WHEN DOES MAKEUP EXPIRE?

A recent discussion raged between my fellow editors when I announced that I had located my Nars Himalayas eye shadow that I wore to my junior prom. It became clear that none of us knew the answer to this very pressing question.

The FDA website has its theories: Foundation should only be kept up to six months. Concealers with wand applicators should be discarded after six months because wands are highly likely to grow bacteria. Mascara should be thrown out after 3 months—again because of the wand and the proximity to your eye. Lipsticks, pressed powders, and lip/eye pencils are deemed legit for up to a year.

The FDA notes that cosmetics that have been improperly stored (exposed to high temperatures, sunlight, or opened for too long) may expire far before their actual expiration date. My thing is to pay close attention to the consistency of the product. If it changes in any way—it’s probably a good idea to toss it. I think we could all use a spring cleaning of the makeup drawer—or if you love products as much as we do—makeup closet!

-Rachel Siegel, fashion assistant