How long are makeup products good for?

gpointstudio/Getty Images

Mascara

Opened: 3 months

Mascara expires a lot sooner than you probably think—just three months after you open it! The main issue, explains Tavernise, is potential bacteria growth, which you definitely don’t want near your eyes. While it’s probably OK to use a tube of mascara for a few weeks beyond that three-month mark, you exponentially increase your risks of incurring an eye infection if you’re still using it after six months.

Mascara that’s way past its expiration date also generally isn’t up to snuff, notes dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, founder of Maei MD. It tends to dry out and change in texture, which could translate to clumpiness, a lighter shade or shedding. But before your mascara has run dry, it will likely be time to switch it out.

We know, it’s painful to ditch an expensive tube before you’re done with it, so consider an affordable makeup-artist favorite like L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. It will make throwing it away sting a bit less.

Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

Eyeliner

Liquid, opened: 3 months

Pencil, opened: 2 years

Note the stark contrast between a liquid and pencil eyeliner. A liquid eyeliner is similar to a mascara, in that it should be replaced every three months. The issue is that you’re constantly opening and closing liquid eyeliner, which exposes it to the air (drying it out), as well as potentially transferring bacteria from your eye to the tube and vice versa. There’s also no way to “clean” the inside of a liquid eyeliner tube. A pencil, on the other hand, is much more stable and can be sharpened, or “refreshed,” to last much longer. As a result, it poses very little risk of contamination.

Pencils can also be sanitized with an alcohol wipe, adds Dr. Marcus. Just spray a tissue with isopropyl alcohol, and gently rub it on the tip of the liner. Just make sure it’s completely dry before using it on your eye. (While you’re at it, wash the cap with soap, and dry it thoroughly.) If you have extremely sensitive eyes, you could also apply the alcohol and then sharpen the pencil.

Ready to toss your eyeliner? It could be a good opportunity to find one that’s more flattering and even makes you look younger.

drewhadley/Getty Images

Eye shadow

Powder, opened: 2 years

Cream, opened: Up to 1 year

When it comes to eye shadow, it’s easy to forget the question “Does makeup expire?” That’s because we may not use it every day, and it tends to look fine, especially when you’re dealing with powder.  “Cream eye shadow may expire faster and exhibit changes in texture,” says Dr. Marcus. “Powder eye shadow can be expected to have a long shelf life.” That said, you should still switch out your stash after two years, whether you favor glam colors or more natural looks. “If it has been used,” she adds, “preservatives likely will have expired, and bacteria may be able to grow on the product.”

Also be mindful that you are applying this makeup to a very sensitive area: your eyes. “Although it might be tempting, the risks involved with using a 10-year-old product are not worth the cost of buying a new makeup product,” warns Tavernise.

When it comes to cleaning, organizing and getting rid of what no longer serves us, we tend to focus our efforts on our closets. But what about our stash of beauty essentials? Our bathroom shelves are not only lined with the products we use daily, but also with lipsticks we save for special occasions and mystery items that have been there for so long that they've all but become invisible. Let's face it—your makeup bag and vanity could probably use a purge.