Makeup lovers, can we have a quick discussion? Listen, I totally get it. Many of us have a difficult time parting with our good, expensive, expired makeup. I think a tiny unicorn dies every time we have to toss a Bobbi Brown or Chanel palette, especially one that has gone unused or has gotten very little use. However, for the sake of your health, you have got to replace your makeup.

Cosmetics are pretty tricky, as they’re not labeled with a specific expiration date. This is all the more reason to stay on top of your makeup stash and stop yourself from hoarding bad products. It can be tough, but try to keep up with dates of purchase, as well as exactly how long you’ve had certain products. It won’t be easy and will require a great deal of organization on your part — but you will thank yourself for doing it.

I know you love certain things and want to use them to the very last drop, but it’s important to check in with the product lifespan (often posted on the bottom or the label of your product). If you can no longer read the label or can’t find it, here’s a general timeline of when exactly to let go:

Mascara – about 3 months

Eye and lips pencils – about 2 years

Lipsticks – about 2 years

Concealers and foundations – about 2 years

Nail polish – about 1 year

Photo: Spectrumofhealth.com

Even more important is cleaning your makeup brushes properly following each use. Brushes can harbor loads of bacteria, and you certainly don’t want to swipe them all over your face in this state. Hello, breakouts! The skin is the largest organ in the body, so take care of it as best as you can.

Most times, we can simply do the eyeball test and know precisely when a particular product has to be replaced (ex. excessive clumping, drying out, worn down, weird smell, separation in polishes). Although the eyeball test is nice, knowing the exact timeline of when to diss old makeup is absolutely the best.

I shamefully admit that I have a hard time letting go, but it’s so necessary.

How are you doing with your makeup purges? Let us know in the comments below!

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