When Is It Time to Kick Your Mascara to the Curb? Experts Weigh In
Mascara is a multifaceted makeup product beloved by many. Unlike other beauty products, mascara is for everyone, regardless of whether or not you’re into wearing a lot of eye makeup. “Mascaras are all formulated to create a specific look for the lashes,” explains makeup artist Sophia Porter. “There are many types of mascaras with applicators designed to lengthen, curl, volumize, separate, and so forth. Some formulas have extra features that include tubing for easy removal, fibers for faster and longer length, and waterproof for longevity. The purpose of mascara is to lift, thicken, and curl the lashes for more of a contrast, providing a larger, more open eye look.”
While the purpose of mascara is clear, something less frequently discussed is how often to replace mascara. It’s easy to hold on to that old mascara tube forever if a product still works, but there are actually guidelines to follow here so you don’t end up with an infection or irritation. Keep reading as the experts break how long mascara lasts.
Meet the Expert
Sophia Porter is a Los Angeles–based hair and makeup artist who has most notably worked with Common, Daya, Rose McIver, Aramis Knight, and Alana Ubach.
Tara KP Troszak is a Los Angeles–based lawyer by day, and freelance MAC COSMETICS artist by night.
How Often Should I Replace My Mascara?
We hate to disappoint you, but a mascara’s shelf life is just slightly longer than that of a goldfish. Both Porter and makeup artist Tara KP Troszak give their mascaras no more than a three-to-six-month lifespan before grabbing a new tube.
“Most makeup products, including mascara, have a ‘period after opening’ symbol, which indicates how long the product is good for after opening,” Troszak explains. “All the tubes of mascara currently in my collection say six months. However, like everything else, it comes down to your best judgment. My motto is always when in doubt, throw it out. This is also going to depend on your lifestyle and frequency of use. If you’re a makeup artist using the same tube of mascara on multiple clients daily, the tube might not last three months. If you’re a regular consumer and not using mascara daily, or you rotate between different brands, each tube could last a bit longer without needing to be tossed. If there is any change in the formula (color, smell, texture), toss it, no matter how long you’ve had it.”
If you want to get more bang for your buck, we recommend the TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara. It’s a cult favorite for a reason. We have a feeling you’ll use it up before that six-month mark hits, so it’ll be all worth it.
Am I Wasting Makeup by Tossing Mascara Too Frequently?
Makeup isn’t cheap—especially if you’re into all the things and you’re replacing products frequently. But trust us when we say in the case of mascara, “It may seem wasteful but it’s for the safety of your eyes and overall health,” explains Porter. “You need to replace your mascara due to fast bacterial growth in a formulation going near or in your eye. This will prevent serious infections from occurring.”
Aside from the actual discussion regarding eye infection, “If you hang on to your mascara past its prime, the product is likely to no longer perform how you want it to,” Troszak says. “Even if it’s still safe to use, it might have a clumping and flaking consistency, and be drier, or provide less length or volume. Sometimes tossing a mascara after three months even if it is half full can be seen as wasteful. Sustainability is something that I think needs to be considered when it comes to makeup. It is good to be a conscious consumer and purchase products from brands that align with your beliefs and what you feel are important. There are many brands formulating products and packaging that are recyclable and refillable. For example, KJAER WEIS Im-Possible mascara is made from aluminum packaging that can be recycled and refilled. For me personally, I’m OK with wasting a bit of mascara if it means that I’m being safe and getting rid of products that no longer serve me.”
Another refillable mascara we’re loving right now is the rising IZZY ZERO WASTE BEAUTY Zero Waste Mascara BLK. We’re big on what the brand stands for, and the product is top-notch.
Why You Need to Replace Your Mascara Every 3 to 6 Months
While Troszak can’t speak on the topic from a dermatologist or chemist standpoint, she wants to point out the known concern with any liquid or cream product.
“Bacteria growth becomes an issue with exposure to air,” she says. “Every time you use your mascara and take the wand out of the tube, you’re pumping air into the product. It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Replacing your mascara regularly is especially important because it’s going on such a sensitive area of the body. You don’t want to introduce bacteria or fungus into your eye or the delicate skin on your face. This can lead to rashes, infections, and other long-term issues. As someone who has suffered and dealt with corneal ulcers in the past, it’s not something I take lightly. If you’re doing makeup on other people, you don’t want to expose your client to expired or potentially harmful products.”
Signs It’s Time to Toss Your Mascara
Troszak points out that there are many signs to look for when assessing the state of your mascara. She lists them below:
The tube has been open for more than six months
There are changes in the formula, including texture, color, or smell
The container or packaging is somehow contaminated (e.g., the wand falls on the floor in a public restroom)
You keep your makeup in the car or store the mascara in a hot environment (extreme changes in temperature can compromise the formula)
You’re a makeup artist and use the wand directly from the tube onto your client (if you do, the product is now theirs to keep or should be thrown away). A rule of thumb is to never share mascara with anyone else, even if they’re your bestie.
Follow your instincts. When in doubt, throw it out.
Final Thoughts
While certain old makeup products are known to extend past their prime, mascara is one that needs to stick to the expiration date, thanks to its potential to aggravate the eye area. Styes, pink eye, conjunctivitis, and general irritation are all potential outcomes of using expired mascara. Think of expired mascara the way you think of expired skincare products. A two-year-old vitamin C serum just won’t be effective.
We all know makeup in general can cost a pretty penny, so if you’re worried about finances, hold off on buying the super high-end stuff and look for products at a lower price point that have a strong reputation. We personally love the BEAUTY CREATIONS COSMETICS Lengthening Mascara when we’re on a budget. It gets the job done well and it’s inexpensive, so we don’t feel guilty tossing it in the bin when it’s time to say goodbye.