Cosmetics aren't required to carry an expiration date. And, they can still go bad. At best, they won't work as well; at worst, they may irritate skin or cause an eye infection. Lotions, creams, gels and other water-based cosmetics are more likely than powders to attract moisture-loving bacteria. But the clock starts ticking the moment any makeup product is opened and exposed to air and light. To make yours last longer, keep caps tightly sealed, and store containers away from heat and sunlight. To be safe, follow the "toss by" tips below.

Product... Should last for... You know it's bad when... Mascara 3 months. Adding water or pumping the wand into the tube can introduce microbes that make mascara spoil faster and irritate eyes Develops clumpy consistency; brush doesn't evenly transfer mascara onto lashes Lipstick 1-2 years Oils in formula turn rancid; color fades; oil droplets form; once-shiny lipstick looks dull or matte Foundation - Bottle 3-6 months. Widemouthed jars can expose more product to air, making it break down more rapidly Ingredients begin to settle or separate; texture thins or thickens; odor seems off Foundation - Pressed Powder 1+ years Glaze forms on top; odor seems off Foundation - Loose Powder 1+ years Odor seems off Powder, Eye Shadow, and Blush 1+ years Glaze forms on top; powder cracks or crumbles Eye & Lip Pencils 1+ years. Sharpen eye pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area Product dries

Question: What is the shelf-life of Avon products?

ANSWER: When stored properly, most Avon products, including fragrance products, have a typical shelf life of approximately three years.

Skin Care products:

BioAdvance - Use within 30 days after mixing.

Banishing Cream - 18 months from the manufacture date.

Avon Sun Products - Two years from the manufacture date.

Moisture Therapy Moisturizing Lip Treatment SPF 15 - Two years from the manufacture date.

Moisture Therapy Products - Two years from the manufacture date.

Personal Care products:

Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus (IR® 3535) - 18 months from the manufacture date.

Sunless Products - Best used within six months after opening.

Bar Soaps - Two year shelf life. Best used within one year after opening.

Ivy Block - Two and a half years from manufacture date.

SSS Antibacterial Deodorizing Body Bar - Two years from the manufacture date.

Sun-So-Soft Products - Two years from the manufacture date.

SSS Moisturizing Suncare Products - Two years from the manufacture date.

SSS Bug Guard Moisturizing Products - Three years from the manufacture date.

Color Cosmetics products:

Nail Enamels - One year shelf life (unopened). Best used within one year after opening.

Felt Tip Eyeliner Pens - One year shelf life (unopened). Best used within one year after opening

Hydra Finish Lip Color - Has a two year shelf life (unopened).

Perfect Wear Double Performance Lipstick - Has a two year shelf life (unopened).

Mascara - We suggest using immediately after purchasing. Once opened, mascara should be replaced every three months.

As a general rule, for treatment products (e.g, skin care items) the consumer use up time is six months; for personal care products, the use up time (with twice a day application) is three months.

Each product has a five digit batch code number to indicate when and where the product was manufactured. The first number indicates the branch where the product was made; the next three numbers mark the day of the year, and the last number of the batch code shows the year it was produced.

Our products undergo extensive testing to ensure freshness during storage, shipment and use by the consumer. Shelf life can vary depending on storage conditions (e.g, temperature, humidity) and use. We suggest storing products in a cool, dry area.