How long do you keep opened cosmetics for?

[LetMeAtTheWine]

Just having a sort out of all of the lotions and potions I seem to have gathered and some of them I have had for ages, used a couple of times then started on something else.

I am loathe to throw out loads of slightly used product. How long do you keep stuff for before it goes the journey? Do you pay any attention to the 'use-by date' that they put on the bottle (the number of months after opening that it should be discarded)?

I don't know if I am just being tight and should just throw it all out and start again with stuff I want (such as gradual tanner, body scrub and intensive moisturiser) instead of going back to something I opened ages ago and haven't used since...

Years unless it's mascara.

I replace mascara every 3-6 months, but everything else is kept until it starts to smell, or separate or otherwise start to look weird. My skin is pretty stable though, if I was prone to spots or sensitivity I'd probably be more careful.

I darent think about it.

I have some Bare Escentuals mineral powder stuff which I bought from QVC when it first came out. Am guessing over 10/12 years ago ??

Mascara Hmmmm once a year or when it goes clumpy...

Mascara about 4-5 months (and I will only buy ones that are sealed when I buy them)

Powders- last forever (well maybe not, but it seems so)
Pencils -you just sharpen to reveal a nice edge.
Lipsticks- I'd throw out if they looked a bit odd.

Liquid things- I go by smell.

Thanks for the replies - glad it isn't just me then! Was debating throwing loads of stuff out but it seems such a waste.

I will hold on to it a bit longer (and blame you guys if I get any dodgy rashes when I do use it ).

Years! Currently trying (and failing) to use all existing stuff before buying any more.

I have a clear out every decade or so.

If I haven't used it in 10yrs it's going in the bin.

Forever?

everything but mascara gets kept til it either smells funky or if it's liquid, it's started to separate. Powders and whatnot last for an age

I think I would only worry about lipsticks as am a bit neurotic about tummy bugs so I try and stick to a few ones that I use up quite quickly. Must be lots of bacteria on lipsticks!

I only throw things away when they go gacky.

I only chuck things if they smell odd or if the ingredients have separated out.

I still use a box of eyeshadows I bought when I was 12 - 32 years ago

Glad I am not the only one then. You lot have saved me a fortune - I am replacing nothing and sticking with what I have until I have worked my way through it all.

I have a lovely eyeshadow I bought when I was 14. I'm 48. I don't use it often, obviously, but it's still perfect.