Eye and lip pencils must be kept sharp. I keep seeing things online that give a “use by date” for pencils, and the truth is, if you keep them sharp and sharpen them each time you use them, it is a good guideline for keeping them clean and fresh. Also, you can clean your pencil sharpener, too. Some salons will clean and sterilize them for you. As you can see, this lip pencil has been sharpened to almost the bitter end. If you sharpen and use your cosmetic pencils regularly, you will use the make-up faster which is good for the “life” and safety of the product. Store your products in a clean, dry place. The bathroom is NOT the best place to store your cosmetics, lotions, perfumes and potions. Too steamy and warm in there!