When I see mold on bread or my milk has chunks I get it - it's time to toss them. But, my makeup going bad? I had no idea. Even though most makeup's today lack the "toss after this date" sticker, there comes a time when they still have to be tossed (yes, bacteria can form and harm our skin). So, how can we know when our favorite products have gone bad? And what can we do to increase their lifespan? Makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, designer of the revolutionary Beautyblender sponge, gives us the real deal about our favorite products and some tips and tricks for applying and caring for them.

Savvy Miss: Is there a general rule about when to throw out makeup products? 

Rea Ann Silva: If a product isn’t smelling good, if it’s not the same color it started out to be, or if it’s chunky and different than it was before, it’s time to get new makeup.

SM: Do makeup counter people tell us myths about when to toss makeup so we’ll come back to buy the product sooner than we have to?