With the changing of the calendar comes the start of a new year. And with the new year comes a chance for new projects — new resolutions, new looks, new goals, etc. Take a moment this week to assess your makeup drawer. It’s time to toss the old and bring in the new. To help with this task, here’s a checklist of how often products should be replaced.
Foundation — Replace once a year
Avoid applying liquid foundation with your fingers as this can cause bacteria to build up quicker; brushes and sponges, when washed regularly, can help your liquid foundations last a year. If you use foundation out of a squeeze tube or bottle with a pump, application style doesn’t matter as much. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and close the lid tightly to keep it from drying out. Color and consistency will begin to turn after a year.
Concealer — Replace every 12 to 18 months
If you have concealer in a pan, it can last up to 18 months if you apply it with a regularly washed brush or sponge. If you apply with your fingers, you’re more likely to transfer bacteria. If you have concealer in a tube with a wand you’ll only want to keep it in your makeup bag for a year before it starts to turn.
Blush & Bronzer — Replace every two years
Powders, since they don’t contain oils and water, have a longer shelf life than most other cosmetics. As a rule of thumb, toss these when the color darkens or starts to cake. And while these products aren’t as susceptible to bacteria build up, be sure to wash your brushes frequently.
Mascara — Replace every 3 months
Bacteria can hide away in mascara tubes. To prevent eye infections, replace your mascara four times a year. Plus, by three months your mascara will likely be dried up and cakey anyway. When you’re applying mascara, pumping the tube can cause it to dry out faster, instead twirl the brush inside to decrease the amount of air that gets in.
Eye shadow — Replace every two years for powder, once a year for cream
Just like powder blushes and bronzers, powder eye shadows can last up to two years. But if you apply it every day, beware that bacteria build up could result in an eye infection so be sure to keep brushes clean. If you’re using a cream-based eye shadow, toss it after one year.
Eyeliner — Replace every 3-6 months
Gel and liquid liners that are applied with a brush should be tossed every six months to avoid an eye infection. Eye pencils and retractable pens have a longer shelf life since they’re constantly getting sharpened or worn down. Just in case you don’t use them up in a year, they should meet the trash can after the one year mark.
Lipstick — Replace once a year
The ingredients in lipstick can break down after a year. If you’re not sure when you bought your favorite tubes, chances are good it’s time to toss them if the surface gets hard or small beads start to form on the bullet. Tip: If you’re under the weather, apply lipstick with a fresh cotton swab to stop it from becoming contaminated.
Lip Gloss — Replace every 6 months to a year
Lip gloss in a tube with a wand applicator should bite the dust after six months due to bacteria build up. But the good news if you have lip gloss in a squeeze tube is that you can hold on to those for closer to a year since bacteria has a much smaller chances of getting in the product.
Makeup Brushes — Replace every 0ne to five years
Brushes can have a varied lifetime depending on how high quality they are and how often you wash them. Quality brushes that you maintain really well can last for years! You should wash your brushes at least once a week if you use them every day. Clean brushes will help your other makeup products last longer as well, and your makeup will look better when applied with well-kept tools.
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