When to toss old beauty loot: you may know that mascara should be replaced after three months, but what about the rest of your beauty stash? Check out our chart on when to trash loot that may have gone bad. (Beauty Buzz).

 
THE SUSPECT                  THE REASONING 
WHEN TO TOSS 
 
EYELINER PENCIL       The moist consistency of the tips of 
6 months              liners can harbor bacteria and 
                      spread infections like pinkeye. Be 
                      sure to sharpen your pencil frequently 
                      to remove the dirtier outer 
                      layers, and don't share with 
                      friends. We like Guerlain Prune 
                      No. 6, $19. 
 
EYE OR FACE CREAM     Overexposure to air can cause 
8 months              active ingredients to break down, 
                      and dipping into creams can result 
                      in contamination. Safest bets? 
                      Bottles that have pumps or airtight 
                      packaging. We like Biotherm Age 
                      Fitness Revitalizing Essence, $40. 
 
FOUNDATION            Since applying base requires repeatedly 
5 months              dipping into it with your fingertips or 
                      a sponge, bacteria can build up very 
                      quickly. Increase the shelf life of 
                      your cover-up by always applying it 
                      with a disposable makeup sponge. 
                      We like Max Factor Silk Perfection 
                      Compact Make-Up, $7.90. 
 
LIPSTICK              Lipstick can carry germs, so it's 
6 months              best to ditch it after half a year. 
                      We like MAC Lipstick in Creme de 
                      la Femme, $14. 
 
SOURCE: DEBRA LUFTMAN, M.D., CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR 
OF DERMATOLOGY AT UCLA