Although the FDA states that there is no absolute date when cosmetics should be discarded, there are some safety rules you should observe to keep your makeup free of contaminants and bacteria.

* Keep makeup containers tightly closed except when in use.

* Keep makeup out of sunlight; light can degrade preservatives.

* Don’t use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, and throw away all products you were using when you first discovered the infection.

* Never add any liquid to bring the product back to its original consistency. Adding water or, even worse, saliva could introduce bacteria that could easily grow out of control.

* Never share.

* Throw makeup away if the color changes or an odor develops. Preservatives can degrade over time and may no longer be able to fight bacteria.