If there is one thing women simply refuse to throw out, it’s make up. Even if it’s a lipstick they haven’t worn for two years or a fragrance that hasn’t seen the light of day this century, we just have to keep them.

But why? Besides the fact that we’ll never use them again, cosmetics do have an expiry date just like food. Indeed some foods will last considerably longer than many forms of make up.

But if you are still reluctant to throw your old war paint away, think of it this way - the more you get rid off, the more space you create for new additions.

Here’s a list of cosmetics shelf life:

Mascara: 3-6 months

Moisturizers: 3-12 months

Foundation: 12 months (oil-free), 18 months (moisturizing, cream or compact)

Powder: 2 years

Concealer: 12-18 months

Blusher: 2 years (powder), 12-18 months (cream)

Eyeshadow: 2 years (powder), 12-18 months (cream)

Eyeliner and lipliner: 2 years

Lipstick: 2 years

Fragrance: 18 months

*Note: Makeup will last longer safely if you clean your tools (brushes, applicators, sponges). And never share makeup. Dirty tools and sharing will contaminate your makeup with bacteria.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 at 9:33 pm and is filed under cosmetics, beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.