How do you know if mascara is gone?

Author: Anjali Leannon  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

Luckily, there are a few signs you can look out for that indicate your mascara's gone bad.
  1. Smell. As a general rule, nothing with a funky smell should go on your face. ...
  2. Texture. If your mascara seems sticky or clumpy, it's time to open a new tube. ...
  3. Color.

How do you know when your mascara is done?

Generally, mascara only has a 3 month shelf life once it has been exposed to air. Of course this is an estimation but telltale signs are: If the mascara is dry, crumbly or doesn't coat your lashes easily in one swipe, it's no longer at it's best and should be replaced.

How to know if mascara is removed?

To make sure you've removed all your mascara, gently run your fingers over your lashes. If you feel any roughness still on the lashes, you need to go back with more remover. Don't be hesitant to use more than one cotton pad to make sure you really get it all off.

How can you tell if mascara has gone bad?

Generally, mascara only has a 3 month shelf life once it has been exposed to air. Of course this is an estimation but telltale signs are: If the mascara is dry, crumbly or doesn't coat your lashes easily in one swipe, it's no longer at it's best and should be replaced.

How do you know when to replace mascara?

Generally, mascara only has a 3 month shelf life once it has been exposed to air. Of course this is an estimation but telltale signs are: If the mascara is dry, crumbly or doesn't coat your lashes easily in one swipe, it's no longer at it's best and should be replaced.

6 MASCARA HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

When to throw out mascara?

Astudy done almost 40 years ago in a very reputable ophthalmology journal showed that bacterial and fungal growth was found in 36% of mascara tubes after 3 months. So, now ophthalmologists make the recommendation to discard your mascara after 3 months.

How long should a mascara last?

How Long Does Mascara Last? You may not want to part with your favorite tube of mascara, but we hate to inform you that it has the earliest expiration date when it comes to makeup. Mascara lasts around three to six months, and shouldn't be kept around for longer. Think about it: You're putting it right near your eyes.

What happens if I use old mascara?

Using mascara that is over three months old can increase the risk of pink eye and other inflammatory conditions. We already know that our eyes are the most susceptible area to infections. In the roots where our lashes grow, there are thousands of pores, glands, and tear ducts that have bacteria on them.

How do you know when to stop using mascara?

It's difficult to know just by looking at a product when it expires, so here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind: Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria.

What is the standard lifespan for mascara?

Mascaras tend to dry out quicker, and thus can only be used for 3 to 6 months. A good way to make it last longer is to not pump stick. It will decrease the amount of air in. Shake the bottle a bit before using and use the product left on the top.

Can I sleep with mascara on?

Along with the issues above, sleeping in mascara may cause lashes to fall off as it dries and clumps overnight. Don't take any chances of harming your eye health. Never sleep in mascara, and be sure that it's removed properly before you lie down for the night. Mascara remover pads make mascara removal simple and safe.

Does old mascara get clumpy?

Mascara is good for about three months, and it's super important to toss it and get a new one once it's expired. Not only does old mascara end up clumping, flaking, and otherwise apply poorly, but it's considered unhygienic.

How many swipes of mascara?

Nadine says that most people rely on just a few swipes of mascara—and that's not nearly enough. According to her, it takes exactly 30 strokes (per eye!) in order to really achieve volumizing and lengthening benefits. And the type of strokes you're doing matters, too.

How do I make sure my mascara doesn't run?

Here are 6 simple tricks to prevent mascara from smudging.
  1. Cleanse Your Face (and Lashes) You shouldn't apply your favorite mascara to dirty lashes. ...
  2. Apply a Primer. ...
  3. Use a Tri-Locking Mascara. ...
  4. Lightly Dust Under the Eyes — Never Bake. ...
  5. (Occasionally) Wipe Your Undereyes. ...
  6. Apply Mascara Correctly.

What is the life cycle of mascara?

Health and beauty experts advise replacing mascara up to three months after opening it. The reason is that mascara can become a breeding ground for bacteria due to exposure to air and repeatedly inserting the brush into the tube.

How to know if mascara is gone?

Luckily, there are a few signs you can look out for that indicate your mascara's gone bad.
  1. Smell. As a general rule, nothing with a funky smell should go on your face. ...
  2. Texture. If your mascara seems sticky or clumpy, it's time to open a new tube. ...
  3. Color.

How do you know when you need new mascara?

On average, mascara should be replaced every three months. If you notice any changes like clumping, flaking, or a smell, it's time to replace it even sooner. Using old mascara can not only lead to eye infections but also affect the performance of the product.

Is it OK if I wear mascara everyday?

Unfortunately, those who overuse it run the risk of ending up with falling or thinning eyelashes. It is advisable to reduce the duration of mascara wear, and to prioritize gentle eye makeup removal.

How do I know if my mascara is expired?

Almost all products will have a chemical-like smell or a strong unpleasant odor with expired makeup. The texture and consistency of the product may also change depending on the formula; watch out for clumpiness, drying out or separation when applying.

Can sleeping in mascara cause pink eye?

The side effects that come with sleeping in makeup can include itchy, bloodshot eyes, an allergic reaction or even a full-blown infection if you are not careful. Sleeping in eye makeup has also been connected to the development of pink eye in many women.

Can you use 2 year old mascara?

To reduce the risk of infection, discard mascara every six months. A skincare treatment is exposed to air and bacteria every time you open the jar, eventually causing the active ingredients to degrade and lose their efficacy. After a year, it's probably time to toss.

When to throw out makeup?

Signs you should toss makeup
  1. Start to clump like mascara or eyeliner.
  2. Change in consistency like a foundation that separates.
  3. Crumble or fall apart like powder eyeshadow or blush.
  4. Smell bad.
  5. Look dry and flaky or runny.
  6. Have changed color.
  7. Feel different on your skin.

How many coats of mascara is normal?

L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Washable Mascara

Five coats will yield a barely-there look to help enhance your lashes and 15 will create a classic lash look perfect for day.

How long does Maybelline mascara last?

We recommend replacing your mascara every 3 to 6 months to avoid eye infections.

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