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.
Using expired products can increase the risk of eye infections, irritation, or allergic reactions. Loss of Effectiveness: Mascara may dry out or lose its consistency after the expiration date, making it less effective. This can lead to clumping, flaking, and uneven application.
It is generally not recommended to use an old mascara , as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to eye infections . Mascara should be replaced every 3 - 6 months to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product .
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.
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. Especially if it irritates your eyes I suggest that you toss it.
Over time, this buildup of harmful bacteria can lead to your lashes breaking off or falling out, along with burning, redness and irritation. Continuing to use mascara that's past its prime can also cause inflammatory eye infections such as conjunctivitis, or pink eye.
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.
“The ghost lashes are much like the no-makeup makeup look, really focusing on enhancing your natural lashes in an almost undetectable way,” explains Manuel Espinoza, a professional celebrity makeup artist and Black Radiance ambassador.
Leading cosmetics brands among Gen Z in the U.S. 2024
According to data from a survey conducted in 2024 in the United States, the leading cosmetics brand among Gen Z Americans in that year was e.l.f, with about 35 percent of consumers choosing this brand.
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.
Liquid Foundation: after 6 months to 1 year. Cream Makeup: after 6 months to 1 year. Lipstick: after 1 year. Powder Makeup: after 2 years.
If bacteria get into an open container or onto a brush, they can multiply rapidly and cause breakouts or other infections. Mold is another common issue with old cosmetics because moisture builds up inside containers over time, leading to mold growth. This mold growth can trigger breakouts or other irritations.
Distichiasis (you might hear it called double eyelashes) is a rare condition where you have two rows of eyelashes.
Russian Volume Lashes are created using individual lash extensions that have been formed into fans that are then applied to each of the individual natural lashes. This creates a fuller, more dramatic look than traditional lash extensions (often called Classic Lashes, or individual lashes).
Aside from the impact on your look that it creates, falsies actually benefit your natural lashes. Unlike mascara that can make your lashes brittle and weak, false eyelashes act as an alternative to reduce the impact on your natural lashes, thus allowing them to grow thicker and healthier.
“It can cause eye irritation, infections, and clogged hair follicles, which may result in styes. Mascara and eyeliner can transfer to your pillow, leading to further contamination and irritation,” Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, tells Sleepopolis.
Yes, expired makeup products can pose various risks to your eye health. Bacteria, fungi, and other harmful pathogens can thrive in expired products, potentially leading to eye infections and irritations.
So, is it ever okay to continue using products after their expiration date? Proceed at your own risk as doing so can increase your chances of developing skin sensitivities, breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
Lash lifts, nourishing serums, and natural treatments have become the new beauty staples, replacing volumising mascaras in our makeup bags. This trend is also a nod to authenticity.