When it comes to getting the most out of your beauty products, it may be tempting to use every last drop before replacing —especially if you shelled out big bucks to begin with. But cosmetics can go bad, leading to skin irritation or even the spread of bacteria. Learn how to get the most from your beauty products with these simple tips.

• Don’t Share. While it might seem harmless enough, sharing cosmetics can lead to the spread of disease. You should never share eye-liner and lipstick since they come in close contact with areas like the eyes and mouth.
• Don’t Pump. Pumping mascara, lip gloss and other liquid applicators forces air-borne bacteria into the bottle. Today’s mascara and other cosmetics are created to be “clump free” so there is no need to pump.
• Keep Clean. While it may sound odd to clean your lipstick, eye-liner or other make-up, it can actually extend the life of your cosmetics. A quick alcohol rinse can help keep lipstick clean, while sharpening lip and eye liner keeps things fresh. While you're at it, clean each container — including lipstick caps.
• Seal Tight. Resist the urge to leave cosmetics open or thrown about in a bag; instead, take time to properly seal each item after using it.
• Store in a Cool, Dark Place. Make-up can break down when exposed to air, strong light and humidity, making the bathroom one of the worst places to house cosmetics. Take a tip from the past and consider adding a vanity to the bedroom; it’s comfortable and keeps cosmetics properly stored. If you don’t have the space, store cosmetics in a drawer away from direct sunlight (especially if you have a bathroom window) .
• When In Doubt, Throw It Out. Replace cosmetics at the first sign of contamination or immediately following illness, eye infection or other problems. Don’t take short cuts with your health; contaminated make-up may lead to serious eye infections, skin irritation, illness, bacterial infection or other problems. Other signs that makeup has gone bad include clumping, odor, a dull appearance or any other noticeable changes.
• All Natural. When it comes to all natural or mineral make-up you may need to replace items more frequently. Many all natural items do not contain preservatives; while more gentle on sensitive skin, they can go bad faster.
• Retinol. Another item to keep a close watch on is any cosmetic that contain retinol. This popular skin product breaks down quickly. Unless specifically mentioned, all products containing retinol should be replaced every 30 days.

Give your makeup drawer a makeover with these simple ideas and items. Not only will it save money, but will also keep you looking your best while extending the life of your make-up.

• Since most make-up needs to be replaced every few months, it often makes more sense to spend less but go shopping more frequently. As an added benefit, replacing make-up every few months is a sure-fire way to stay in style for every season!
• Buy low cost applicators, sponges, sharpeners and Q-tips to make replacements easy and convenient. As applicators become saturated with make-up they tend to give skin a blotchy rather than regular appearance. Keeping sharpeners on hand is one of the fastest ways to renew pencils of all types, while Q-tips make quick work of facial cleaning and can replace other applicators in a pinch.
• Add accessories. Rice paper, a quality brush set and cosmetic cases are all must-have accessories to for any well stocked cosmetic stash.