Out with the old, and in with the new.

Your makeup has a shelf life, just like the things that you eat. By putting older products on your skin you can damage it in the long term. If you continue to wear the old stuff it can lead to breakouts, which wouldn’t be ideal just before you have a shoot organised by modelling agencies.

Right now is the perfect time for a makeup purge. Keep an eye out for 3 for 2 offers and the like in the beauty sections of drugstores or supermarkets because if you’re going full overhaul it can work out a bit pricey.

For most women, their makeup bag is one of the most expensive things they take out of the house on a regular basis, but often it’s not something you really think about. A study showed that the average bag (plus its contents) in the UK was worth a staggering £172. Ekk.

Opt for less expensive lipsticks and eye shadows if you like to change your palette around based on seasonal trends. These products can last years, but if you’re not getting a lot of wear from each one, save your pennies for something you wear all the time – like a high quality foundation which you’re more likely to wear often.

Make sure you look your best for your female modelling agency by treating your skin well, and binning that old stuff!

How Long Should You Keep Your Products?

Eyeliner or mascara – change every 3 months

Your eyes are very sensitive.

If you ever pick up an eye infection, immediately discard all the eye make you’ve been using recently and make sure you sterilise your brushes. There is a strong possibility of reinfection if you continue to use eye makeup before the infection has fully healed. For the same reason you should never share mascara or liquid eyeliner just in case.

Pencil eyeliner can last up to 2 years if kept regularly sharpened and you’re the only one who uses it.

Foundation – change every 6 to 8 months

If there is a pump then the liquid will stay fresher and be less exposed to bacteria and so you can keep using it for a good 8 months. If you regularly dab your base on using your fingers and touching the product then it should be changed every 6 months.

Even the fairest of skin tones change enough during the year to justify a different shade in the summer from the winter. Take advantage of the seasonal switch to get rid of your old colour and buy yourself a lovely new foundation.

Modelling agencies might ask you to turn up to a photo shoot with a makeup free face, you can sometimes get away with just wearing a good foundation. So make sure it is a good one.

Bronzers and Blushes – replace every 9 months to a year

These powders will last you most of the year (assuming you haven’t run out by then!) When you change powder, make sure you’re either getting yourself new brushes at the same time or giving the old favourites a thorough clean so you don’t mix old and new.

Eye shadows – 12 months to 2 years, depending on type

It’s easier for bacteria to grow in creams, so bin these after a year. Powder eye shadows will generally last up to two.

Lipsticks and Lip Gloss – change every 18 months to 2 years

You can use your judgement a bit with these. If they start to taste a bit strange or smell different, it’s probably time for them to go. If you’re wearing gloss which needs a finger to apply, always wash your hands first!

Nail Varnishes

As long as they haven’t separated or become gloopy beyond use, nail varnish will last you years. Avoid using if you have a nail infection, just as you wouldn’t wear eyeliner while you have eye problems.

Make The Change!

Begin the process now by binning anything which you’ve had for years. It can cause breakouts and infection if you continue to use products which are long past their best, and it just isn’t worth it. Any money you think you’re saving by not buying that new mascara will be spent on price blemish treatments and the hassle of spots just isn’t worth it.

When you have your makeup done professionally for shoot organised by modelling agencies, you can be sure the artist will have changed products regularly.

To keep track of what you need to replace and when either write on the products themselves when they were opened, or pop a little reminder onto your phone. Simple!