Everything You Need To Know About Makeup Expiration Dates (VIDEO)

Question: How old is your mascara? If you don't exactly know, it's probably a good indication that it's time to toss it. Mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives out there, clocking in at around three months. As we discovered in this video by Bellasugar, it's pretty important to pay attention to makeup expiration dates since a bottle of too-old foundation can quickly turn into a jar of breakout-causing bacteria. Yikes.

Some brands, however, make it easy for you. On the bottom of most packages, there's usually a little icon of a makeup pot with an open lid with either the letter M (for month) or Y (for year). You can write down the date you opened it on a piece of tape and stick it on the bottle -- this will help you keep track of how long you should keep it around.

If it doesn't state the expiration window, there are few guidelines you should keep in mind. Anything cream-based (foundation, blush or shadows) last from about 12 to 18 months. Since they contain oil, they tend to break down faster than powder formulas, which can last about two years.

Lipstick expires after a year, while gloss will make it to the 18-month mark. Eye makeup has a decidedly shorter existence. While a pencil liner can last up to 2 years, since you're constantly sharpening it, you should only keep a pot of gel liner for about two months. These formulas break down fast and can contain lots of bacteria.

Then there are the obvious signs, like weird smells or separating formulas. One way to get a few more miles out of your makeup is to store it in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. And while it sounds like a no-brainer, make sure your caps are sealed tight.

Meanwhile, check out seven beauty facts that might just give you pause:

• Ancient Egypt: Eyeliner's Utilitarian Origins

  Women and men alike would rim their eyes with a mineral-based blend that was initially intended to provide sun protection. It was also said to ward off evil spirits. (<a href="http://michellephan.com/blog/post/michelle-phan-history-lesson-eyeliner-through-the-ages">Source</a>) Photo: AFP/Getty

• Mesopotamian Times: Crushed Stones As Lipstick

  In Mesopotamian times, women adorned lips with crushed gemstones, thus creating one of the earliest versions of lipstick. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipstick">Source</a>) Photo: Getty

• Medieval Times: Beauty Marks Were Not A Good Thing

  During Medieval times, beauty marks were considered a sign of demonic possession. (<a href="http://www.bellasugar.com/Beauty-Marks-Birthmarks-Moles-History-18372937?slide=4">Source</a>) Photo: Getty

• Renaissance Era: Pale Skin At Any Cost

  Pale skin was so popular during the Renaissance era that women used a mix of carbonate, hydroxide and lead oxide to create a porcelain look. The side effects were incredibly harmful, however, causing muscle paralysis in some cases. (<a href="http://www.ukhairdressers.com/history%20of%20beauty.asp">Source</a>) Photo: Getty

• Victorian Era: Homemade Mascara

  Victorian women would make homemade mascara by mixing ash and elderberry juice. They would then use the blend to coat lashes, giving them a darker appearance. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mascara">Source</a>) Photo: Getty

• Native American Braids & Their Symbolism

  While this varied from tribe to tribe, certain women were known to wear two braids to symbolize that they were single, while one braid signified that she was married. (<a href="http://www.indians.org/articles/how-to-braid-hair.html">Source</a>) Photo: Getty

• 1920s: Coco Chanel Popularizes The Tan

  After an accidental sunburn while on vacation in the French Riviera, Coco Chanel returned to Paris with tanned skin. The look sparked a trend, which was seen as status symbol. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_tanning">Source</a>) Photo: Getty

• 1930s: The Origin of DIY Nail Art

  The "moon manicure," which was first seen in the 1930s, was created by painting the center of the nail, and leaving the tips and cuticles bare. (<a href="http://michellephan.com/blog/post/michelle-phan-history-lesson-nail-polish-throughout-the-years">Source</a>) Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eloisemoorehead/6062480222/">eloisemoorehead/Flickr</a>

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/05/makeup-expiration-foundation-mascara_n_2595050.html

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