It’s the beginning of a new year, and everyone is looking for a fresh start. While this may include wardrobe rehab or gym memberships, it’s important to turn an eye to the place most of us ladies visit every day — the makeup collection.

Throwing away products that you simply don’t wear is great for simplification purposes. But, as we discussed a bit in our post on beauty resolutions for the new year, one should take into consideration the safety of older products (whether they’re routinely-used cosmetics or just-for-fun buys).

Cosmetics have a limited shelf life. After a certain amount of time they expire, and all kinds of nasty bacteria begin to call your makeup home. Learn more about the risks of using expired cosmetics, as well as how to keep your makeup collection safe, by reading on!

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The Risks of Using Expired Cosmetics

Acne and various eye infections are just a few of the possible outcomes of using expired or contaminated cosmetics.

Mascara, while providing you with lovely lashes, can be a notorious haven for bacteria. The dark, wet environment, combined with air (provided from either “pumping” mascara or even just opening it), creates the ideal place for bacteria growth. If your mascara is past its prime, you’re probably spreading those bacteria to one of the most sensitive areas of the human body — your eyes. Same goes for eyeliner.

Bacteria isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to old cosmetics. Oil can also become trapped in blushes, brushes, bronzers, or pressed powders — causing you to reapply said oil to your face and possibly cause acne.