go right next to your eyes, so you want to take more care and err on the side of caution.

Pencils

Eye liner and lip pencils last the longest - just sharpen and wipe the tip with tissue and a bit of alcohol if it’s been a while since used. If you use a liquid eye liner then you’re going to want to replace that about every three months.

Mascara

I know some of your girls go longer, but the truth is mascara is a product you have to be most careful about and should toss after three months. Why? Because every time you take the applicator out, your risk exposing it to bacteria and that bacteria can cause eye irritation and conjunctivitis. For those girls wearing contacts you have to take even more care. If you see any symptoms such as redness or itchiness, immediately stop using your mascara and toss. Always better safe than sorry.

For more makeup tips and beauty trends, check out my Facebook page!

—

Kevianno Guerrero, Dior National Makeup Artiste: Kevianno’s artistry has been seen in editorials in Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Allure, Elle, Vanidades, Latina, Modern Bride, Southern Beauty, Palm Beach, Ocean Drive and Beauty Fashion.