When items go bad

 Rae

When do cosmetics go bad?

This is from the May 2011 issue of InStyle magazine.  

This helped me know when to throw stuff out.  I did not know this could happen.  I assumed everything would be fine even past the expiration dates and after a couple of years.  I hope this helps you.

• Sunscreen lasts to a year and usually has an expiration date on it.  It is okay to use after a year if it hasn't "separated, change in smell or become discolored" says Dr. Gaf.  Dr. Gaf also says "to trust your eyes and nose."

• Mascara last to 3 months.  Optometrist Jennifer Giermek of N.Y.C.'s Naked Eye optical says when mascara dries out of gets clumpy, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.  Discard right away if there is an eye infection.   

• Nail Polish can last up to 1 year, with proper storage.  Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist, says "start examining nail polish after 9 months for color fading or separation, that's when it won't go on as smoothly." 

• Fragrance can last up to 2 years.  Roger Spain of Belle-Aire Fragrance says, "each spritz lets more air into the bottle, which causes oxidation and slightly changes the scent, but it's still fine to use." 

• Face Creams can last from 6-9 months; 12 months if it's in a pump. 
• Face creams in a jar: can last 6-9 months, fingers can introduce bacteria says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist.  Be sure to keep alphahydroxy creams tightly sealed or they will become more concentrated and cause irritation (Wilson).