After buying a mascara of your choice, have you ever asked yourself this question how long can you use it? Or, maybe, how long does mascara last in general before bidding them the final goodbye?
Mascara is definitely an eye makeup essential that can not only transform our lashes but also provide us with our desired captivating look. However, if we don’t know about the expiration date of our mascara and keep on using it we will unknowingly hurt our eye health.
Just like every other cosmetics product our mascara can also expire and that depends on numerous factors such as the ingredients that are used in the formulation, the way it was stored, etc.
In this article, we are going to be exploring the burning question of how long we should use our beloved opened or unopened mascara, how should we store our mascara to prolong its life, and how we can make the most from our mascara.
So without any further ado, let’s jump right into exploring the shelf life of our mascara and ensure our eyelashes stay not only fabulous but healthy at the same time.
JUMP AHEAD TO
CAN MASCARA EXPIRE?
Yes!! Absolutely!! Just like every other cosmetic product, mascara can also expire. Over time, our favorite mascara can go bad and can lose its effectiveness of the application because of its exposure to air and bacteria.
Modern-day mascaras contain various ingredients that help us to get that captivating look we always dream of. However, with time, some of the ingredients used in mascara tend to deteriorate faster than others resulting in ineffective and expired mascara.
When our mascara expires, it will become clumpy, dry, or will spread unpleasant odors.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE EXPIRED MASCARA?
We all love our mascaras for the enchanting lash look they can bring to our lashes. However, it’s also essential to understand when to say goodbye to our beloved mascara tube and buy a new one. Let’s find out how to recognize expired mascaras –
- CHANGES IN TEXTURE and CONSISTENCY – One of the most prominent visible indicators that your mascara has expired is the changes in its consistency and texture. If you discover that your once-smooth mascara has become runny, clumpy, and has dried out. Girl, this is the sign for you to throw away your expired mascara and get a new one.
- UNPLEASANT ODOR – Another important sign to recognize an expired mascara is the unpleasant odor. When our beloved mascara carries too much bacteria, it produces a foul smell. This is the time when we need to say goodbye to our beloved mascara and get a new one.
- CLUMPING or FLAKING – Finally, when your mascara reaches its shelf life, it loses the ability to provide a smoother application; instead, it starts to flake off or clump after the application, resulting in an uneven, messy look.
Being careful about these signs will help you understand when to throw away your favorite mascara and get a new one. So that you get that stunning lash look with more ease.
UNDERSTANDING MASCARA SHELF LIFE
When it comes to mascara, understanding the shelf life is not only essential to get the most captivating look but also to ensure your lash and overall eye health. Let’s understand what mascara’s shelf life is and how long you can use your favorite mascara –
WHAT IS MASCARA’S SHELF LIFE ACTUALLY MEANS?
Mascara shelf life usually refers to the period in which mascara remains effective and safe to use. In general, every product has a shelf life, and manufacturers usually share this information in the product’s packaging.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT MASCARA’S LONGEVITY?
Along with the manufacturer’s quoted timeline, there are several other factors that can impact a mascara’s longevity. Let’s talk in detail about them.
- INGREDIENTS – Modern days mascaras are usually comprised of a list of safe ingredients that not only help the efficacy of the application but also ensure our lashes’ safety. However, some ingredients used in mascara production might be more prone to faster expiration than others. To know more about the ingredients, you can check our article “What mascara is made of?”
- PACKAGING – Packaging is another important determinant of mascara’s longevity. Usually, those mascaras that come in an air-tight container and are adequately sealed tend to last longer than others.
- FREQUENCY OF USE – How frequently you use your mascara can also determine its longevity. The more frequently you use your mascara, the higher the chances of getting air and bacteria inside the tube, deteriorating the mascara’s shelf life.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ADHERE MASCARA’S SHELF-LIFE GUIDELINES?
You should adhere to the shelf-life guidelines of your favorite mascara for many solid reasons. For Example –
- ENSURING SAFETY – Because of frequent use, our mascara can harbor bacteria which might lead to potential infection and eye irritation.
- PERFORMANCE – When the mascara expires, the formulation becomes ineffective and hence unable to provide the expected performance like volumizing or lengthening.
Remember eyes are a sensitive part of our body and we should take the best care we can. Using mascara beyond its shelf life can not only disrupt our lash health but can also disrupt a smoother makeup application.
HOW LONG DOES MASCARA LAST (TYPE-WISE)
There are various types of mascaras available nowadays, for example, lengthening mascaras, volumizing mascaras, waterproof mascaras, and many others. Each mascaras composition or formulation is different; hence, their longevity is also different. As we have understood the shelf life of mascara, let’s talk about how long various types of mascaras usually last –
- LENGTHENING MASCARAS – Lengthening mascaras contain tiny fibers that coat each lash and provide the appearance of longer lashes. The shelf life of lengthening mascara is like the regular one, which is 3 to 6 months. However, some reputed brands of lengthening mascara can last up to 9 months.
- VOLUMIZING MASCARAS – Volumizing mascaras provide a dramatic look by adding thickness and fullness to your lashes, and the shelf life of volumizing mascaras are just like the regular ones, which is 3 to 6 month. Some reputed brands of volumizing mascara can have a shelf life of up to 9 months.
- CURLING MASCARA – Curling mascaras are primarily used to lift and curl our eyelashes to make our eyes look more open and bright. The formulation of curling mascara is similar to the regular ones; as a result, they have a lifespan of 3 to 6 months.
- WATERPROOF MASCARA – Waterproof mascaras are formulated to withstand water, sweat, and tears, and because of their water-resistant properties, they have a shorter lifespan which is about 3 to 4 months.
- NON-CLUMPING MASCARA – The primary purpose of non-clumping mascara is to provide you with smooth, clean, clump-free, and natural-looking lashes. As the formulation is similar to regular mascara thereby, the usual lifespan of a non-clumping mascara is about 3 to 6 months.
- CONDITIONING MASCARA – Conditioning mascaras have nourishing and strengthening properties, and, like regular mascaras, they also last about 3 to 6 months.
| MASCARA TYPE | SHELF LIFE |
| LENGTHENING MASCARA | 3 to 6 Months |
| VOLUMIZING MASCARA | 3 to 6 Months |
| CURLING MASCARA | 3 to 6 Months |
| WATERPROOF MASCARA | 3 to 4 Months |
| NON-CLUMPING MASCARA | 3 to 6 Months |
| CONDITIONING MASCARA | 3 to 6 Months |
Remember, regardless of the type of mascara you choose; it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s shelf life guidelines and replace it on time to ensure your eyes’ safety and for a fabulous lash look.
HOW LONG DOES UNOPENED MASCARA LAST?
We have talked about the shelf life of opened mascaras but have you ever wondered about the shelf life of that brand-new, unopened mascara tube sitting idle on your makeup table?
Unlike its opened counterpart, unopened mascaras are actually a gem of untouched potential. If the unopened mascara is stored correctly, it can maintain its quality and efficiency for an extended period of time.
The difference between the shelf life of an opened mascara and an unopened mascara can be pretty drastic. While opened, mascaras tend to last from 3 to 6 months, whereas, if maintained and stored correctly, an unopened mascara can maintain its potency and last much longer.
The exact life span of an unopened mascara can vary mainly on the formulation and also on the brand. But on average, an unopened mascara can last up to 1 to 2 years from the date you buy that mascara.
HOW TO STORE MASCARA TO LAST LONGER
As of now, we know about our mascara’s shelf life, but we can maximize it in various ways where storing it properly is the key. Let’s talk about how to store your opened or unopened mascara, followed by some do’s and don’ts while storing so that you can get the maximum from them –
TIPS for STORING MASCARA to MAXIMIZE IT’S LONGEVITY –
- TEMPERATURE – Never store your mascara at extreme temperatures. Since extreme temperatures can ruin your mascara’s efficiency and smoothness. If you store your mascara in freezing temperatures, it will tend to be thicker and clumpier. On the other hand, if you store them in high heat, the mascara might dry out. Yes, there are effective ways to revive your dry mascara, but it’s always better to look for preventive measures rather than a cure.
- HUMIDITY – Humidity is another important factor that can increase or decrease your favorite mascara’s shelf life. You should always store your mascara in dry or low-humid areas. High-humid areas like bathrooms can increase the chances of bacterial growth.
- SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE – Another important storing factor that you have to be cautious about is not storing your mascara in direct sunlight. Since direct sunlight can ruin your mascara by breaking down the ingredients and by changing the texture of your beloved mascara.
- CHILLER/REFRIGERATOR – Many makeup gurus suggest storing your makeup in the chiller, and in fact, this is definitely a good suggestion; however, when it comes to storing your beloved mascara, we suggest you not store them in the chiller, that’s because chillers are usually opened and closed pretty frequently. Thus, getting exposed to frequent temperature changes might destroy your beloved mascara.
- KEEP SEALED – Whether your mascara is opened or unopened, the most important part of storing it has to be keeping it sealed. If your mascara is not adequately sealed, the chances of being exposed to the air get increased, and hence it becomes the breeding ground for bacteria.
ADDITIONAL TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF MASCARA
To get the best effect from your favorite mascara, consider these additional tips as well –
- AVOID PLUMPING THE WAND – It’s always a better idea to twist your wand inside the tube and get the desired amount of mascara on your wand instead of just putting it in and out. Because, in that case, air might get into your mascara tube.
- AVOID SHARING YOUR MASCARA – Try to not share your personal mascara with anyone since your body has numerous harmful bacteria, and so does your friend’s body; by sharing our mascara, bacteria from your friend’s body might get into your beloved mascara tube.
- DON’T ADD LIQUIDS – Try to refrain from adding liquids to your mascara tube when you find it dry. If possible, buy a new one in that case. And, if in case you’re not in a situation at that moment to get a new one, learn about the suitable liquid and the process to get your mascara revived once again.
- ROTATE WHILE STORING – While in storage, try to rotate your mascara tube once in a while to avoid gunking up the mascaras into one place of the tube.
So to sum up –
| DO’s | DONT’s |
| Close the Lid Tightly | Don’t Pump the Wand |
| Store Upright | Don’t add Liquids |
| Rotate Your Mascara Collection | Don’t store mascara in extreme temperature |
| Check for The Expiration Date | Don’t share your mascara with anyone |
By keeping all the suggestions in mind, you can not only extend the longevity of your beloved mascara but also can get a smoother mascara to make your eye game magical.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MASCARA
Your mascara can be the ultimate beauty arsenal to achieve that captivating mesmerizing look you have always desired to steal the show. Let’s look at how you can maximize the utility by choosing the right sized mascara, avoiding wastage, and knowing the right way to apply your mascara –
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MASCARA SIZE – There are various mascara sizes are available nowadays. And when it, comes to mascara, size does matter. Since the right-sized mascara can make a huge difference in your desired lash look. Consider these below suggestions while selecting the mascara size –
- FULL-SIZE MASCARA – If you’re looking to establish better control and apply mascara with precision then full-size mascara is the one you need to select. Because they come in with a large wand. Full-size mascaras are also great for regular use and with proper maintenance, they can last up to several months.
- TRAVEL-SIZE MASCARA – If you want a mascara that you can carry in your makeup bag and will use for, on-the-go touch up then travel-size mascara is the one you need. They are usually compact in size and are best for trying out new formulas.
- SAMPLE-SIZE MASCARA – Sample-size mascaras usually come in gift hampers, in goody bags, or maybe in beauty subscription boxes. They offer users to try out a new product and are smaller in size. Although they are meant to be tested or tried out however, the smaller size of the mascara might not give you a complete picture of the performance of that mascara.
AVOID MASCARA WASTAGE –
- DON’T OVER PUMP – Never over-pump your mascara tube in the quest of getting mascara out as this will increase the chances of getting air inside the tube. Rather you should twist your wand inside to get an even coat of mascara in your wand.
- SCRAPE OFF THE WAND – Before every application scrape off your mascara wand against the trim of your mascara tube to get rid of excess mascara. This will ensure you have a clump-free, smoother, and even application.
- USE LASH COMB – If you notice any sign of clumps on your lashes take a lash comb and gently brush through your lashes to separate the clumps and any build-up. Be very gentle while brushing your lashes to avoid any damage. If you’re interested in knowing the right way to brush your lashes, you can check our article “How To Brush Eyelashes to Avoid Damage“
APPLY MASCARA PROPERLY –
- PREPARATION IS THE KEY – Always remember preparation is the key to getting a smooth, clump-free, and smudge-free look. To prepare yourself for the mascara application, Gently curl your lashes with an eyelash curler the right way for that added lift and open-eye look. Before curling make sure your curler is dry and clean.
- APPLY MULTIPLE COATS – To get a more defined and polished look you should always apply multiple mascara coats on your lashes. But, must make sure the coats are at least partially dry before jumping into another coat.
- REMOVE MASCARA PROPERLY – After the end of the day, remove your mascara thoroughly. To remove your mascara you can use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad and gently swipe over the mascara.
Though a good number of people often find it tough to apply mascara, however, applying mascara is very easy only if you have the appropriate tools at your disposal and know the right way to apply the product. To know more about the step-by-step application of mascara for a clump-free, smudge-free look. Be sure to check our article “How to apply mascara for flawless Eyelashes” where we have discussed the right way of applying mascara to both lashes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REVIVE DRY MASCARA?
ANSWER: YES!! It’s very easy to revive your dried-out mascara.
If your mascara has yet to expire or hasn’t passed the manufacturer’s recommended date. In that case, you can think of reviving your dry mascara. In order to revive your mascara, you need liquids like eye drops, contact lens solution, or saline solution; the process is pretty straightforward. Be sure to check our step-by-step article “How to Fix Dry Mascara” to learn the correct way to bring back your dried-out mascara into life once again.
IS IT SAFE TO SHARE MASCARA WITH OTHERS?
ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY NOT!! And That’s because we are not alone, and our human body generally inhibits millions of harmful and harmless bacteria.
When we share our beloved mascaras with our friends or loved ones. These bacteria can transfer from one body to the other, resulting in various eye illnesses and infections. So to maintain good eye hygiene, you should keep your mascara private from everybody.
CAN I USE OLD MASCARA ON MY LOWER LASHES ONLY?
ANSWER: NO!!! It’s better not to.
The idea of using old mascaras on your lower lashes might be tempting as a whole to save up product and money. However, the risk of infecting your lashes and eyes overall is still there. So, it’s always better not to use expired or old mascara anywhere; instead, throw it up and buy a new one and finally, learn how to apply mascara the right way to your lower lashes and flaunt those beautiful pieces of art that you’ve created with your new mascara like never before.
ARE THERE ANY NATURAL ALTERNATIVES to MASCARA?
ANSWER: YES!! There are many natural and cruelty-free alternatives to traditional mascaras.
With the ongoing surge of the beauty industry to use more sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients, most reputable brands are working relentlessly to develop a more advanced technology that is made up of natural and organic ingredients. And already, many brands have introduced products like such, for example – Covergirl, Ilia, Tarte, etc.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Throughout this article, we have tried our level best to help you understand the importance of acknowledging the shelf life of your beloved mascara. Always remember, understanding when to use and when not to will not only allow you to get those lashes look flawless but also maintain proper eye health.
If you have liked the article share this with your friends and family so that they can also be mindful of the expiration of their mascara. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more helpful suggestions like this right into your inbox. If you have more queries regarding mascara you can also check out our other mascara-related blog topics.
Finally!! Happy lash-enhancing and makeup exploration!
