You may hoard clothes until your wardrobe is bursting at the seams, but you should definitely think twice about doing the same with your makeup kit. That bottle of foundation that has seen better days, and that tube of lipstick that you're certain was a different color when you bought it—they're not made to last forever! So when is it time to toss things into the trash can? Get clued in by consulting our guide below:


1. FOUNDATION

Don't wait for the breakouts to start before you toss that old bottle of foundation! Liquid formulas keep for six to 12 months but need to be binned after a year. As a general rule, liquids that have separated, have changed consistency, or smell funky should be thrown away even if they're well under the expiry date.

2. POWDER

Powders can last for two years, provided you regularly clean the brushes you use for them. The same goes for eye shadows, blushes, and bronzers in powder form.

3. CONCEALER

Cream and liquid concealers are good for 12 months, after which they need to be replaced. Powder concealers, on the other hand, can last for two years.

4. MASCARA

The makeup product with the shortest lifespan, mascara should be disposed of after three months. Its liquid formula and the fact that you pump air into it make it a nest for bacteria.

5. EYE LINER

Liquid liner, like mascara, only keeps for three months—six if you don't use it that often. But we have good news for pencil liner users. It can last for two years as long as you sharpen it before every use.

6. BLUSH AND BRONZER

Creamy consistencies can be used for six to 12 months. Powder blushes and bronzers follow the same rule as pressed powders and shadows—two years before they need to be thrown away.

7. LIPSTICK AND LIP GLOSS

Sadly, you can't keep using that shade of lipstick that looks so good on you. Purchase a fresh tube after two years. Lip glosses last even shorter because of their liquid formula; get rid of them after one year.