If you haven’t gotten around to spring-cleaning this year, don’t worry… you’re not alone. But when you do finally take on this cleansing mission, make sure you don’t overlook your makeup drawer.

Makeup doesn’t last forever; different products have different shelf lives and can build bacteria depending on how you use them.

Here are some tips to help you purge your old products and make room for all those gorgeous new colours.

MASCARA - The average lifespan of mascara is 3 to 6 months. Unless your mascara starts to deposit more clumps than colour on your lashes, you can confidently use your current tube for the next 6 months.

FOUNDATION - Most formulas last up to a year but once your liquid starts to separate or your compact colour develops a rubbery film, it’s time to toss it.

LIPSTICK - You can safely use lipstick for at least 8 months unless it turns gooey, smells rubbery or no longer sticks to your lips. However, if your lipstick comes into contact with a cold sore or any another type of infection or bacteria, then kiss it GOODBYE!

BRUSHES - Last but not least…if the makeup on your counter has gone bad then the makeup locked away in your makeup brushes probably isn’t doing your skin any favors. When cleaning my brushes I always use the Brush Cleanser by MAC. This one product will clean, disinfect and condition the fibers of your brush so that your brush actually lasts longer. This product leaves your brushes feeling soft and clean, and even helps to shorten their drying time. Happy cleaning…$13.00 at any MAC Cosmetics location.

Kea Bawtinheimer, Partly Sunny Contributor