"People use their mascara way too long. We often see rashes and can see infections from that," she says. Henry strongly urges you to replace your mascara within four to six months.
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.
“Mascara needs to be swapped every three months,” says Flanagan. “This is a big one as mascara is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to eye infections. “If it starts to dry out or smell different, it's time to replace it. And it goes without saying but never share your mascara with anyone else.”
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.
Absolutely not. Mascara is the cosmetic product that can grow bacteria the fastest, and so it is never a good idea to share it. Also, you should not use a mascara tube for more than 3 months for the same reason.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Smell. “You can tell a mascara has expired by smelling it,” says Velasquez. “If it smells bad, you know it's time to throw it away.”
The one product that really makes my clients react with just the word "oh" is the mascara! You should definitely be replacing your mascara when it starts to smell bad or dry out between 3 and 6 months after purchase. Conjunctivitis from bad mascara is not pretty! Using old makeup is a recipe for disaster.
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.
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.
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.
According to the Mayo Clinic, using old products can result in serious issues. At a minimum it could lead to clogged pores and breakouts, but you could also suffer from irritation and serious infections. When in doubt, just throw it out!
Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes.
Mascara Applicators Can Transfer Mites
It is also entirely possible that the demodex living on your eyelashes can, in fact, end up scooped onto an applicator and moved into your mascara tube. This may be why your mascara is perfectly fine one day, and then dry and clumpy the next.
Eyeliner and mascara – The same is true for your eye make-up. Although some advise storing your eyeliner and mascara in the fridge to preserve the shelf life, you generally shouldn't, as bacteria in make-up can cause eye infections or irritations.
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.
Eye shadow (powder): 6 to 9 months. Mascara: 3 months. Lip balm: 6 months. Lip balm with sunscreen: 6 months, or the expiration date printed on the package.