Spring cleaning season is upon us, and if you're thinking about organizing your makeup drawer, you'll want to know the shelf life of all those precious products before you give them the heave-ho. NYC makeup artist Susmta Patel offers some tips on when it's time to say adios to your cosmetics.
- Most powders, concealers and lip balms are anhydrous (they don't contain water), so they can last for a couple of years, says Susmta.
- Cleansers and moisturizers often contain fatty acids, which can turn rancid quickly. Toss after six months.
- Multi-use products such as 3-in-1 sticks and creams can spread germs from lips to eyes and cheeks. Wipe the surface before switching areas, and discard or replace after six months.
- Pencils can last several years unless you wet the tip with saliva or water. To be safe, sharpen before each use.
- Mascara should be tossed after three months without fail. The tube is a breeding ground for bacteria," says Susmta.
- Foundations can last up to a year if you keep your fingers away from the bottle. Instead, use a sponge to apply.
- Store cosmetics in a cool, dry place outside the bathroom to extend their shelf life.
- "If you have a hard time keeping track of when you've bought things, just write down the purchase date," suggests Susmta.
If you know how to take care of your cosmetics, your makeup should serve you well. But use common sense: If your gloss is goopy, your nail polish is separating, or your lipstick has a funny smell, it's time to bid it adieu. To see guidelines for when to replace your makeup, read on.
- Concealer Up to 12 months.
- Powder 2 years.
- Cream & gel cleansers 1 year.
- Pencil eye liner Should be sharpened regularly. Will last up to 3 years.
- Eyeshadow Will also last up to 3 years.
- Brushes Wash every 2-3 months in a mild detergent.
- Sponges Wash weekly and discard monthly.
- Foundation Check the ingredients: A water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. You may find you need two different shades of foundation each year: One for summer when your skin is naturally darker and one for winter when you're lighter. Extra tip: If your water-based foundation dries out before its expiration date, simply add a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake to mix it in. No need to do this to oil-based foundations. Because they contain oil, they will tend to separate. You have to shake anyway.
- Lip liner Up to 3 years.
- Lipstick Some experts say 1-2 years. Others say up to 4 years. What everyone agrees on is that if it smells rancid, throw it out, it's spoiled.
- Mascara This product expires the fastest: Throw out after 4 months. Extra tip: If you don't want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in and out -- you're only exposing the product to drying air.
- Nail Polish Up to 12 months.
