You may not think about the expiration of your makeup as much as you do about your food, but keeping track of your makeup expiration dates are just as important. As much as you don’t want to part with your favorite lipstick or eyeliner, there comes a time where you have to toss them out to prevent infections and breakouts.

Mascara – 3 to 4 months

This is probably the makeup product you should pay the most attention to. As your brush is taken in and out of the tube, it brings in any bacteria collected along the way. Any lingering bacteria can cause serious itchiness, redness, and infections. When the mascara starts smelling something like gasoline, it’s time to toss it!

Liquid Eyeliner – 6 months 

As with mascara, eyeliner is applied near a sensitive area and is extra prone to bacteria because of it’s liquid form. Pencil eyeliner can last a little longer (up to 1 year) than liquid especially if it is sharpened on the regular.

Liquid Foundation – 6 to 12 months

Since liquid foundation is water based, it collects bacteria easily. When it starts smelling off or changes color, that’s when the formula has turned bad. Keep foundations away from moist environments (like the bathroom) and away from heat (vents or windows), which can speed up spoiling.

Concealer – 1 year

As with liquid foundation, when the color starts to shift and the formula starts to separate, it’s time to get rid of it. Powder/stick concealers can last a little longer (up to 2 years).

Powder, Eye shadow, & Blush – 2 years

You can start telling when these products are going bad when they become more dry and flakey. To prolong their life, clean your makeup brushes on the regular (at least twice a month) to prevent bacteria growth and prevent the oil from your face from transferring to these items. Although these products are dry and don’t contain water, the moisture from your foundation or moisturizer can cling to your brushes and transfer to your makeup as well.

Lipstick – 2 years

Although lipstick doesn’t contain any water, it’s best to get rid of your lipstick after 2 years because they’re repeatedly exposed to your mouth area. When your lipstick changes texture by drying out and becomes hard to spread, you know it’s time to say goodbye. If you’re a lip gloss user, they don’t last as long as lipstick and you should toss them out after 1 year. You can tell when it starts to separate or become extra sticky and goopy.

Added bonus: Nail Polish – 1 to 2 years 

You know it’s time to part with it if the polish becomes extra thick or has separated in to layers and doesn’t blend easily after a quick shake. To increase the longevity of the polish, purchase a nail polish thinner from your local drugstore in the beauty aisle!