KEEP IT CLEAN – STILA EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON THE BIG DEBATE

So how long do you keep your makeup products? Do you label them with the purchase date so you can monitor if it is time to toss it out? I know that I am guilty of keeping stuff way past the expiration point. I give the products the old sniff and smell test and if it doesn't cause the gag reflex to kick in then I'm keeping it. I know, I know, that is totally unsanitary but I adore that beautiful one of a kind ______________ (fill in the blank with your favorite product) to death and I'll never be able to duplicate it!!!! How many times have you thought that or heard one of your friends say that exact same thing? Admit it, we have all at one time or another thought that. Well, you need to get past it, cause your health is a lot more important than your favorite beauty product that is starting to wreck havoc on your face and should have been tossed ages ago. Read on as the Stila Experts weigh in and guide you step by step on what to keep and how long is too long.

General Safety Measures Wash your hands before putting on makeup to avoid the spread of bacteria. Wash brushes once a week. See cleaning methods below. Wash sponges once a week and discard monthly. Don't share makeup. For makeup items that you use on a daily basis, such as mascara, foundation, powder, and moisturizers, try and only open and use one at a time. Finish it completely before you open a new one. If makeup begins to change color, smell, separate or look off, you should throw it out. If you can't remember when you bought a piece of makeup, toss it.

Eyes: Eye Shadow - recommended good for 12 months after opening Cream Eye Shadow - recommended good for 12-18 months after opening Pencil Eye Liner - recommended good for 12 months after opening Includes Smudge Sticks, Kajal and Smudge Pots Sharpen regularly to get rid of bacteria Includes Convertible Eye Color, Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner Liquid Eye Liner - recommended good for 6 months after opening Includes Convertible Eye Color, Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner Toss if it gets dry or starts to smell off Mascara - recommended good for 6 months after opening Toss if it gets dry or starts to smell off Avoid over pumping your mascara as this allows air into the moist environment, creating a breeding ground for bacteria Overall If you get an eye infection, stop using makeup for at least two weeks and toss all of your eye makeup.

			Lips: Lipstick - recommended good for 12-24 months after opening Can store in refrigerator to extend life Toss if it changes color or starts to smell off Includes Long Wear Lip Color (12M) Lip Liner - recommended good for 12 months after opening Sharpen regularly to get rid of bacteria Lip Gloss - recommended good for 12 months after opening Includes Lip Glazes, Long Wear Liquid Lip Color, Lip Enamel Lip Color - recommended good for 6 months after opening Overall Don't use lip products if you develop a cold sore. Toss out any products that have been used on a cold sore to prevent spreading.
			Face: Powder - recommended good for 36 months after opening Includes Sheer Pressed Powder Toss it if it changes color or begins to clump. Foundations: Oil-Free Liquid Foundation - recommended good for 24 months after opening Includes Natural Finish Oil Free Makeup Oil-Based Liquid Foundation - recommended good for 24 months after opening Includes Illuminating Liquid Foundation Compact Foundation - recommended good for 18 months after opening Includes Illuminating Powder Foundation One Step Foundation - lasts 6 months after opening Foundation Tips: Toss if changes color, separates, begins to smell off or dries up. Foundations with pumps will last longer. If the foundation bottle requires you to dab your fingers in it, it should be replaced every 6-8 months. Can store in refrigerator to extend life Liquid Concealer - recommended good for 24 months after opening toss if it changes color or separates. Also, wipe the applicator off after each use to prevent introducing bacteria into the tube Stick Concealer - recommended good for 12 months after opening For stick concealers, toss if it becomes dry and loses coverage. In general, stick concealers will last longer. Powder Blush - recommended good for 12-24 months after opening Powder Bronzer - recommended good for 12 months after opening Cream Blush - recommended good for 6-12 months after opening Includes Convertible Color, Prime Color (6M) Cheek Stain - recommended good for 3 months after opening Includes Stila Crushes Tinted Moisturizer - refer to expiration date on the package Includes Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer, Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer Toss if changes color, separates, or begins to smell off. Overall There is not as high of risk of infection with face makeup products; however, face products will become less effective over time. Try to avoid using your fingers to remove product from a container. Use a brush or spoon instead. This will help prevent bacteria from entering the product.

Brushes: As mentioned above, proper and frequent cleaning of your makeup brushes will greatly reduce your risk of infections or irritations. Here are some general tips on how to clean your brushes (can be used on all Stila brushes): Use warm water to clean the brushes Apply either a small amount of mild shampoo, antibacterial soap or brush cleanser. Gently lather the brush and rinse under warm water until the water comes out clear and all makeup has been removed. Squeeze out the excess water in the brushes. Lay the brushes flat on a towel and allow them to air dry.

So do you have any tips for prolonging the life of your makeup that were not mentioned above? Leave a comment and share it with us! ♥