Your makeup expires faster than you think

While your eye and lip liners will last forever due to the wax-based formulas and continuous sharpening, you should be investing in new serums, oils and creams twice a year. Photo / Getty

Can you remember how old your mascara is, or when the last you bought a new fragrance? If you can't, then it's probably time to throw them in the bin.

According to a new report released by Australian company Choice, almost all of our beauty buys are deemed out-of-date within six months of opening them. While your eye and lip liners will last forever due to the wax-based formulas and continuous sharpening, you should be investing in new serums, oils and creams twice a year.

Those that prefer their products to be natural and organic may find that the formulas expire even quicker. "Emulsion products like creams (also cream foundations), lotions and moisturisers are likely to expire more quickly than oil, alcohol or wax-based products," explains chemist and product formulator Ric Williams.

"Cheaper products may expire more quickly too, if for example they're poorly formulated without stabilisers, or have not been checked for stability."

How do you know if your beauty product has expired?

Bacteria build-up, over exposure to oxygen and heat can make your make-up and skincare go off. Usually you'll notice a change in colour or smell. Once this happens, discard them immediately.

• Deodorants

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Eyeliners and pencils

Unlimited

• Face and body moisturisers

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Lipsticks and glosses

Unopened: Five years
Opened: 12 months

• Foundation

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Mascara and liquid liner

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Three months

• Nail polish

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Nail polish remover

Unlimited

• Oils and serums

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Perfumes

Unopened: Five years
Opened: 12 months

• Self-tan

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Shampoo and conditioner

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months

• Suncream

Unopened: Three years
Opened: Six months