For me, I don’t use a lot of makeup. My biggest concern is foundation. I replace my makeup, ie. liquid foundation every 6 months.

I must say this is something I have never bothered with. I have never known anything to go off and I tend to keep things for years as I don’t use a lot of makeup. Hasn’t killed me yet!

I just opened a tube of hand cream and it smells odd/off. It did have a seal but I have no idea how long it has been on a shop shelf. It would be helpful if there was a best before date on all beauty and health products.

I don’t throw away any make up unless it’s no good. Occasionally foundation oxidises and turns orange or nailpolish goes too gluggy and they are generally products that aren’t getting used so should be tossed anyway.

I can’t add more than what has already been said in the comments. I keep using products if they seem to be in a good state. If I’m unsure then it’s best to replace with a new item.

I believe that things like powders are supposed to be thrown away after 12 to 18months but lets be honest I would think that not many people would do that. You can however make sure that when using your products you use the most hygenic process possible. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes often and from time to time you can dab over your eye shadows and such with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad.
Mascara needs to be tossed out after 3 to 6months. This is one that you really need to stick to as eye infections are not fun. 100% toss it if it starts to smell.

I’m not game to go and look for dates on mine. Like most things I generally go by the rule that if it smells good and looks like it’s original consistency then I keep using it. Mascaras I go through regularly but would watch them as they are so close to your eyes.

I love the website checkfresh.com, if you enter the product and SKU code it tells you when that beauty product was made. So if you bought something that had already existed for 6 years before it got in your hands it can explain why it didn’t work well. It’s helped with my beauty draw purging

Its hard to part with lightly used pricey items, but if powders start to look cakey or faded I throw them out. Eye shadows I have kept for a few years, but eventually I find they don’t perform well so it’s best to chuck them. Foundation and concealer usually 12-18 months, as they dry and can seperate. Go off how it looks, smells, and performs. If you notice any skin irritations get rid of them

They will generally say at the back of the packaging with the little icon followed by 6m, 12m etc. (being months). However, with my more expensive products, i couldnt bare the idea of having to replace it so frequently! I always go by look, smell, touch as well if anything is off. Mascara being the exception – always change it frequently to avoid eye infections.

I just checked my makeup and they do all have expiration dates like 24months etc. but I’m with you… I paid alot for some of them and have hardly used them. I think as long as they look okay, not dried out or changed colour etc and smells okay then it should be alright for longer.

I think alot of it comes down to what it’s used for. So mascara is used near the eye so is frequently exposed to bacteria and so should be thrown out after 3-6 months where as powders and things that aren’t as exposed to bacteria can last a year or two