If you’re a true beauty diva, it stands to reason that you probably received a few new beauty goodies in your stocking this holiday season. Since cosmetics and hair products do have an unspoken expiration date, what better time than right now to say good bye to the old and ring in the new? Here are a few simple guidelines to help you understand what in your cosmetic bag is still safe to use and what needs to be thrown out with the tree.

MAKE UP --

HAIR –

• Liquid – 4 weeks after being exposed to the air (and without being mixed with developer/activator)
• Crème/Gel – 6 weeks after being exposed to the air (and without being mixed with developer/activator)

NAILS AND SKIN –

MISCELLANEOUS:

While the above standards are just a general rule of thumb, there are other things to consider – the first of which is common sense. If any cosmetic item changes its texture, scent or color – ditch it – no matter how long you’ve had it.

• Developers and hair colors will still work after their “expiration.” However, they lose potency the longer they’re exposed to oxygen, so you won’t get the same results you did while they were still in their prime.
• Any oil-based product that goes rancid (develops a “stale” scent that lingers after the product has been applied) should be chucked.
• Perfumes and scented oils kept away from light will retain their scent longer. Buy perfumes in dark, amber bottles and/or keep them in your medicine cabinet to prolong their lifespan.
• Cosmetic brushes should be washed at least once a week. Cosmetic sponges should be tossed and replaced at least twice a month.
• Organic/natural products may need to be replaced more often. The lack of preservatives in them means they’re going to break down and/or spoil faster.

Why should you replace your cosmetic items? To begin with, not only do old cosmetic and bath and body products change scent, color, texture and performance, but by using old beauty products, you open yourself up to a whole host of problems.

Old makeup used around the eyes can lead to irritation and infection, while old skin care can cause acne, inflammation and serious problems like Staph infections. Cross contamination, bacterial build up, mold, rashes and fungus are other things to consider, especially if you share your beauty products with friends, spouses or siblings or if you have any open wounds – which doesn’t have to be a bleeding gash straight out of a B-rate horror flick – acne, small nicks on the cuticle, cat scratches, etc., are all open wounds that can let in bacteria and create problems for you down the road.

Need some places to shop for new beauty goodies? A few of my favorites…

Do yourself a favor and toss your old beauty products! Not only do you get to have all the fun of re-building your beauty arsenal, but you save yourself a potential headache in the future.

*Photos from news.com.au, istockphoto.com