LIPSTICK & LIP GLOSS
Shelf life: Eight months to a year.
When to toss: If your gloss has changed consistency or your lipstick has a funny smell or is hard, waxy, or too difficult to apply.
LIP & EYE PENCILS
Shelf life: One year, with good care. They're wax-based (as opposed to water- or oil-based), which makes them less friendly to bacteria.
When to toss: If the pencil becomes dry or crumbly.
PRESSED & LOOSE POWDERS
Shelf life: Pressed powders will last between three and six months; loose powders (even eye shadows) are good for a year.
When to toss: If the color has changed, or if the powder has gotten wet (and it's not a formula that can be used wet or dry).
CREAMS & LIQUIDS
Shelf life: Liquid foundations generally last between three and six months; cream formulas, four to six.
When to toss: If you see a change in the shade or consistency.
[ NEST NOTE ] Keep an eye on your cream concealer -- if you're using it to cover up acne, chances are it's chockfull o' bacteria. Shave off the top layer occasionally to keep it clean.
MASCARA
Shelf life: Every five weeks -- mascara is the weakest link in your beauty arsenal.
When to toss: If it's dried out or clumpy, or when you notice a change from the original smell (usually a strong, chemical odor).
BRUSHES & TOOLS
Shelf life: If you take care of them, brushes made from natural hair can last five years or more.
When to toss: For natural brushes, get a new one when the hairs are breaking away at the base or fall out onto your face as you use it. Synthetic brushes should be tossed when they fray or lose shape.
[ NEST NOTE ] Why keep your brushes clean? Because it helps extend the life of your other products. Diligent cleaning will slow down the growth of bacteria.
CLEANSERS
Shelf life: Cleansers are effective for six to twelve months; toner, for one year.
[ NEST NOTE ] You can prolong the life of your jarred goods by using a disposable plastic spoon instead of your fingers to grab a gob.
LOTIONS & MOISTURIZERS
Shelf life: Facial moisturizers are good for six to twelve months after being opened but will survive for two years unopened. Facial moisturizers that have added ingredients -- like antioxidants or vitamins A, C, or E -- expire more quickly because they're sensitive to light. Body lotions last up to three years.
When to toss: If you see a change in color, consistency, or smell, or if you have no memory of purchasing the item.
HAIR PRODUCTS
Shelf life: Even opened, conditioner will be good for two years; all other hair products (shampoo, gel, spray, etc.) will last for up to three.
LOOFAHS & PUFFS
Shelf life: Because bacteria builds up in all of those nooks and crannies, you have less than a month for a loofah and about eight weeks for a puff. The good news: Bath gel and body wash are good for three years.
SUNSCREEN
Shelf life: Check the expiration date (usually on the back of the bottle). If there is none, toss it after a year, because exposure to extreme heat (say, at the beach or in the glove compartment of your car) will degrade the active ingredients.
When to toss: To make sure your SPF is in full effect, buy a new bottle every summer. Same goes for self-tanning products, whether or not they contain SPF.
PERFUME
Shelf life: Your bottle of Eau de Expensive will last indefinitely, but be aware that the fragrance might change over time.
When to toss: If you don't like the scent anymore, because exposure to air will change the composition.
[ NEST NOTE ] Want to keep your signature scent as is? Keep it in the fridge. Sunlight and heat accelerate the aging process, so keeping your eau de toilette on ice will help slow things down.
NAIL POLISH
Shelf life: Unopened, it can last indefinitely, but opened bottles will get funky after about two years.
When to toss: Once the texture gets too mucky or the polish starts to separate, creating a clear liquid layer visible on top.
[ NEST NOTE ] Want some more time on your hands? Add a few drops of nail polish remover (which, by they way, lasts forever, opened or unopened) to thin the consistency of your polish.
BEAUTY 911
Three ways to extend the life of your products:
1. Wash your hands before applying makeup.
2. Keep your beauty booty away from heat and moisture. Instead of storing your stuff in the bathroom (where these factors can be constants), keep your makeup in a dresser drawer. Yes, you'll have to move over to the mirror when you need to get pretty, but the cool, dry, dark space is ideal.
3. Take a look at all of your loot every four to five weeks, even if you purchased your cosmetics at different times. Smell everything and be aware of any changes in texture, color, or consistency. And if you're fretting about having to throw out a bunch at once, think of it this way: You'll have made room for some cool new beauty tools.
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Cheat sheet for your beauty cabinet: | |
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