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orlandosentinel - Tossing that gunky bottle of lotion when it starts squirting out of the pump like water is a no-brainer.

But when should you throw out that 4-year-old shimmer powder that you use only for third dates and holidays? And do you really need to toss your mascara after three months, even if you don't wear it every day?

We consulted some experts to find out if and when cosmetics and other personal-care products should make their way from the bathroom counter to the wastebasket.
These guidelines, they cautioned, apply only to products that have been stability tested (any reputable mass-market brand) and have preservatives added. Organics and personal-care products without preservatives, they said, degrade much more quickly.

Mascara

How long to keep it: Three to six months

Expert explanation: Your eyes are a haven for bacteria because they're wet and warm, explains Justin Klabin, who designs and manufactures personal-care products. "When you apply the mascara to your eyes and put it back in the container, you're contaminating it a little every day" he says.

Eye cream

How long to keep it: Six months to a year

Expert explanation: Anything that goes near your eye needs to be watched carefully, says Jan Marini, president of Jan Marini Skin Research, based in San Jose, Calif. If the cream gets runny or changes consistency or smells in other ways before six months, throw it away.

Powder

How long to keep it: Up to three years

Expert explanation: "Powders have a long, long life," says Marini, referring to foundation, eye shadow, blush, etc. "Most powders don't have water, so there are few microbials that will grow."

Shampoo and conditioner

How long to keep it: Up to two years

Expert explanation: If it gets especially runny or starts to separate, throw it out.

Body wash

How long to keep it: Up to two years

Expert explanation: The astringent properties of soap help keep bacteria from growing.

Body lotion

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