When to throw out beauty care products and what to replace them with

While spring cleaning usually involves washing windows and decluttering, a beauty expert says it should also include throwing out expired makeup stuffed away in bathroom drawers.

Shira Ben, who is a makeup artist based in Toronto, joined Sylvie Lendvay on Morning Live to share when to throw out beauty care products and what to replace them with.

Foundation

Any concealers and foundations that are more than 18 months old should be in the garbage, Ben said.

“Older cream products lose moisture, making them look dry and cakey when applying them onto the skin,” she said. “It will probably look separated and the colour will have oxidized.”

Ben recommended replacing it with the Rimmel Kind and Free Moisturizing Skin Tint foundation.

Blush

When it comes to powder-based products like blush, Ben said they should be tossed out after two years.

“They lose all of their moisture and become very chalky,” she said. “Powder products can also become very difficult to blend and look patchy on the skin.”

It can also be hard to apply and blend expired eyeshadow. When that starts to happen, Ben advised beauty lovers to opt for the Butter Dream Team Face Palette and Butter Believe it Eyeshadow Palette by Physicians Formula.

Skincare

Similarly to foundation, most skincare products will also expire after 18 months.

“Active ingredients in our skincare dwindle over time,” Ben said. “If your skincare products have been on your vanity for 18 months plus, they most likely aren’t going to be effective anymore. They can also start to turn and start to smell really bad.”

If you’re looking for a new moisturizer, she recommended Hope in a Jar by Philosophy.

Lipstick

You should replace your lipsticks after two years because they can lose their moisture and grow mold.

Ben recommended choosing the NYX Shine Loud High Shine Lip Colour.

Mascara

Of all the beauty products listed so far, mascara should be replaced the most often.

Ben said to switch out your mascara every three months because it will become dry and flaky.

“It will no longer glide onto your lashes and provide you with the results you are looking for,” she said. “Mascara typically contains talc…Once the moisture starts to evaporate, it becomes impossible to use.”

Try the NYX On The Rise Volume Liftscara.