If its a powder that I don't use very often, I would keep it up to two years and then toss it. The preservatives in makeup eventually break down over time and its not worth the risk of having bacteria grow inside it and then getting transferred onto your skin causing acne or dermatitis, especially if you keep your makeup in a bathroom where there is humidity present every day (a good breeding place for moisture loving bacteria). For something regularly used I would toss it after a year if I hadn't already used it up for the same reason. Keeping your powder applicator clean by washing it in soap every week and letting it dry thoroughly is a good way to minimize bacteria from getting in your cosmetics.

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