Yes, we realize the following beauty tools don't technically "expire," but since we're on the subject of what to toss when:
Sponges
These are up for debate. If you are using high quality ones, you can wash them after each use and they can last up to three months. If they are drugstore cheapies, you're better off tossing after one application, says Cromwell, as the cheaper the material, the less sturdy the sponge and it will end up falling apart anyway after a couple of washes.
Razors
They should be replaced every six or so shaves. To make a blade last longer, store it in a cool, dry place (AKA not in your shower).
It's easy with food, for the most part, to know when it's better in the bin than on your plate, but with beauty products, which rarely boast a written expiration date, it's a different story.
That handy stamp telling you when it's time to toss an item isn't mandatory on your lipstick or face cream and because of that fact, we often use beauty products that have either lost their effectiveness or contain more bacteria, mold and yeast than we'd like to know about.
And why shouldn't we hold on to that liquid foundation until it's within a centimeter of its life? Or squeeze out that very last drop of moisturizer? We're spending hard earned money on this stuff, right? Right. But the likelihood is that if you have a beauty product that is expired, you probably haven't been using it.
So let's all take a moment to admit that we might all have a tendency to hoard and/or buy things we don't actually need because they're either on-trend or we've convinced ourselves that we do, in (illusory) fact, need them.
Well ladies, that perfume you bought ages ago and haven't spritzed on since the first week you purchased it isn't going to smell quite as lovely as it did at the department store. Sad, but true and don't worry, we're all guilty of holding on to things for a bit too long -- even if we haven't touched it in months.
So to help you figure out when all your beauty products should be chucked, and to share some tips that'll help you keep them in tip-top condition for as long as possible, we went to the beauty authorities. With their expert advice, you can save money and much-needed bathroom cabinet space by knowing what to trash and when.
