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.
You should replace eye makeup products such as eyeliner and mascara within six months to 1 year of duration. Whereas you can use foundation, blush, powder, and lipsticks up to 1-2 years after it's opened. The best way to test if your makeup has expired is to notice a weird smell or change in texture.
It's not safe to use expired mascara on your eyelashes because it can cause irritation and even serious infections. Mascara has a high potential for bacteria growth, so using an expired product can lead to eye infections that may require treatment with antibiotics.
Skin infections: Over time, makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, potentially leading to infections. Eye infections: Bacteria from expired makeup or unclean eye makeup brushes can get in the eyes, causing infections.
The rule of thumb for mascara is that it needs to be replaced every two to three months, starting from when you open the mascara. If you're storing unopened mascara, it will remain stable for a couple of years, so no need to worry about your makeup stockpile.
When to throw away mascara. You're not going to want to hear this, either, but mascara is a hotbed for bacteria and should be replaced every three to six months.
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. Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections.
But since they can be infected with bacteria after only 1 use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products like mascara and eyeliners. Although there are no guidelines for cosmetics use, risk of infection can be reduced if you change them every 3 to 4 months, experts suggest.
All lipsticks have a shelf life of 2 years. If yours is more than 2 years old, then it's time to throw it into the bin. You see, using an expired lipstick can cause irritation and inflammation on the lips.
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.
-Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances in makeup can sometimes lead to allergic reactions, resulting in watery eyes. -Expired Makeup: There are myriad reasons to ditch too-old makeup, but top of the list: expired makeup can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to eye irritation.
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.
Despite the temptation to hold onto your favorite eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras, please don't. Using expired products can cause several health issues with your eyes. From nasty eye infections, pink eye, and allergic reactions, discover all the medical reasons why you should avoid using old makeup.
Most unopened mascaras have a shelf life of 3 years after manufacture. In order to not have a printed expiration date on products in the EU, cosmetics must have a shelf life of 31 months. However, by the time they show up on the shelves, there is usually less time left due to shipment timings, etc.
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.
Mascara (regular or waterproof) and eyeliner: 3 to 6 months (always toss out dry mascara—never add water to extend its life) Cream, liquid or stick foundations/concealers: 6 months to 1 year. Powder-based products (including blush, bronzer, etc.): 2 to 3 years.
Lastly, if you feel bad throwing out all those beautiful pigments, consider using your expired makeup to make oil or watercolor paint, colorful glue, or even mixing it with clear nail polish. Not only do you get to repurpose those products, but may even find yourself picking up a new hobby along the way.
Clean your lashes
"If your lashes have leftover mascara, they'll be more likely to smudge and create fallout once you apply more," he explains. Get the job done with an oil-free eye makeup remover or micellar water and a pad or face wipe.
Mascara, for instance, should be replaced every three to six months, Suozzi said, whereas powder products can last one to two years. Even unopened cosmetics can go bad, she said, noting that if you've had a product longer than three years, it should probably be tossed.
The primary risk is that certain components may migrate into the eye, potentially causing irritation for some individuals. Due to repetitive applications, these mascaras disrupt the production of tear films or lacrimal film, which covers the surface of the eye and protects it against external assaults.
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.