[Make-up is wonderful, but it can also be confusing. There are so many shades and colors and sheens and reasons to wear it, that a girl can get completely lost attempting to find what fits her face best. What’s the best blush color for a redhead? How do you really put on lip-liner? Is there such a thing as too much eyeshadow?

In this weekly series, makeup expert Ali will use her makeup know-how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101.]

In order for makeup to keep you looking fresh and beautiful you need to keep up with fresh products. Yes, it can be a sad day to throw out your favorite MAC eyeshadow because its time has expired, but it is necessary for your skin and your overall look (and feel). Below is some important information about how long your makeup should last, and how to stretch out its shelf life. And don’t worry – we won’t judge you if you hold a moment of silence for your favorite products whose time has come.

Mascara: With such close contact to your eyes, mascara is likely to acquire bacteria and, as a result, should be thrown out after 3 months. Don’t believe me? Smell it. Go on, do it. If the mascara is ready to go you’ll notice a different smell, not to mention the mascara will likely not go on as well. Throw it out!

Foundation: Liquid and condensed powder foundations will likely become cakey or cracked after 6 months to a year and then it’s time to toss em. Loose powder foundation will likely last a little longer. Similar rules apply to blush. Read More »

Living on a minimal college student’s budget for the past four years did not give me much excess cash to spend on new makeup. I’m pretty sure that I have been using the same mascara for over a year. Gross, I know. But seriously, who has the money and time to keep track of when you should get rid of a tube of mascara or lipstick?

Well, according to a new study done by the College of Optometrists, girls probably should make more of an effort to keep makeup updated because of the health risk it poses.

“Old lipsticks and mascara brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and the study has discovered that many women are not aware of the risks and do not follow sell by date guidelines. As many as nine out of 10 women are putting their health at risk by using out of date make-up.” FemaleFirst. Guilty as charged.

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