As much as we’d all love for them to last forever (especially the most expensive ones), all beauty products have an expiration date. In fact, if you use your makeup or hair products for too long, they can lose their original quality and even begin developing potentially harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, many beauty lovers remain unaware of exactly how long they should keep using their beauty products before they finally toss them out, and you can use makeup fridges to keep them in “a cool, dark place.”If you’re among the confused, keep reading to learn how to know when to throw away your beauty products.

1. Mascara

The lifespan of a tube of mascara is approximately three months. After that amount of time, bacteria begins to develop within the mascara and can transfer to your eyes and lashes.

If you notice that your mascara is drying out before the three-month period is up, try adding a few drops of saline solution to the tube to add moisture to the formula.

2. Foundation

If you use liquid foundation, it lasts for about one year before the formula begins to disintegrate and it will no longer distribute smoothly and evenly onto your skin.

Powder foundation is a longer-lasting formula and can last for up to two years before you should throw it away.

3. Hairspray

Hairspray does not have a specific expiration. You can hypothetically use the same can of hairspray forever. However, some of the ingredients within the hairspray, such as its fragrance components, can degrade over time. Just go by your best judgement when it comes to hairspray; as long as you don’t notice a change in scent or quality, you’re good to go.

4. Eyeliner

Unfortunately, liquid eyeliner only stays good for about three months. It can grow bacteria and begin to deteriorate after only a few months. However, pencil eyeliners can stay in your makeup drawer for up to two years. They generally begin to dry out before that time limit is up, though.

5. Concealer

Liquid and cream concealers last for between one year and a year and a half. After this amount of time, concealers can get cakey. They can also begin developing bacteria that can transfer to your skin and cause breakouts and other skin conditions.

6. Bronzer

As long as your bronzer is a powder formula, you can continue using it for up to two years. After that amount of time, the bronzer can become streaky or chalky and begin distributing onto your skin unevenly.

7. Perfume

Perfume lasts for between six months and a year and a half. This wide range of time depends on the fragrance components of the perfume. Once your perfume begins to break down, you will notice a difference in its scent. At that point, it’s time to throw away the fragrance.

It can be difficult to part with your favorite beauty products, but there comes a time to kiss them goodbye. They’ve served you well and it’s time to let them go. The next time you’re worried about whether or not you should still have that six-month old eyeliner pen in your purse, use this post to remind yourself how to know when to throw away your beauty products.