How long should you keep your products?

I get this question all the time. A few basic rules I follow: if it smells funny, toss it! and if I never use it, toss it! However, I know there are "beauty standards" we should follow, so here goes.

• Foundation: toss after 6 months if you haven't used it all up already. It can collect germs and separate - not good for your face.
• Concealer: it gets yucky after 6-8 months.
• Powder (eyeshadow, blush, pressed powder): it's still pretty good for up to 2 years. Cream shadows/blush can get dry and crack, toss them once that starts to happen.
• Mascara: well I can't live w/o this so mine is gone in less then 3 months - but that's the rule. Toss after 3 months because it gets bacteria, especially if you're addicted to pumping it. Take care of your pretty eyes!
• Lip gloss/Lipstick: about one year. Do a smell check.
• Eye/Lip Pencil: if you're sharpening them every time, they last longer and are less prone to bacteria (up to one year). For the others, do a smell check within the year.
• Facial Toners/Cleansers/Moisturizers: 6 months to one year.
• Nail Polish: they separate pretty easily and get unmanageable, so 2 years is really the most.
• Brushes: bacteria can grow in brushes so wash them every 4-6 months in a mild shampoo. If you take care of them, your brushes can last a long time.

Nowadays, many products have a symbol (a jar w/open lid and number in months) on them that tells you their preferred shelf life. More or less, stick to it). Also, many products are now combined with Retinol, Sunscreens and other Anti-wrinkle potions, be mindful to keep these products in a cool place because heat/sun affects the effectiveness of the product as well as it's shelf life.

If you're like me, I bet you have a drawer full of makeup goodies you have collected and swear you're gonna use 'em someday (like those jeans that are two sizes smaller) - but on those boring days of life, I just love to play in my makeup drawer, rediscover products and either save or toss. What is possibly funner then realizing it's time to buy myself something new and fabulous?!! Try it and enjoy!!