Refrigerate: Most products have preservatives to make them last longer and keep bacteria from taking over. But, if you buy a product with natural ingredients or labeled “organic,” it may not have the necessary preservatives to fight germs. That means, once it’s exposed to the air or your hands, you need to keep it in the refrigerator or it’ll become a bacteria magnet, says Harvey-Taylor. And trust us, no one wants germy cream all over their face.

Limit air exposure: According to Harvey-Taylor, “air is the killer,” so make sure to keep lids on tight. Also, any products where you use your hands to apply, like jars or tubs, can become a bacterial breeding ground. So, wash your hands before each use and keep touching to a minimum.

Keep out of the bathroom: Showers create steam, which causes moisture to get into your makeup products. The result? A decreased shelf life. To keep that from happening, store your products elsewhere.

Don’t buy in bulk: To ensure freshness, don’t buy products in bulk, especially if you’re the only one using them. Otherwise, they can sit around for months, which you know is not good. Instead, stick to products of 12 ounces or less, says Harvey-Taylor.