We all get lured in. Make up comes in pretty packages. We often buy the pallettes impulsively and purchase lipstick, blush and other products for special occasions only. But fact is some things should become VINTAGE and some things certainly SHOULD NOT. Old make up that you’re saving because you don’t want to feel like you’ve wasted money shouldn’t become VINTAGE. It’s a “no-no”. You probably know this, read it somewhere before, but when something is our absolute fave or we’ve spent out hard earned cash on it we think we can skip or bypass this rule. Not so. Not only is it hazzardous to your health to let makeup expire, but…well, read the article…

Sunscreen, bronzers and moisturizers. Most of us have no shortage of them in bathrooms. But cosmetics, like food, can expire and become dangerous to use. We slather them on our bodies, brush them on our faces and paint them on our lips. But, did you know there are hidden dangers in the bronzers, moisturizers and lipglosses you apply everyday if you don’t get rid them routinely.

We stopped Lindsey Kuster in Midtown this Memorial Day, she was shocked by the news. Kuster said, “I keep my makeup till it’s gone basically.”

But expired cosmetics can cause some serious problems according health editor Betsy Stephens, of All You Magazine.

Stephens says the problems can include, “A skin infection, eye infections, conjunctivitis.”

To simply the process, remember products applied to your eyes and face have a shorter shelf life. Mascara needs to be tossed out after 3 months.

Jessica Letkemann told CBS 2’s Tamsen Fadal, “There is probably food that lasts longer than that, so I’m surprised!”

Plus, you must be careful when you apply it.

Stephens says “When you are using mascara, the recommendation is to not pump the mascara…brush into the tube because that brings in more air. If you need to you can swirl the brush around.”

Facial moisturizers, foundation, concealer, eyeshadows and lipsticks should be thrown away after 12 months.

Bronzers last for 2 years, and you can keep your favorite sunscreen for 3 years, but remember with time it can lose it’s effectiveness.

Delee Fromm is diligent about cleaning out her make up case.

Fromm says, “I hate it, I absolutely hate but then I always worry about what could happen if I don’t.” And here is something to keep in mind, the minute the break this seal airborne bacteria comes in, that’s when the countdown to expiration date begins.

Natural cosmetics are even more suspectible, Stephens says they last for about 6 months. “Just like milk, if milk starts smelling bad and looking lumpy you are not going to want to drink it. The same thing applies to makeup.” says Stephens.

While it may be expensive and difficult to part with that favorite lipgloss or blush, in the long run it could be more costly to keep it.

Expiration Dates for Cosmetics:

Sunscreen 3 years
Bronzers (liquid or powder) 2 years
Facial moisturizers 1 year
Foundation 1 year
Concealer 1 year
Mascara 3 months
Eyeshadow 1 year
Facial powder/blush 1 year
Lipgloss/lipstick 1 year
Natural cosmetics 6 months
Brushes-must be washed properly

Source: Tamsen Fadal CBS News