We get hundreds upon hundreds of questions every day from readers like you who want to know the answers to just about every beauty question you can think of. I thought it would be fun to share this one about makeup shelf life. Maybe it will help you with your springtime makeup clean-out! I think most of us can identify with this reader's question...

Q: I own more makeup than I know what to do with and hate to throw it out. My friend told me that cosmetics are only safe to use for a short time. Is this true?

In my position, wading through a plethora of skin/hair care items and colors to find a needed product happens often, but I've become conscious of the insidious dangers of hoarding these items. Avon was one of the first firms to publicly recognize the need to toss old cosmetics when they offered a mascara with a built-in dial to remind users of the purchase date, advising them to discard after three months. It wasn't a ploy to generate income - despite continued warnings, many women still use each others' cosmetics, store them and forget about them, and use unwashed hands and objects to eek out any remnants at the bottom of a tube or jar.

Perhaps these facts will help you part with some of your treasures:

1) The FDA regulates the sale and return of such goods because of the danger of infectious diseases. We've become much more savvy as to product ingredients, but handling them carefully is equally important.

2) Keeping cosmetics for a prolonged period often results in an unattractive change in the color, texture, or fragrance.

3) Bacteria grows and thrives best in warm, moist areas - thus, your eyes and lips are particularly at risk for conjunctivitis (pink eye), cold sores, and more.

4) Cosmetics and skin care goods lose their potency. Much like foodstuffs, after several months (depending on the product), vitamin- and mineral-infused creams and powders not only do not enhance your skin, but actually can cause or exacerbate acne or allergic reactions.

5) Concealers are a prime example of germ-bearing substances. Although wands are convenient to dot on blemishes, any bacteria on a breakout is picked up by the wand and spread throughout the rest of the tube. Therefore, it may seem like overkill, but use cotton swabs or an immaculate brush for application. First, put the concealer in the palm of your cleansed hand and work from there (the heat from your hand will warm the concealer and, in many cases, enable it to glide on more smoothly). Any unsightly spots or undereye circles are disguised more professionally at the same time.

6) Although I love lip and cheek stains, I usually don't roll them on or apply with my fingertips, as suggested. Separate brushes or sponges work to create a flawless, germ-free finish. Shop for smaller, more portable applicators.

7) Never share cosmetics with others. We've all been exposed to a huge variety of microorganisms; while they may not bother another, they could wreak havoc with your complexion.

8) There is no absolute "rule of thumb" as to how long to keep a product, but I suggest disposing of eye and lip products and concealers first, generally after four months of use maximum. If a product you own ever looks or smells suspicious or becomes coated with a white powder, don't attempt to scrape it off. Find the nearest wastebasket, dispose, and then replace it.

Brushes and sponges used for application should be washed weekly with a mild dish detergent or product formulated especially for cleansing these. Make sure they are completely dry before tucking back in a compact or your purse.

Finally, suppose you've purchased a pricey, wonderful item (example: Shu Uemura Mascara, about $27 at Sephora). If you can't afford to re-purchase it, choose a good drugstore brand. What you cannot afford is to expose your fragile skin and face to unnecessary hazards.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!