How long should a mascara last?

Author: Rachael Stracke  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

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!

How long should mascara last if used daily?

Mascara is used daily and should be replenished every three months. This is an important best practice to prevent infection and irritation, in addition to the benefit of working with clean fresh product every time you apply. My eyes are very sensitive so I actually replenish my mascara every two months.

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.

How often are you supposed to replace mascara?

How often should I replace mascara? Because most mascaras have water in them, it is important to replace them regularly. The safest timeline is every 3 months, otherwise, bacteria can start to grow in the mascara.

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 To Make Your Eyelashes Look Longer With Mascara | Shonagh Scott

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.

When should I throw out my 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.

When to get rid of mascara?

It's recommended that you replace mascara every three months, lipsticks every year and eyeliner every three to six months (though pencils last longer than liquids). Primers and foundations usually last about two years, Zeichner said, and powdered products like blush and eye shadow are typically the same.

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.

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.

Should I throw out old makeup?

The bottom line of when to throw out old makeup:

When in doubt, throw it out! If it has gone bad there may be obvious signs. Use your senses. If it feels, looks, or smells unusual, put it in the trash.

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 can I extend the life of my mascara?

Instead of pumping the wand to load your brush with product, twist it inside the tube to gather a good amount. Always ensure the cap is tightly closed after every use to keep air out. Storing your mascara in a cool, dry place can further extend its usability.

How do you tell if you need new mascara?

Signs Your Mascara Needs Replacing
  1. It's been three months since you opened it, and that's the general rule for mascara expiration. If it's been longer than that, it's time to replace it.
  2. The formula has dried out or become clumpy. ...
  3. It smells different or off. ...
  4. It applies unevenly or flakes throughout the day.

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.

Why does my mascara only last a month?

Over pumping

Moving the wand in and out of the mascara in quick succession (known as 'pumping') can cause mascaras to dry out quicker than their shelf life! Too much air seeps into the tube and oxidizes the mascara, causing it to dry out faster.

What mascara does Kim Kardashian use?

✨Kim is wearing the @lancomeofficial Hypnôse Mascara - I used the @lancomeofficial Hypnôse Drama Mascara. I've been using it for years and I always get compliments on it!! 🤍 #mascara #falsies #longeyelashes #lancome #kimkardashian #makeupbyariel #promua #celebritymakeupartist.

What mascara do eye doctors recommend?

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

Highly-rated, Neutrogena's lengthening mascara formula is ophthalmologist-tested, as well as safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Though the GH Beauty Lab hasn't tested this formula, the brand has a trusted reputation for those with sensitivities.

Are expensive mascaras better?

“Lash thickness, waterproof or regular formulas, and the desire for a dramatic or natural look all come into play.” At the end of the day, regardless of whether your mascara hails from the realm of luxury or the aisles of a pharmacy, if it fits the kind of finish you're looking for, it's a winner.

Is it OK to not wash off mascara?

Leaving your eye makeup on overnight can lead to eye infection and irritation. Just as bad, a stye can form from mascara clogging glands connected to your eyelashes. Your eyelids are extremely thin and sensitive, so make sure to treat them with care. The bottom line is removing your makeup is very important.

What is the average age to wear mascara?

Let pre-teens and young tweens experiment with tinted moisturizer, light lip tint or gloss, and a brow pencil/pomade. Skip heavy foundation and lipstick for this age group. Allow 12-13 year olds to use concealer for blemishes, eye shadow, eyeliner, powder for oily skin, and a light coat of mascara.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas.

Is it OK to leave mascara on overnight once?

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.

How often should I buy 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.

Previous article
Can you reverse hair dye damage?
Next article
What is the FDA approved machine for cellulite?