How long do you keep opened cosmetics for?

[LetMeAtTheWine]

Just having a sort out of all of the lotions and potions I seem to have gathered and some of them I have had for ages, used a couple of times then started on something else.

I am loathe to throw out loads of slightly used product. How long do you keep stuff for before it goes the journey? Do you pay any attention to the 'use-by date' that they put on the bottle (the number of months after opening that it should be discarded)?

I don't know if I am just being tight and should just throw it all out and start again with stuff I want (such as gradual tanner, body scrub and intensive moisturiser) instead of going back to something I opened ages ago and haven't used since...

[valiumredhead]

Years unless it's mascara.

[ZacharyQuack]

I replace mascara every 3-6 months, but everything else is kept until it starts to smell, or separate or otherwise start to look weird. My skin is pretty stable though, if I was prone to spots or sensitivity I'd probably be more careful.

[Yonihadtoask]

I darent think about it.

I have some Bare Escentuals mineral powder stuff which I bought from QVC when it first came out. Am guessing over 10/12 years ago ??

Mascara Hmmmm once a year or when it goes clumpy...

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Mascara about 4-5 months (and I will only buy ones that are sealed when I buy them)

Powders- last forever (well maybe not, but it seems so)
Pencils -you just sharpen to reveal a nice edge.
Lipsticks- I'd throw out if they looked a bit odd.

Liquid things- I go by smell.

[LetMeAtTheWine]

Thanks for the replies - glad it isn't just me then! Was debating throwing loads of stuff out but it seems such a waste.

I will hold on to it a bit longer (and blame you guys if I get any dodgy rashes when I do use it ).

[GingerLemonTea]

Years! Currently trying (and failing) to use all existing stuff before buying any more.

[ggirl]

I have a clear out every decade or so.

[ggirl]

If I haven't used it in 10yrs it's going in the bin.

[LegArmpits]

Forever?

[OneLittleLady]

everything but mascara gets kept til it either smells funky or if it's liquid, it's started to separate. Powders and whatnot last for an age

[kerstina]

I think I would only worry about lipsticks as am a bit neurotic about tummy bugs so I try and stick to a few ones that I use up quite quickly. Must be lots of bacteria on lipsticks!

[BinksToEnlightenment]

I only throw things away when they go gacky.

[JamieandtheMagicTorch]

I only chuck things if they smell odd or if the ingredients have separated out.

I still use a box of eyeshadows I bought when I was 12 - 32 years ago

[LetMeAtTheWine]

Glad I am not the only one then. You lot have saved me a fortune - I am replacing nothing and sticking with what I have until I have worked my way through it all.

[LeftyLucy]

I have a lovely eyeshadow I bought when I was 14. I'm 48. I don't use it often, obviously, but it's still perfect.