Know When to Toss Old Cosmetics

Just like food, cosmetics can and do go bad but many women continue to hoard a load of old cosmetics for a long time before they toss them out. When it comes to the cosmetic industry, there is not a standardized system for labeling women’s cosmetic products with expiration dates so it is left up to the consumer to figure it out. So how do you know when to toss those old cosmetics? Here are some general expiration date guidelines that can help you decipher when you should be looking for fresh product to keep germs from generating and causing skin issues. * Mascara and Liquid Eyeliners – It is recommended that you should toss out all mascara and liquid eyeliners every 4-6 months. If your eye products are clumpy, have odors or have discolored, dispose of them sooner! * Liquid Foundations, Powder Blushes, Loose Powders and Pressed Powders – If you use liquid foundation, you should toss out old foundation once it has been opened for 6 to 9 months. If it is getting clumpy, develops an odor or discolors, toss it sooner. Pressed powders, loose powders and powder blushes have a longer shelf life since they are not comprised of liquids like oils and waters. You can throw out your loose or pressed powders after 2 years. * Lipsticks, Lip Balms, Lip Gloss and Lip Liners – Lipsticks, lip balms and lip gloss should be tossed after 1 year and lip liners after 2 years after opening them up. If they develop any odors or discoloration, you should toss them sooner! If you follow these guidelines you will ensure that you are not transferring bacteria, viruses or rancid cosmetics onto your delicate skin which can cause outbreaks and/or infections. If you have a hard time remembering when you opened a cosmetic product, start labeling them with a sharpie marker with the date that you opened them up so you know when to discard them later on.