When to Replace Your Makeup

Unfortunately, makeup doesn't last forever. There comes a time when it needs to be replaced. Not sure when your makeup is due to be replaced? Follow these guidelines and tips to ensure that you have good quality makeup that doesn't allow for bacteria habitation.

Liquid Foundation and Concealer should be replaced about every 6 months. If the liquid starts to get grainy or extra-thick, then it's time to toss. Be sure to keep your liquids in a cool storage spot, since hot and humid weather can cause the makeup to start to separate. Concealer sticks should also be stored in a cool place to prevent melting.

Mineral Makeup has become more popular in the makeup industry in the last year or two, and it has personally become a favorite of mine as well. Mineral makeup, as a powder, is lightweight and doesn't have that "cakey" feeling when I apply it to my face. If you have the loose kind of mineral makeup, it should be replaced every year. Liquid, like regular foundation, should be replaced every 6 months.

Compact Powder and Blush lasts about 6 to 9 months. The brushes and rounds that come with them should be replaced whenever they start to get dirty. It's easier to replace them than to wash them, unless you have your own expensive brushes you like to use. In that case, wash them. Compacts sometimes form a hard, shiny layer on top of the powder itself. If this happens to you, you can either replace the compact altogether, or you can scrape off the hard shiny part and use the powder under it.

Pencil Eyeliner and Eye Shadow should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Eye makeup is the first product that you should replace before anything else, since they are the number one product that bacteria like to live on. The applicators for eye shadow should be replaced along with the eye shadow.

Liquid Eyeliner and Mascara is a breeding ground for germs. This is why it's very important that each one is replaced every 3 months or earlier if you have had an eye infection, such as pink eye.

Lipstick and Lip Gloss will last about 1 year, as long as you keep them in a cool spot. Lipstick will melt if it's kept in the heat. If you use lipstick and lip gloss a lot, then you'll probably want to replace them each time you run out. Otherwise, they are safe to keep for up to a year.

Brushes and Applicators can be kept for up to 6 months. If you'd like, you can wash them if they get dirty. If you do decide to wash them, let them dry thoroughly before using them again.

Tips to Remember:

DO replace any makeup which smells bad or develops a different texture.

DO replace any makeup which has been used if you had pink eye or any other skin infection.

DO NOT use the same makeup sponge more than once, use a new one each time you apply liquid makeup. They are inexpensive, about 2 bucks a pack, and more can be bought if you run out.

DO NOT store makeup in hot, humid or sunny locations. You shouldn't keep your makeup in the bathroom, since steam from the shower can deteriorate your makeup. Keep your products in a cool place.

DO keep track of when you bought your makeup products by marking each product with the date it was opened, that way you'll be able to see when it needs replaced.

DO NOT buy super expensive mascara, unless you are able to splurge on it every 3 months. Since mascara is the one product that you need to replace often, it makes no sense to spend a lot on it.