Many women ask me about when to throw cosmetics out. Often they feel that the person behind the counter might just be trying to make a sales goal when they say its time to replenish. Well we are here to give you the straight story, no @##@$. :)
The first answer is that each type of product is different.
Below is the Nicciknows guide to when you should toss it:
1) Moisturizers, Eye Creams, Foundations and Primers: 1 year
(Not to freak you out, but cream products can develop bacteria inside over time so DO throw these out after a year....or sooner if the scent changes)
2) Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner: 4 months
(The classic 3 month recommendation has a BIT of flexibility but don't keep it too much longer...the same thing can happen with bacteria inside)
3) Lipstick, Lipgloss, Concealer, Cream Eyeshadow, Cream Blush: 1 year
(These products typically lose their fragrance and begin to smell a bit waxy when its time to throw away but they generally last a year)
4) Lip and Eye Pencils: 1 1/2 years
(These generally last for a while. Of course, if you get any sort of eye infection or fever blister, throw these out immediately.)
5) Powder including Eyeshadows, Blush, Bronzer, Loose and Pressed Powder: 2+ years
(Typically these will last as long as you want them to unless they get wet and develop a hard film over them...if that happens, toss it!)
6) Natural and Synthetic Hair Brushes: Forever IF.....
(You MUST wash your brushes on a regular basis if you want them to last. I recommend buying brush cleanser from MAC for quick fixes and washing your brushes with water and regular hair shampoo and letting them dry on a towel overnight once a month or so)
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