Good thinking: you’re going to clean out your makeup cabinet! But you’re wondering where to start. Follow this game plan to identify all your outdated cosmetics, give your accessories a fresh start and renew all your essentials.

Keep it or chuck it?

Just like with food, cosmetics have an expiry date, which is important to keep in mind to help avoid infection or irritation. Here’s a quick test to evaluate the shelf life of your products.

To find out if it’s expired, just check the label. T or F?

False, sort of.  Yes, the packaging provides valuable information. For example, on all products containing an SPF, the expiration date is found on the box and on top of the tube, embossed in the plastic. Most other products have a small icon of an open jar with a number and the letter "M" (for "month") indicating shelf life. Example: "6M" means that the product can be stored for 6 months from the date of opening.

BUT remember: these are just guidelines. Some products have a shorter shelf life than estimated, especially if they aren’t stored properly. To correctly identify expired cosmetics, you have to check the colour, texture and smell as well.

If you can avoid it, don’t store your cosmetics in the bathroom. T or F?

True.  It seems counter-intuitive, but the humidity in the bathroom can encourage bacterial growth. The best place to store your creams, lotions, brushes, etc., is in a dry, dark place… like a drawer in your night table, for example.  

Products in jars last just as long as those in pump bottles. T or F?

False. Unlike tubes,  you actually have to stick your fingers into the product in jars, which increases your risk of contamination. So, be extra careful when using them! Make sure you close them properly, and carefully wipe off the inside of the lid after every use to prevent excess product from oxidizing and degrading the whole jar.

Body moisturizers last longer than facial ones. T or F?

True.  They can last up to a whole year, while facial products (creams, makeup removers, exfoliants and masks) only last six to nine months.  Whatever product you’re using, be vigilant: some ingredients evaporate more quickly, increasing the concentration of the product—and your risk of experiencing a skin reaction!

Unlike beauty products, fragrances don’t have a fixed expiry date. T or F?

True.  Be aware: that doesn’t mean they last forever! To preserve them as long as possible, it’s best to keep them someplace cool and dark, as you would with your cosmetics.

Lipstick can last up to two years. T or F?

True. But you really don’t want to keep them longer than that because their elevated water content makes them ideal for breeding bacteria. Lip, eye and brow liners have a similar shelf life, but you have to sharpen them frequently. So, remember to clean your sharpener from time to time to keep things sanitary!

Mascara has the shortest shelf life. T or F?

True.  Dark and humid… mascara containers are like test tubes for growing bacteria. That’s why they have to be changed every three months, at the same time as your liquid liners and your concealers.

Foundation can be kept for two or three years,
just like loose powder, eye shadow and blush. T or F?

True, provided it’s a powder-based foundation. Liquid foundations can only be kept for up to nine months.

Powder products are dry, so they don't accumulate bacteria as quickly as other products do (but you have to keep your brushes clean!). Remember: if you notice that they’re starting to crack or dry out, or they don’t go on as well as they used to, it’s time to replace them.

What about accessories?

Sponges that crumble, brushes with missing bristles... they all need to be tossed along with your expired cosmetics. If your accessories still have some life left in them, remember to establish a cleaning routine... and stick to it!

Sponges

• Follow the same cleaning routine you use with your brushes: put a few drops of liquid soap into the palm of your hand, then soak the wet sponge by pressing it against your palm. Knead it well to remove all the make-up that has been absorbed. Rinse, and you’re good to go!

If you find these steps a little tedious, remember: the more frequently you wash your accessories, the less time it takes... and the lower your risk of developing rashes, irritations or infections.