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Nothing lasts forever! So we look at the shelf-life of your beauty products and when you should think about parting with them
Step into any woman's bathroom or bedroom and the story is usually the same – shelves and drawers filled with cosmetics that have been collected over a long period of time.
Whether it's a well-loved, but rarely used perfume, or an unusual shade of lipstick that we haven't quite plucked up the courage to wear but can't bear to throw out, we ladies love to hoard our beauty products.
But how long is too long? We know they're not going to last forever, but when should we replace our make-up?
Check our guide to see the expiration dates of your top toiletries.
Perfume – Perfume should only be kept for about two years. If you want yours to last longer, resist the urge to have it on display and keep in a dark and cool place
Mascara and liquid eyeliner – Only three to four months. And it's important you try to stick to this timeline to avoid contamination and infections
Lipstick/gloss – Lipsticks and glosses should be fine for two to three years
Eye/lip pencils – Three to five years. Sharpen them before each use to help preserve them and keep them clean
Nail polish – Your nail varnishes and polishes can be kept for one year
Foundation – This will last about two years. Chances are if you haven't used it in that time, you never will!
Concealer – Up to 12 months
Hairstyling products – Three to five years. Most hairstyling products contain alcohol which will help them last longer
Shampoo/conditioner/shower gel – Two to three years
Bath oil – You can keep bath oils for about one year
Body lotion – If its in a pump bottle, body lotion should last up to three years
Cream/gel cleansers – One year
Deodorant – Two years
Shaving cream/gel – Two years
Suncream – Check packaging for an expiration date
You should also make sure you wash make-up brushes every two to three months in a mild detergent. And wash your sponges on a weekly basis, discarding every month.