It isn’t just food and medicine that come with expiration dates: your makeup does, as well. However, these dates usually aren’t printed on the packaging, which means that you need to keep track of this yourself. Here is a general guide to how often you should change your makeup.

It is Out of Style

Okay, so this isn’t an expiration date in the traditional sense, but it still counts. In fact, if your makeup is no longer in style, it is probably past its actual expiration date anyhow, so you should go ahead and toss it.

Foundation

When it comes to foundation, its shelf-life will depend on the type of foundation. Liquid foundations go bad quicker, with a life of six months. Powders can last up to two years, and this holds true for other powders, such as eyeshadow. These timelines are in place both due to the degrading quality of the makeup and the fact that bacteria will start growing in the makeup, which can cause problems with breakouts and skin infections.

Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner

This one will come as a shock to many, but you should toss out your mascara after three months. Much like liquid foundation, your mascara is in a moist environment, but there are two reasons it only lasts half as long. First of all, mascara tubes are dark, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Second, you use it around your eyes, and that is the last place you want to risk an infection.

Lipstick and Gloss

Lucky for you, these items last about two years, so you will probably be finished with them long before they expire. If you use lip liner, it lasts even longer, up to three or four years.

Nail Polish

Nail polish only lasts about a year, maybe two, so while those massive collections on Pinterest are enviable, they aren’t practical unless you are making a business out of it. Try sticking to a few favorite shades that go with most of your wardrobe and save the crazy colors for your trips to the salon.

 

How often do you change your makeup?