How long does mascara last?
Mascara is a makeup product that every woman owns and uses on a daily basis. But have you ever considered that your mascara may expire? Like all cosmetics, mascara has a limited lifespan. The shelf life of mascara varies depending on several factors, including the type of mascara and how you use it.
- Regular mascara has a shelf life of three to six months
- Waterproof mascara has a shorter lifespan of two to three months
- Expensive high-end mascara should last up to six months.
However, these timelines are not set in stone. The longevity of your mascara depends on how often you use it, how you store it, and whether you have any eye infections or allergies. Also, if you wear contact lenses, your mascara life will reduce because of the bacteria it picks up in your lenses.
Signs that your mascara has gone bad
It is essential to know the signs of mascara expiry. Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:
- Texture: An excellent mascara would be smooth and creamy. If it has a lumpy and uneven texture, or it is clumpy, then it is a tell-tale sign that it has gone bad
- Smell: Mascara should not have any distinct smell. But if your mascara smells off or like a chemical, it's a clear indication that it's expired.
- Clumping: Mascara should be smooth and free of clumps. If it's leaving clumps on your lashes, it's old and should be tossed out
- Dryness: When the mascara dries out, it is an excellent indicator that it's expired. It will also be difficult to apply and may result in clumps and flakes
- Colour and consistency: If the colour or consistency of your mascara doesn't match the original product, it's likely that it's expired
- Eye irritation: If your eyes become red, itchy, or watery after applying mascara, it could be an indication that it's expired.
The dangers of using expired mascara
Expired mascara may cause several problems if used despite it being expired. Here are some of the dangers that you should know about:
- Eyelashes falling out: Expired mascara is filled with bacteria that can cause your eyelashes to fall out. Once the bacteria infects your hair follicles, it blocks the hair growth, and this leads to the lashes falling out.
- Eye infections: Eye infections can occur if you use expired mascara. The expired mascara accumulates bacteria that can irritate your eyes and result in blindness.
- Chemical reactions: Expired mascara can develop harmful chemical reactions. When these reactions occur, it can change the product's consistency and colour. This makes it dangerous to use and should be discarded.
- Eye allergies: Expired mascara can cause severe allergic reactions. Using an expired product can cause your eyes to swell or become irritated, leading to excessive tearing and discharge.
- Bacterial infections: Expired mascara can harbour bacterial buildup, leading to bacterial infections. These can cause swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, and other types of infections.
In conclusion, it is essential to keep track of how long you’ve had your mascara, its texture, and appearance. If you've had your mascara for six months or more, it's time to let it go and buy a fresh one. Paying attention to these details will help keep your eyes healthy and your lashes luscious.
How to Properly Store Your Mascara
Proper storage of your mascara is critical if you want to extend its lifespan. According to industry experts, mascara should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. This means that storing your mascara in the bathroom is not ideal, as the steam from your shower can create a humid environment that can easily break down the ingredients in your mascara.
- To extend the lifespan of your mascara, always make sure that the cap is tightly closed after each use. Mascara can quickly dry out if the cap is not closed correctly, which will render it unusable even before its expiration date.
- Never add anything to your mascara to extend its life. Many tutorials on the internet suggest adding saline solution or water to dry mascara. This can introduce bacteria to your mascara, which can lead to eye infections or other serious health problems.
- If you're working in a humid environment, you can store your mascara in the fridge to keep it cool and dry. However, make sure that it is not placed near food or other items that can contaminate your mascara.
Can You Revive Dried Out Mascara?
If you've made the mistake of not storing your mascara correctly, you may find that it has dried out and become clumpy. However, it's still possible to revive your mascara with a few easy steps.
- First, check the expiration date of your mascara. If it's already expired, it's best to throw it away and purchase a new one.
- If the mascara is still within its lifespan, you can try adding a few drops of saline solution or eye drops to the tube. This will help to rehydrate the mascara and make it easier to apply.
- Once you've added the solution, close the lid tightly and shake the tube gently to mix the solution with the mascara. Don't pump the wand in and out of the tube, as this can introduce air into the mascara and dry it out faster.
- If your mascara is still dry, you can try immersing the tube in warm water for a few minutes. This will help to soften the mascara and make it more workable. However, be careful not to use hot water, as this can damage the formula.
- If none of these methods work, it's time to say goodbye to your mascara and purchase a new one.
When Should You Throw Away Your Mascara?
As with any other beauty product, it's essential to know when to throw away your mascara to avoid exposing yourself to harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Industry experts recommend throwing away your mascara every three to six months, regardless of whether it's been fully used or not.
- The reason for this is that mascara is a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if it's been exposed to air and contaminated by the makeup brush or your hands.
- Using expired mascara can lead to eye infections, redness, swelling, and other problems. You may also notice that the mascara has lost its consistency or become clumpy and difficult to apply.
- It's also a good idea to throw away your mascara if you've recently had an eye infection or other eye-related issue. This will help to avoid reintroducing bacteria or other pathogens to your eyes.
- Lastly, always pay attention to the smell and texture of your mascara. If it smells funky or has changed in consistency, it's best to throw it away and purchase a new one.
Alternatives to Using Expired Mascara
If you don't have access to a new tube of mascara and need to make do with what you have, there are a few alternatives to using expired mascara.
- Use an eyeliner instead: If you have an eyeliner pencil or liquid eyeliner, you can use it to define your lashes and create a smoky eye look.
- Use brown mascara: Brown mascara is less likely to show signs of clumping or flaking, making it an excellent alternative to expired black mascara.
- Use coconut oil: If you need to remove your makeup, but don't have any makeup remover, you can use coconut oil. It's gentle on the skin and will help to remove your makeup without causing irritation or redness.
- Use an old toothbrush: An old toothbrush can be a great tool for separating your lashes and removing clumps from your mascara. Make sure that it's clean and dry before using it on your eyes.
- In conclusion, remember that your health should always come first, and using expired makeup can lead to severe health problems. Always check the expiration date of your makeup products and throw them away once they've expired.
