There’s no denying that every girl—no matter what age—loves even just a touch of color to complete an outfit. From a casual day look, a night out with her girls, to even a wedding, no look is complete without the right makeup to go with it.
That said, there’s always some new eyeshadow palette, lipstick shade, blush or even foundation to try out, that before you know it, you have more makeup than you’ll never need. But yes, as every girl knows, you can never have too much, but that comes with one downside—the lipstick we just couldn’t do without is replaced with another shade that we can’t do without. Before long, we’ve completely forgotten about it till it’s probably a little too late. But, how late is too late? Well, that depends on the type of product.
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to say goodbye:
1. Mascara and liquid liners
Your favorite mascara or eyeliner, particularly of the liquid variety, has a short shelf-life of about three months. You may think that it’s okay to add a bit of water to loosen the formula but that can add more bacteria, causing eye irritation and infections. It’s best to throw it away. Pencil eyeliner won't attract as much bacteria as liquid eyeliner, so those keep a bit longer.
2. Eyeshadows
Don’t worry, you can go ahead and splurge on your favorite color palette as eyeshadows keep for two years. However, as with all your makeup, you’re probably dipping your fingers or brushes into it, so make sure to sanitize your tools before application, to ensure the product doesn’t age faster.
3. Blush and bronzer
Just like your eyeshadows, your blush and bronzer can last for up to two years, if stored correctly. However, the cream variety can harbor bacteria if you’re constantly touching it, so make sure you clean your hands before you touch the blush, or wash your makeup brushes regularly.
4. Lipsticks and lip gloss
Your favorite lippy has a shelf-life of about one year. This is definitely good news because you’ll have a few shades at your disposal at any given time. Your lip gloss can last for up to 2 months. Provided you close the lid tightly, and keep it away from extreme heat.
5. Foundations and concealers
Your liquid, stick, or cream formulas will work for you for 12 to 18 months, if stored properly, obviously! Though they typically last for two years, it makes sense to check the packaging for an expiry date. It’s also important to note that when your favorite foundation is formulated with mineral ingredients, it will last for as long as the packaging mentions. So don’t be afraid to splurge just a little more on that big-name brand!