Be gone the slushy streets, brisk winds and dark mornings of winter.  Spring is here to stay and will soon bring blossoming flowers, plenty of sunshine and the chance to stroll on your lunch break, instead of hustling for a grab and go.

It’s the perfect time to purge the beauty bins, cabinets and drawers of goodies from last year. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “There are no regulations or requirements under current United States law that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products.”

In an effort to avoid unsightly break outs, allergic reactions or cancelled dates, dinners and drinks, experts and product manufacturers have put a super handy guide together.

All details below are from the manufacture date, which is either displayed on the packaging or can be obtained by calling the manufacturer’s customer service number.

Bar soap

18 months to 3 years

Bath gel, body wash

3 years

Bath oil

1 year

Body bleaches and depilatories

Unopened: 2 years

Used: 6 months

Body lotion

3 years

Deodorant

Unopened: 2 years

Used: 1 to 2 years

For antiperspirants, see expiration date

Eye cream

Unopened: 3 years

Used: 1 year

Face lotion

With SPF, see expiration date. All others, at least 3 years

Foundation, oil-based

2 years

Foundation, water-based

3 years

Lip balm

Unopened: 5 years

Used: 1 to 5 years

Lipstick

2 years

Mascara

Unopened: 2 years

Used: 3 to 4 months

Shaving cream

2 years or more

Were you familiar with the guidelines above?

Share these facts with everyone and let mySkin know about the progress of your spring cleaning!