The following are general recommended storage times from date of purchase for cosmetics. Recognize that the storage times are based upon optimal storage conditions: a tightly closed container, in its original packaging and in a cool dry location. Storing in less than optimal conditions will usually lead to a shorter shelf life.
  Expiration dates, with the exception of eye products, are generally based on product quality rather than risk of infection. However, you can become allergic to anything that you put on your skin.
If your cosmetics are stored in sunlight at high temperature, you can expect less than the optimal shelf life. Many women store their cosmetics in the bathroom, which, like drugs, is a poor storage area. Bathrooms tend to have high humidity and temperature levels which will be detrimental to any cosmetics you may store there.
Natural cosmetics will typically have a shorter shelf life than non-natural products as they typically will not have preservatives in the product.
The more you use a particular cosmetic, the greater the risk for disease causing bacteria to accumulate and the shorter the shelf life.
Any product that you put near your eyes should only be used for a 3 month period. To do otherwise risks getting a serious eye infection.
A Timestrip measures shelf life by both time and temperature and will visually alert you to the risk of continuing to use certain cosmetics.
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