As per a beauty expert, it is crucial to know when to dispose of old makeup.

Many of us hoard makeup, holding on to products for months or years due to pretty packaging and everyday favorites. As a result, our makeup bags struggle to contain its contents.

Unlike food, makeup isn’t required to have an expiration date. However, they have one – so it’s a good idea to keep track of when you open them to ensure your collection stays fresh.

Not only will those dirty old brushes, beauty blenders, and dried-out mascaras be less effective, but they can even expose you to harmful toxins, causing irritation, infection, and severe health problems.

Get rid of anything in your beauty bag that’s been there for over a year. Mascara and liner should be tossed out more frequently.

Here’s how long Jamie recommends you should keep each product:

The recommended time frames for keeping each product, according to Jamie, are mascara (3-4 months), foundation (12 months), concealer (12 months), powder (12 months), blusher/bronzer (12 months), eyeshadow (12 months), eyeliner (6 months), and lip gloss (12 months).

Skincare

“Skincare can last up to a year, however products with pump bottles rather than lotions you use with your hands can last even. This is because bacteria are more likely to grow in products you use with your fingers, so it’s good practice to replace those products every 9 months.”

Makeup Applicators

“Makeup tools such as beauty blenders and brushes can also cause similar issues and become full of bacteria. You should wash these application tools weekly, and replace them every 3-4 months.”

Eye products

“Eye products can potentially have the most significant risks if used past their expiry. Using a mascara or eyeliner wand, use circular motions to gather the product rather than pumping it in and out of the container. This pushes air into the tube, causing the mascara to dry out more quickly and become flaky.

“The best liquid liners will also have the same bacteria-prone formula and packaging as mascara, whereas a pencil eyeliner will have greater lasting power.

“How you use mascara and liner can be a big indicator of how long the product will actually last. So if it smells funky before the six months, it’s likely gone off.”

Perfume

“Perfume, however, can last as long as 3-4 years.” Adds Jamie. “Perfume may have a shelf life of up to 4 years, but make sure to keep an eye on the colour and smell. If it turns darker, or starts to smell unpleasant, it’s time to throw it out.”

For a longer-lasting perfume, consider choosing woody or spicy scents over citrus, as lighter-based fragrances tend to evaporate more quickly.