What is the shelf life of unopened mascara?

Author: Sydnie Hoeger  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

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.

Does mascara expire unopened?

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.

Can I use mascara after 3 years?

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.

How do I know if my mascara is expired?

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.

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.

Does unopened makeup expire?

When to throw away mascara?

Once your mascara starts to smell off, changes in consistency, or becomes clumpy or dry, it's definitely time to replace it. The good news? There are plenty of budget-friendly mascaras that work just as well, so you won't feel as guilty about throwing them away. Also, pay attention to the expiration date!

How do you store mascara long term?

Because of this, mascara should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use it. But in those 3 to 6 months, it's still important to store mascara properly! Store it upright (with the screw top pointing upwards) and away from heat and moisture.

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.

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.

Is it bad to use out of date mascara?

The expired ingredients in the product and potential bacteria it houses could cause irritations, clogged pores, rashes, breakouts, redness and bumps. Out-of-date eye products could cause eye infections.

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 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.

Can I use old unopened makeup?

Cream, powder, or liquid foundation has a long shelf life of about two years. For liquid formulas, Koestline says that if it starts to separate is when you need to toss it. Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area.

Which is the best mascara for very sensitive eyes?

The 13 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes
  • L'Oréal. ...
  • Tower 28 Beauty. ...
  • Clinique. ...
  • Maybelline. Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. ...
  • Honest Beauty. 2-in-1 Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer. ...
  • Clinique. High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara. ...
  • Ami Colé Lash-Amplifying Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • Almay. Thickening Mascara.

What is the shelf life of Maybelline mascara?

Our products have been tested to have at least a 3-year shelf life if unopened and stored at normal room temperature, during which they will retain their integrity and perform as expected. If your product looks and smells the way it normally does, it is good to use.

What color mascara is best for older eyes?

Both Brissette and Spieler recommend using brown mascara, rather than black mascara, on mature eyes. “When I do mature women for special occasions, I always use brown or black/brown mascara,” Spieler says.

What's America's favorite mascara?

Description. After 40 years, Maybelline New York's Great Lash Volumizing Mascara is still America's favorite mascara.

What mascara do ophthalmologist 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.

Can mascara expire if unopened?

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.

Can you use 2 year 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.

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.

What happens if I use expired mascara?

Using mascara after it has expired could lead to eye infections. The way many of us tend to use mascara doesn't help, either.

Can you use 10 year old lipstick?

You may experience breakouts, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or rashes. Expired lipsticks can bring mouth related ailments like cold sores. Never apply expired makeup onto broken skin. A cosmetic expiration date should be clearly displayed somewhere on the packaging, product label or product casing.

Should you refrigerate mascara?

Liquid makeup, such as mascara, eyeliner, and foundation, have expiration dates, and it often expires relatively quickly after opening it, meaning you are replacing these products more often. Because of this, it is an excellent idea to refrigerate liquid makeup as it may extend the shelf life of liquid makeup products.

Previous article
How to begin running when out of shape?
Next article
In what order do I wash my face?