Ask Kaylin: Makeup Expiration Dates

You know that blue eye shadow you've had in the back of your drawer since high school? Or that special lip color you bought for your wedding day? They are probably long expired. Cosmetics may seem to last forever, but they do have a life span for safe use. Read on to find out how long to keep each of your products.

Meg:
How long can I use my makeup? If it still looks okay, can I keep using it past its "expiration date"?

Kaylin:

Toss Mascara after 4-6 months.

Professional makeup artists have to be very vigilant about throwing out expired products, but I recommend exercising caution with your personal cosmetics as well. Remember, makeup artists wash their brushes regularly and keep cosmetics sanitized. How many of us can say the same in regards to our personal collection?

If you're looking for general guidelines for replacing makeup, check out these tips:

• Mascara lasts about 4-5 months.
• Liquid foundations and cream products typically have a lifespan of 6-12 months.
• Lip products last up to two years.
• Powders (such as finishing powders, blush, and eye shadows) and pencils (lip and eye) last about 2-3 years.

Look for these signs that your makeup may be expired:

• Product separation (such as an oily layer on top)
• Unusual smell or odor
• A change in texture
• Color change
• Anything else suspicious (mold, , etc.)

If in doubt, toss it out! When it's time to get rid of your makeup, check out these tips for disposal..

Tips:

• Check your email for order confirmations if you can't remember when you bought a product (from an online store).
• If you don't use a lot of makeup, powders may be better investments than liquids or creams, as they have a longer lifespan.
• Buy trial sizes of products you don't plan to use often to reduce waste.

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