This is when you should throw away old makeup products

When you’re spending upwards of $30 on a tube of mascara, it can be heartbreaking to learn that your beauty must-have, as with most other products in your makeup bag, have a way shorter shelf life than you would think. When does makeup expire? What happens if you apply too-old eyeliner or lipgloss? Here’s an easy reference guide explaining when you should throw away old makeup products. But hey, it’s not all bad news. We share some of our top makeup picks to replace your toss aways with.

Most foundation formulas can last up to one year if kept in a cool, dry location. However, it’s important to play it by ear with foundations, as foundation textures can change with age. When your liquid foundation, concealer or powder begins to look or feel clumpy, separate or starts to smell, it’s best to throw them out instead of risking infection or irritation from using an expired product.

Read more: These foundations won’t bother your acne

You should be switching out your mascara far more often than you think. According to most experts, it’s time to throw away a tube of mascara three months after opening it. New York City optometrist Andrea Thau told Good Housekeeping, “a mascara tube is a dark, wet environment – the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Preservatives in a mascara only work for so long.” The FDA advises throwing away mascara after three months of use as the makeup product can be easily contaminated with bacteria, which can result in pesky eye infections.

Read more: This summer makeup trend will instantly brighten your eyes

Your eyeliner can have different lifespans depending on whether you use liquid or pencil products. Liquid or gel eyeliners follow the same mascara guidelines and should be repurchased every three months whereas pencil eyeliners if sharpened regularly, can stay in your beauty bag for up to two years. Throw out your liquid eyeliner once it starts to clump or smell a little off. Using expired eyeliners can lead to irritation and possibly cause an infection, so it’s better to be safe and follow the expiration guide.

Read more: How to wear rainbow makeup every day

Powder blushes and eyeshadows can stay in your makeup bags for up to two years and cream products for up to one year. Tip: store makeup products in your bedroom instead of the bathroom because the humidity from the shower can impact the longevity of a product.

Read more: 5 model-inspired makeup looks to take you into the weekend

Expired lip products can become potential breeding grounds for germs if they’re used beyond their recommended dates. With age, lipsticks become dry, lipglosses clumpy, and both can experience a change in color. Lipliners, similar to eyeliners, can be sharpened and used for up to two years, lip glosses and lipsticks, on the other hand, have a shelf life closer to 6-12 months.

Read more: The 3 biggest TikTok beauty trends of the year

While there’s no hard and fast rule to when fragrances expire, a typical perfume can have a shelf life from anywhere between one and five years. Clean fragrances and alcohol-free perfumes tend to lose intensity faster than perfumes with high alcohol content. To maintain the longevity of your fragrances, keep them out of direct sunlight, and in a cool, dry location.

Read more: These are the most sought-after beauty products available right now