Thread: when to toss your makeup?

I feel like I am always getting conflicting answers on this. When to toss out the lipstick, mascara, liners, etc. Can the makeup experts on here share their wisdom?

Dunno - I've held on to stuff for quite awhile with no ill effects. I've only tossed eye makeup when I had an eye infection.

I dont keep mascara longer than 6 months, and likewise with eyeliner I use on the waterline.

Stuff like eyeshadow and lipstick I tend to keep till its gone (a year for most things, though I have some eyeshadows that have lasted longer as I dont often use the colors).

-When it smells bad or separates
-When it looks different or performs differently than when I initially bought it.

I haven't had the first happen to me, but the second has happened with mascara drying out. I've been wearing make up for 13-14 years (and contacts most of that time), and I haven't had any issues related to old makeup.

I agree 100% with indigo stars on this one. The only thing I'd add is that mascara is the thing to watch, as it could cause an infection if it goes bad. That being said, I have used a tube for a year before and had no issues. Lipstick and lipgloss and creme blush or shadow and foundation can also go rancid due to the emollients, but yet again I have used the same ones for years with no issues. Powders should keep for a long time. Using clean brushes will help prolong the life of your makeup. I always buy high end, and store in a cool dry place which I think also helps. Just use common sense in the way you would with foodstuffs.

I use my mascara for 3 months then throw it out. I'm prone to eye infections so I'm extra careful. All the other products I keep untill they look/smell like they gone bad.

Most powder formulations (for face, eyes, etc.) last pretty much indefinitely. I'd only chuck powder eyeshadow if I had an eye infection.

I throw away other stuff when the texture gets icky. I tend to keep my mascara for the shortest time, about 6 months.