When should I throw out my mascara?

Switch out your mascara every four to six months or as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, said Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections and sties.

How long does mascara stay good for?

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.

How do you know if mascara is expired?

It is recommended that Mascara gets discarded every 3 months as it comes in contact with the eyes. The constant opening and closing of the tube can cause bacteria build up and eye irritation or infection. Signs to look out for expired mascara are a strong smell and the mascara becomes dry and flaky.

CAN expired mascara hurt your eyes?

When cosmetics get older, they won't just break down and get clumpy; eye makeup will also start to harbor bacteria, especially when they're improperly stored. When you use expired mascaras, eye shadows, or eyeliners, the bacteria can come in contact with your eyes, causing irritation and even serious infections.

How often should you replace your mascara?

So although you probably won't see an expiration date printed anywhere, you should get in the habit of replacing your mascara every three months. After this 90-day period is up, most mascara formulas tend to dry out and clump up–a condition that provides less than ideal eyelash coverage.

When Should You Throw Away Eye Makeup? Eye Doctor Explains

Do your eyelashes get shorter if you wear mascara everyday?

It's okay to: Wear mascara. You may have read that mascara dries lashes, and as a result, it inhibits lash growth. That's simply not true.

What do you do with old mascara?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mascara should be discarded after 3 months of use. If you notice your mascara is dry or has an unpleasant smell (different from when you bought it) rule of thumb is to throw it out. While it may seem like throwing money in the trash, trust your eyes will thank you.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.

Can you use 10 year old lipstick?

Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown away after one to two years of use. Even if your lotion, sunscreen or makeup hasn't reached its recommended disposal date, it's best to get rid of it if you note a significant change in texture, color or smell.

Is it okay to use old mascara?

According to general makeup hygiene rules, you're supposed to toss your old mascara out after six months — keeping makeup past its expiration date or neglecting to regularly bathe your beauty tools is a recipe for bacteria and other nasties.

Does clumpy mascara mean its old?

If your mascara is clumpy because it's old, definitely throw it out. But if your mascara is relatively new but dried out, you can try reviving it. Anecdotal evidence suggests adding a drop of oil (e.g. olive oil) or even a couple of eye drops to help re-hydrate your mascara's formula.

What does old mascara smell like?

Mascara. It will smell like gasoline when it's gone bad. Play it safe and buy new mascara every three months.

Does mascara last longer in the fridge?

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.

Why should you throw away mascara after 3 months?

You're contaminating your mascara every time you use it. And although the preservatives in the mascara do their job at first, all the bacteria in mascara means they become less and less effective over time. The moist, dark environment of the mascara tube is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Does makeup really expire?

Do makeup and skincare products really have expiration dates? Sadly, yes. “Unfortunately makeup products do actually go bad and become less effective,” says makeup artist Veronica Chu. “Every product has an expiry date and a recommended length of time that it's good for on its packaging.”

Does mascara expire if unopened?

When unopened and properly stored, mascara can last a decent amount of time. Generally speaking, an unopened tube of mascara should remain usable for three years after its manufacture date printed on the tube's packaging.

Does ChapStick expire?

ChapStick^® products without an expiration date do not expire. Also, for the freshest ChapStick^®, we recommend that you use it within one year after opening and store it at 20-25°C (68-77°F).

What is the youngest age to wear makeup?

Step-by-Step Teen Makeup

How young is too young? Brown says 13 is an appropriate age to start wearing makeup in small amounts. "Middle school is the time to start, not fifth grade," she says. The first step is to skip foundation altogether.

Can I use a 5 year old makeup?

Once you open the packaging of your makeup and air hits the formulation, the clock starts ticking and your product will naturally start to oxidize and degrade. This is nothing to worry about, as most beauty products have a life span of one to three years. Check with the supplier when purchasing if you're unsure.

Should I throw away my mascara?

Always toss your mascara six months after opening it. But throw it out even sooner if: It changes texture or smell. You've had an eye infection like a stye or pinkeye.

How do you rehydrate old mascara?

One of the simplest and the most effective hack is keeping your mascara in hot water. This melts the thick formula and gives you back your mascara as new. Simply fill your coffee mug with hot water and dip the tube in it for a few minutes. Make sure the lid is tightly closed, so the water doesn't get in.

How many times a week should I wear mascara?

However, it might be time to ditch it, at least a few days a week – as doctors warn that putting it on every day can actually do more harm than good. It comes as many makeup users are using mascara that has past its expiry or leaving it on for longer than they should.

What can I use instead of mascara?

Apply a light layer of Vaseline to your upper and lower lashes just like you would apply your mascara. (Be careful to avoid getting jelly in your eyes.) Why this works: Vaseline mimics the effects of mascara, leaving you with lashes that look extra thick, shiny and voluminous.