How do you know when to stop using mascara?

Author: Ms. Maximillia Ward DDS  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

It's usually good to throw away mascara about every 4 months give or take some. Some ways to tell if mascara is bad is if it smells funny, is dry or chunky.

How to tell when 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 do you know when to throw out mascara?

Some manufacturers may recommend tossing the eye cosmetic just two to four months after you buy it. 1 Also, switch out your mascara as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York, told Health.

How to know when to get rid of mascara?

Serious eye infections can occur, so I'm listing some guidelines to follow with eye make-up.
  1. Toss your mascara every three months. ...
  2. Don't share mascara or eyeliner. ...
  3. Dispose of eye make-up after an eye infection. ...
  4. Eye shadows (powder form) are good for 1-2 years, but don't forget to clean your brushes.

Why has Gen Z stopped wearing mascara?

So imagine my dismay when this tried and tested beauty staple was rudely declared “obsolete” by Gen Z recently, who have decided that ditching mascara gives a “cleaner” and more “high-end” look. While the “no mascara movement” is gaining momentum online, those from older generations are struggling to accept it.

How Do I Stop My Mascara From Smudging? | This Morning

Is it OK not to wear mascara?

But if you just don't have the patience to stay friends with an attention-seeking product, I'm here to tell you that it's OK to end it. Kick it to the curb. You can have the same lashes, sans the eye soot.

Why are Gen Z not wearing bras?

“Emotionally and psychologically, not wearing a bra can be a statement about how you want to present yourself to the world, and also how you want to cover up very normal body parts,” she said. Dober said many women feel “liberated” by not wearing a bra, which is a sign of young women wanting to reclaim their “agency.”

Is it OK to use old mascara?

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. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year.

Can leaving mascara on damage your eyelashes?

Wearing mascara for prolonged periods can also cause lashes to fall out. Leaving it on too long can be highly irritating and clog lash follicles or glands. The inflammation from irritation and the obstruction to the lash line often results in lash loss and may also impact your lash line's overall growth cycle.

Should I switch to brown mascara?

To enhance lighter features: While makeup, in general, all comes down to personal preference, brown mascara works exceptionally well on those with fair skin, blonde or light brown hair, and light eyes. This is because black can appear overpowering on someone with these features, whereas brown is more complementary.

What happens if you wear mascara all the time?

Extended use of mascara can lead to natural lash stiffness, which doesn't just contribute to more lash fall out but it can also increase risk of scratching the corneas. Better lashes are also not worth worse skin around the delicate eye area. However this is a real issue with frequent mascara wears.

What is the best mascara?

Lengthening
  • HourglassUnlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • HUDA BEAUTYLEGIT LASHES Double-Ended Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • Benefit CosmeticsRoller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara. ...
  • PAT McGRATH LABSFetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • ILIALimitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara.

Can you just wash off mascara?

Water-soluble mascara can be removed with micellar water or a gentle makeup remover, and sometimes even a good cleanse with soap and water. Waterproof mascara requires a stronger removal agent. Oil-based makeup removers such as balms and cleansing oils are better at breaking down the formula of these mascaras.

How do you know when to replace 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.

What's the best drugstore mascara?

Our top picks for the best drugstore mascaras:
  • Best Drugstore Mascara Overall. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara. Read more.
  • Best Budget Drugstore Mascara. Essence Lash Princess Mascara. Read more.
  • Best Drugstore Tubing Mascara. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2 Step Mascara. Read more.

How many coats of mascara should you use?

How Many Layers of Mascara Should You Wear? The rules of mascara layering are simple: there are no rules. Choose two to three mascaras to include in your cocktail based on the effects you desire and layer away. The trick is to balance formulas so that you walk away with a clump-free finish.

What is the healthiest mascara?

  • ILIA. 1% for the planet. Cruelty free. Woman owned. Best For | Non-smudging mascara. ...
  • Erin's Faces. Cruelty free. Gluten free. Plant trees. Soy free. ...
  • Well People. Budget friendly. Cruelty free. FSC. Fair trade. ...
  • Juice Beauty. Cruelty free. Vegan. Woman owned. Best For | Plant dyes.

Why shouldn't you curl your eyelashes after mascara?

“I used to make the mistake of curling them afterward, but that tends to make lashes look clumpy,” she says. Beyond clumpy lashes, you also run the risk of getting your eyelashes stuck to your curler and causing shedding. Additionally, lashes are more brittle and prone to breakage when coated with dry mascara.

Does vaseline help your eyelashes grow?

Since Vaseline is made purely of petroleum jelly, and petroleum jelly does not aid in eyelash growth, it is safe to say that Vaseline itself does not help your eyelashes grow. The benefits of vaseline on your eyelashes are limited to: Locking in moisture. Gentle on skin.

When should I throw out my mascara?

While you need mascara, you might not need five different bottles of it. In fact, ophthalmologists recommend changing up your mascara every 3-4 months! You might also have some miscellaneous items in your skincare drawer. This might include old hair ties or broken eyebrow pencils.

How do you know when your mascara is done?

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.

What is the best rated waterproof mascara?

Best Waterproof Mascara
  • calirayCome Hell or High Water Volumizing & Lengthening Tubing Mascara2 Colors. ...
  • Yves Saint LaurentLash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara. ...
  • calirayMini Come Hell or High Water Volumizing & Lengthening Tubing Mascara. ...
  • SEPHORA COLLECTIONWaterproof Size Up Mascara.

Does Gen Z wear condoms?

Fewer young people are having sex, but the teens and young adults who are sexually active aren't using condoms as regularly, if at all. And people ages 15 to 24 made up half of new chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases in 2022.

Is it healthier to go braless?

"Not wearing a bra forces the muscles in your chest and back to work harder to support your breasts, and this engagement may lead to improved muscle tone over time." However, the research surrounding this facet of breast health is still inconclusive—remember to be vigilant of how your body feels.

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