HEALTH

Eyeliner pencil

When: 2 years

Why: Sharpening every couple of weeks gives you a fresh, new tip that keeps your pencil clean and precise for perfecting your look.

Liquid foundation and concealers

When: 6 months or sooner if the oils start so separate

Why: Dipping fingers into foundation can leave your makeup germy and cause breakouts. 

Lip-gloss and lipstick

When: 2 years

Why: Glosses and lipsticks can begin to smell and taste bad if they go beyond their expiration. Go all-out glam and use ‘em up, or toss.

Powder foundation, concealers, eye shadow, blush and bronzer

When: 2 years

Why: Powder makeup can last a pretty long time since they’re used with sponges or brushes which spread fewer bacteria than our fingertips. If they start to smell or look shiny or strange, toss them.

Mascara and Liquid Liners:

When: 6 months

Why: The dark, wet tubes are the perfect place for bacteria to live and multiply. Since our eyes are sensitive, bacteria from our makeup can even cause infections. Yuck!

Moisturizers

When: 2 years

Why: Moisturizers can start to smell funny and lose their effectiveness after a couple of years. If your moisturizer comes in a jar or bottle that you dip your fingers into, toss it sooner to avoid spreading pimple-causing bacteria.

Makeup brushes

When: 5 years or sooner if they start to shed

Why: Brushes can last a really long time if they’re taken care of. Wash them gently every other week with mild soap and cool water. Keep bristles intact by letting them air dry.

Makeup sponges

When: 6 months or sooner if they begin to tatter

Why: Makeup sponges absorb oil that you don’t want to keep spreading onto your face. Wash sponges once a week the same way you do your brushes to keep them fresh and your makeup looking fab.

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by Lauren Izquierdo | 2/1/2016