Cosmetics Shelf Life

Are you cosmetics freak? Now, this is very important for you.
Check your cosmetics collection and throw away those which are beyond their shelf life.

Makeup shelf life guidelines to follow: (Source: Suite101.com)

First off, if it smells, stinks, has a distinct odor that should not be, throw it away! I am amazed at how long women will keep cosmetics that have a bad odor. Do yourself a favor and trash it.

Another good rule of thumb, if you can't remember when you purchased it, trash it. Makeup should not stir up memories from ten years ago. If you makeup bag does, throw it out!

Thank you to iVillage for the article, Are your cosmetics past their use-by date? by Eva Gizowska. The following is a simple guideline to follow when you are cleaning out your makeup bag.

• Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
• Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
• Concealer: 12-18 months
• Powder: 2 years
• Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
• Cream Blush: 12-18 months
• Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
• Eyeliner: 2 years
• Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
• Mascara: 3 months
• Lipstick: 2 years
• Lip liner: 2 years
• Lip gloss: 18-24 months
• Nail Color: 1 year

If you are using natural cosmetics, these should be thrown out sooner. Regular cosmetics contain ingredients that do help prolong shelf life. But of course natural cosmetics do not. Please check with your favorite natural store for the information on the cosmetics you love.

Buy yourself a Sharpie to keep with your makeup bag. Write your own expiration date on the cosmetics that way you will always know when it is time to replace.