Know when to Toss Your Make-up

Make-up does expire even if it doesn't come with an expiration date. Just as milk, eggs, bread and fruit eventually go bad so will your make-up. Even though you may dread the thought of tossing out expensive make-up before it is all used up it is better for your skin and health if you do. Old expired make-up can cause skin irritation, acne and even cause an infection in your eyes. Learning how to properly store your make-up and when to toss it out will not only keep your skin and eyes beautiful but also healthy.

Storage

Once you open up your make-up oxidation begins and the ingredients start to break down. For this reason it is important to keep all make-up bottles, jars and containers closed tightly when not in use. It is also recommended to store your make-up in a cool, dark place because heat and bright light will cause the preservatives to break down and spoil the make-up quicker.

If you keep make-up in your purse for quick touch-ups be sure to put it and the application brushes all together in a make-up bag. Having containers, tubes and brushes floating around at the bottom of your purse can cause problems if tubes or jars open. It's not only a mess but bacteria can grow on open products and brushes when they are exposed to all the other items in your purse. It's best to keep everything neat and sanitary in its own bag.

When to toss make-up

• Mascara - Because mascara is applied close to your eyes this product is the most susceptible to causing eye infections. You should replace your mascara at least every three months. If you have been sick or have had an eye infection you should not use your existing tube and buy a new one immediately. Be sure to never share mascara because bacteria can be passed along from person to person.

• Powder-based products - Face powder, powdered blush and powdered eye shadow can last for up to three years. Because there is no liquid involved there is less chance of the powder products breaking down or the color changing. Some powder eye shadows can begin to break up and fall apart as they get older. If this happens be sure to toss it out and buy new ones.

• Creamy products - Water-based foundation, cream eye shadow, cream blush, liquid lip gloss and concealer break down quickly and should be tossed out after one year. Oil-based make-up products can last a little longer and be kept for around eighteen months. If the make-up begins to discolor before that time you will know it is time to buy new products.

• Retinol products - The retinol in make-up products is only effective for about a month after opening it. Even though the make-up can still be used it will no longer have the advantage of the retinol effect. Since products with retinol tend to be more expensive it is best to buy the smallest tube or jar available so you will use it up faster.

• Pencils - Eye and lip pencils can last for up to three years since they are renewed every time you sharpen them. Be sure to sharpen a new tip on your eye liner if you've been sick or have had an eye infection so you don't risk getting it again.

• Lipstick - The tube style lipstick is the most forgiving when it comes to time. You can keep your lipstick for up to three years.

• Natural make-up products - If you choose the natural products that contain fewer preservatives you will have to dispose of your make-up more frequently. Experts suggest giving your natural products about one-half the shelf life of regular make-up products.

Brushes and applicators

You should keep your make-up brushes and applicators as clean as possible and replace sponge applicators often. It is recommended to wash your brushes and sponges with warm, soapy water once a week to ensure you aren't spreading bacteria on your skin and in your eyes.

Use common sense when deciding what make-up to throw away. If a liquid make-up begins to change color or gets thick and lumpy you should throw it away no matter how new it is. Product that begins to smell bad should be tossed too.

Make-up is fun to use but like any product it needs to be cared for and replaced as necessary. Used properly you can enjoy your make-up and stay free of any potential health problems.