Thread: how long do you keep your makeup?

I have MAC pigments that I picked up a couple of years ago and barely used, sucks to just toss them but I'm thinking they must be old

what's the shelf life on various makeup types?

and anyone want to join me on resisting the urge to buy more that just sits in a drawer?

I am certainly a make-upaholic...I am always buying the newest colors that come out and don't necessarily open them up. Because of that, I have accumulated...ummm, more than I can use in probably my lifetime. I believe mascara can be used for up to 6 months (open). Beyond that, I don't recall the time frames. I do toss out make-up that smells kinda funky or just don't feel right.

I keep makeup until it runs out unless it smells funny or is not the right consistency anymore. I say if it still works, go ahead and use it.

they should be fine for a long time if you used a clean utensil to take what you need out of the pot so as not to contaminate the bulk of the product...b/c they are dry powders

*paging azhia for expert opinion*

I'm prone to eye infections, so, I throw out all eye makeup fairly often, and am very paranoid about applicators/contamination. Lipsticks I keep forever, though. There's nothing like a favorite lipstick!

I go by smell and texture. Mascara gets replaced regularly but everything else stays until it gives me a reason to get rid of it. I still have product from high school (anyone remember Chorus Line cosmetics from Spencer's?).

I was thinking about this very thing tonight and am determined to clean up my make-up supplies this weekend.

From The Shelf Life Of Your Makeup | Cosmetic Safety | BellaSugar - Makeup, Beauty, Hair & Skin

* The first thing to go is mascara which lasts three months.
* Oil-Free Foundation: One Year
* Cream Foundation: One Year
* Concealer: 12-18 Months
* Powder: 18 Months
* Blush & Bronzer: 18 Months
* Cream Blush: 12-18 Months
* Eye shadow: 18 Months
* Eyeliner: 18 Months
* Liquid Eyeliner: Six Months
* Lipstick/Lip Gloss: 18 Months
* Lipliner: One Year
* Nail Polish: One Year
* Cosmetic makeup sponges should be washed after each use and thrown away after one month.

am prone to eye infections too especially wearing contact lenses

Kiyanna thank you for the link, hahaha looks like most must go :)

(thx, Sabrina!)

Kiyaana posted the link I would have recommended. I also go by the smell and texture test.

I highly recommend this for your kits, especially those prone to eye infections...
Beauty So Clean.

Nail polish? Really?

I have nail polish that's um...10 years old, I still use it on the rare occasion (obviously I don't wear nail polish that often, lol).

Almost all of my makeup is almost 2 years old or older - how often am I gonna wear deep lavender and electric green eyeliner?

I'm gonna wear it until it's gone or I have a bad reaction, whichever comes first!

Originally Posted by kiyaana

* The first thing to go is mascara which lasts three months.
* Oil-Free Foundation: One Year
* Cream Foundation: One Year
* Concealer: 12-18 Months
* Powder: 18 Months
* Blush & Bronzer: 18 Months
* Cream Blush: 12-18 Months
* Eye shadow: 18 Months
* Eyeliner: 18 Months
* Liquid Eyeliner: Six Months
* Lipstick/Lip Gloss: 18 Months
* Lipliner: One Year
* Nail Polish: One Year
* Cosmetic makeup sponges should be washed after each use and thrown away after one month.

I presume this is for opened products...how about for products that have been unopened and have been multiplying?