Some experts weigh in on when cosmetics and other personal-care products should be tossed. These guidelines, they cautioned, apply only to products that have been stability tested (any reputable mass-market brand) and have preservatives added. Organics and personal-care products without preservatives, they said, degrade much more quickly.
Mascara
How long to keep it: Three to six months
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Experts say: Your eyes are a haven for bacteria because they’re wet and warm, so anything that goes near your eye needs to be watched carefully.
Eye cream
How long to keep it: Six months to a year
Experts say: If the cream gets runny or changes consistency or smells in other ways before six months, throw it away.
Liquid foundation and cream blush
How long to keep it: One year
Experts say: If the foundation starts to smell fatty or the color or fragrance otherwise changes, toss it.
Moisturizer
How long to keep it: One year
Experts say: Look for changes in color, consistency or smell.
Powder
(foundation, eye shadow, blush)
How long to keep it: Up to three years
Experts say: Most powders don’t have water, so there are fewer microbials.
Eye and lip liner
How long to keep it: Indefinitely
Experts say: As long as you sharpen before use, you’re getting rid of impurities.
Lipstick
How long to keep it: Two years or longer
Experts say: If there’s a strong, waxy smell, get rid of it.
Body wash
How long to keep it: Up to two years
Experts say: The astringent properties of soap help keep bacteria from growing.
Shampoo and conditioner
How long to keep it: Up to two years
Experts say: If it gets runny or starts to separate, throw it out.
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Body lotion
How long to keep it: Up to two years
Experts say: Old lotion won’t hurt you, but the longer it sits on the shelf, the less effective it becomes.
Other ways to keep products clean and safe
– Never add water to cosmetics.
– Sanitize applicator wands or pads before each use.
– Clean makeup brushes regularly with warm water and soap.
– Don’t share makeup.
– Keep lids on when products aren’t in use.
– Try to keep products out of warm, humid areas.
[ SOURCES: JAN MARINI, PRESIDENT OF JAN MARINI SKIN RESEARCH; DAMIANA ZULLO, DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT AND PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT FOR BLISS; JUSTIN KLABIN, PERSONAL-CARE-PRODUCT DESIGNER AND MANUFACTURER ]