When To Toss Your Cosmetics

Have you ever wondered when do good cosmetics go bad? Well here's a breakdown on the expiration dates of a few beauty basics. However, please keep in mind that you should immediately get rid of a product if it changes in color, texture, or smell.

1.Nail Polish

When To Toss: 1-2 years
Reason: Nail polish can last as long as a year or longer with proper storage. However, if you start to see signs of color fading or separation before then you might want to toss it. If  you don't it's less than likely that you'll get a smooth and glossy application/finish.
Tip: Store your polish in the refrigerator to increase its shelf life.

 2. Mascara

When To Toss: 3 months
Reason: Mascara can dry out and get clumpy rather quick, thus making it a breeding ground for bacteria (especially on the mascara's brush/wand). When there's bacteria there is a risk for eye infections and reusing the brush after an infection can cause recurrences...ouch.
Tip: Never pump the wand, this pushes air into the tube causing it to dry out faster.

3. Lipstick & Lip Gloss

When To Toss: 6 months-1 year
Reason: After a while lipsticks/glosses become little sticks of bacteria. This is due to the moisture content that most lipsticks/glosses contain. In addition to this, the moisture tends to dry up over time which in return can result in a cakey application.
Tip: After recovering from a cold, toss and replace the lipstick/lip gloss that you were using when you were sick (you can simply save yourself the trouble and money and skip out on using any lipstick/gloss as a whole when you're sick). It's the same concept of buying a new toothbrush after recovering from a cold or flu.

4. Foundation

When To Toss: 1-2 years
Reason: Every time you repeatedly dip your brushes and fingers into liquid foundation you increase the odds of bacterial growth (hence breakouts or irritation). Also, as it ages, foundation can go on unevenly, creating a streaky, inconsistent application. You might want to consider tossing liquid makeup after six months to a year. As for mineral or powder make-up it can last up to two years if stored properly and if it doesn't get wet. 
Tip: Don't keep your foundation in the bathroom due to poor storing conditions...hot and humid. Instead store in a cool dark place.

5. Sunscreen

When To Toss: 1 year 
Reason: Usually sunscreen is labeled with an expiration date. However, there's no harm in using it a year after opening (as long as it hasn't separated, changed in smell or color).
Tip: Take a permanent marker and mark the date of the day on which you opened your container of sunblock. This will serve as reminder of when a year will be from the date that you opened it.

6. Face Creams

When To Toss: 6 months-1 year
Reason: If the cream is in a jar your fingers transfer bacteria into the product after each use. So its a good idea to toss the jar after six to nine months. If the cream is in a pump container you can toss after a year.
Tip: Be sure to keep alpha-hydroxy creams tightly sealed or they can get more concentrated and cause irritation.