the shelf life of makeup

Diamonds may be forever- makeup, sadly is not. The life span of different products differs, so date your makeup to be sure it's fresh.

Liquid Foundation
Shelf Life: 6 months to 1 year
If it starts to separate or smell strange, it's past its prime. Refrigeration can stretch its life, but warm it up to room temperature before you apply.

Pressed Powder, Powder Blush and Powder Eye Shadow
Shelf Life: 3 years
After several years, pressed powders get chalky and don't blend as well, according to make up artist Mitzi Spalas.

Cream Blush
Shelf Life: 2.5 years
Keep a lid on it: as creams tend to dry up (making them a wreck to apply) if exposed to the air often.

Facial Moisturizer
Shelf Life: 1.5 to 3 years
Moisturizers (and lotions) tend to turn yellow once they begin to oxidize.

Makeup Brushes
Shelf Life: unlimited
Keep them clean, and a high quality brush should last forever. Wash with brush shampoo every couple of weeks. Rinse well, and lay flat to dry.

Lipstick & Lip Gloss
Shelf Life: 3 to 4 years
Although the new long-lasting colors only have a recommended shelf life of approximately 2 years, the traditional tube of lipstick is doomed to outlast its fashion savvy color. Throw it away when you notice an odor like a strong smelling crayon. Old ones also tend to get clumpy and thick.

Mascara
Shelf Life: 3 months
Keep in mind that the older the mascara, the more chance it will collect bacteria and infect your eyes. Now, that's reason enough to toss it. But, if desperate, you can extend the life of a dried out mascara by moistening it with saline solution.

Eyelash Curlers
Shelf Life: unlimited
But do replace dry, cracked rubber strips, or you risk chopping off your lovely lashes.

Hair Brushes
Shelf Life: unlimited
Comb out monthly. Wash with shampoo.

Nail Polish
Shelf Life: 1.5 to 2 years
Some polish tends to thicken up more quickly than others. Don't fret, just add a couple of drops of Seche Vite's Restore and you'll have the perfect consistency back in a flash. Whatever you do, don't even consider adding nail polish remover.

Sunscreen
Shelf Life: 2 years
Keep sunscreen and all tanning lotions out of direct sunlight and heat or the formulas tend to break down. If you can't remember how old it is, pick up a new bottle. More and more manufacturers are adding an expiration date to the packaging, for those of us who can't see to remember our last trip to the beach!