How many times have you had to search and shuffle your makeup around in search of the eyeshadow or lipstick you want to use? How many times have you come to the bottom of a drawer and found a tube of mascara you forgot you had and wondered, “how old is this? “

Most women have been in those kinds of situations at some point in their lives. This can be avoided with a little planning and organization. If you are mindful of some basic rules for storing your cosmetics and know the shelf lives of the products, you will be assured that you are using products that are sanitary and safe to apply to your skin.

If you are currently storing your makeup in your bathroom, move it. If the bathroom lighting is the best in the house and thats where you want to apply your makeup, that's fine. Just don't store it there. Keep your products in something portable so you can keep them somewhere besides the bathroom. The humidity and constant changes in temperature affect the color and performance of the makeup. It's also unsanitary. The bathroom is full of bacteria. Studies have shown that when the toilet is flushed, bacteria is released into the air and settles on every surface1. Who wants this on their makeup and brushes?


You should review your products at least twice a year to see what needs to be tossed. When you are doing your seasonal wardrobe change, include a review of your make up. Things to look for: change in color, texture, or smell, liquid products separating, brushes losing bristles, and pencil tips coated with white or gray. You should automatically replace your mascara every three months, as mascara is the most prone to developing bacteria.

All cosmetics have recommended shelf lives, although cosmetics companies are not required to provide them on the packaging. The following are general rules of thumb for the life expectancy of cosmetics once opened and used for the first time.

Foundations
Liquid: 1 year
Cream: 6 months

Powder Compacts: 1 year

Concealer: 1 year

Blush
Cream: 1 year
Powder: 18 months to 2 years

Eye shadow
Cream: 3 months
Pressed Powder: 6 months

Eye liner
Liquid: 3-6 months
Pencils: 1 year (sharpen at least once a week)

Mascara: 3 months

Lip liner Pencils: 2 years (sharpen at least once a week)

Lipstick: 2 years

Lip gloss: 1-2 years

Nail color: 1 year

Brushes: 3-5 years with care. Wash natural bristle brushes once a month. Wash synthetic brushes weekly.

Sponges: Discard after use.

*If you are using all-natural cosmetics, the shelf life is shorter, as no preservatives are added to these products.

Eye products have the shortest shelf life because of the risk of introducing bacteria to the eye area. Never “pump” your mascara brush, as it forces airborne bacteria into the tube. Instead, always gently rotate the brush in and out of the tube. If you ever develop any type of eye infection, immediately toss all your eye cosmetics. The most basic way to prevent any type of issues with your cosmetics is to always wash and dry your hands before applying.

Make sure your cosmetics are doing what they are designed to do, with as little risk as possible to your precious skin.

Apply with a brush or sponge.

Close lids tightly.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Never leave products open for extended periods.

Never store in the bathroom.

If you use your fingers to apply, wash and dry carefully before and after applying each product.

Review your cosmetics twice a year to see if they need to be replaced.

If you follow these simple guidelines, your cosmetics should last as long as they should and you will be able to enjoy using them.