Like products that are expired. Makeup that's old can harbor dangerous bacteria, so discard any products that have exceeded their shelf life.
Expert tip: When you purchase a new beauty product, put a sticker on it with a "dispose of" date so you know the correct time frame, Reich notes.
Makeup shelf-life cheat sheet:
| Product |
When to toss |
| Powders (including blushes, bronzers, and shadows) |
Two years |
| Cream shadows and blushes |
12-18 months |
| Oil-free foundation |
One year |
| Cream compact foundation |
18 months |
| Concealers |
12-18 months |
| Lipstick and lip liner |
One year |
| Lip gloss |
18-24 months |
| Pencil eyeliner |
Two years |
| Liquid or gel eyeliner |
Three months |
| Mascara |
Three months |
