The Secret Life Inside Your Makeup Bag: Basic Cosmetic Tips and Expiration Dates

I'm a self -professed cosmetic junkie, a poster child for makeup gluttony. I try beauty products likes it's my job. From the drug store to the department store - I love to stock up on all my favorites and experiment with all the new arrivals that come out - never mind that I own seven different lip-glosses of virtually the same color!

I have not one, but two makeup bags that I schlep in my trendy oversized shoulder tote - thank goodness big bags are in! So with summer just around the corner, I decided to do some "spring - cleaning" and sort through all my makeup. A daunting, time consuming task, but hey - how else could I make room for all the new summer cosmetics I'd have to "test"?
As I started the organization process I realized it must have been quite a while since I last cleaned out my makeup bag. How else could I explain the green polish (St. Patrick's Day maybe?), and sparkly Fuchsia (don't ask) eye shadow? I think we've all be guilty of keeping and sometimes using (ewe!) old products we should've discarded months ago.

It's a good idea to keep track of the shelf life of all your beauty products because "spring cleaning" you makeup bag should happen more often than every spring. So I decided to compile a list of simple expiration dates for your cosmetics, and some general tips for use and care. This information can help you identify and discard all those ancient makeup artifacts.

TIPS
* Never touch products with unclean hands or an unclean applicator.

* Can't stress this enough: never share makeup! It can become contaminated with harmful bacteria coming from or transmitted to infected or broken areas of the skin.

* Don't pump your mascara wand. It introduces air and actually promotes bacteria growth.

* Sharpen Eye & Lip Pencils on a regular basis. Sharpening can stop any bacteria that may be growing.

* If you have an allergic reaction to a product, immediately stop using.

* Discard any makeup if you notice a change of color, appearance, scent or texture.

* Keep makeup out of high temperatures or sunlight.

* Store makeup in a cool dry place, and keep all containers closed tightly when not in use.