I’m no expert, but I subscribe to the idea that anything used so close to my eyes requires careful attention. Frankly, I buy inexpensive mascara (~$4.50/each Covergirl) and throw it away every three/four months or so. When a new season hits, summer to fall, for example, that’s my reminder to toss the current mascara and bring out a new tube. When it comes to eye-health, better safe than sorry.

I would far more believe the opinion of an optometrist or opthamologist than the cosmetic company. Most of their opinions I’ve heard is a few months. Not all of us keep our cosmetics at the perfect temp- or use them when we’ve just showered and are perfectly clean. So if we allow the tube to become slightly warm or dirty and use it for a year? Nope! Not I. I do use it longer than the few months occasionally, but not much longer! I have even tried writing the date when I opened it on the tube to help me remember.

It’s fine if you clean your mascara brush occasionally to remove said bacteria – just like you would clean any brush or beauty tool regularly for normal hygiene. Mild soap (I use anti-bacterial hand soap) and warm water should do it. I clean all my brushes and makeup pads, etc. once a week (or once every 2 weeks if really busy).

I think unopened mascara has a pretty long shelf life, but I toss my mascara after 3 months.

I think it’s all a scam! Reminds me of a news story I saw years ago on contact lenses … you can get lenses that are to be replaced monthly, weekly, even daily! But the story was that they’re all the same and will last for a very long time if you clean them properly. So I’ve been making six pair of contracts stretch for 2-3 years. Same for makeup … I use it until it’s gone!

I go by smell. In my teens, I noticed that fresh mascara has a makeup smell and old mascara has a faintly fishy smell. If it smells off, I’m not putting it near my eyes.

If you are truly concerned about both waste and bacteria, go to a pro beauty supply shop and buy some disposable “sample” mascara brushes used at make up counters. Use those instead of the brush that comes with the mascara, and you won’t get bacteria in your mascara at all. They can’t cost much in bulk–the gals at the makeup counter use 1-2 per person for every sampling.

Melody, I also stretch my contacts much longer than they say. My doctor told me they *only* last a month, but I only wear them at most just a few hours a day if that. They said they expire in a month regardless of amount of wear. Scam!
I use my mascara until it’s gone, which usually 4-5 months. I like good mascara, and can’t afford to throw out product like that.

Wow, I have always heard the 3-month rule, for my entire adult life. That includes reading it in Seventeen magazine when I was about 13 years old! Who on earth is telling women to keep mascara for a whole year?

I never keep a tube longer than 4 months, and can tell right away when one needs to be tossed- it gets thicker, drier and is more likely to flake. This could have to do with the brands I buy, though. I am a drugstore gal when it comes to mascara (don’t want to shell out for something that needs replacing frequently), but maybe high-end brands last longer?

In addition, I get yearly eye exams and no concerns yet. I also strongly believe that while we should be careful, we can’t be paranoid. Our bodies are amazing bad bacteria fighters if we keep them healthy and strong. So it’s a balance I suppose.

I worked for various cosmetics companies for over 10 years, which is probably why I wear so little of it now, but the 3-4 month rule is for those with sensitive eyes and contact wearers. If you are like me and prone to eye infections then err on the side of safe, not sorry. If Angie is using hers up in 6 or so months and not having a problem then that is fine. What is not okay is pulling out the fun blue mascara you used in college for your reunion. Just because there is some left in the tube doesn’t mean it is still good. As a side note considering that now I am in science research and grow bacteria for a living, if you are using a lash growth medium or your mascara has “lash growth” additives I might stick to the shorter time frames. Bacteria also like to grow in that kind of environment.

I err on the side of caution and toss mine every 3/4 months. Like previous poster, I do it with the seasons.

It’s possible I am being paranoid… but eye infections are both nasty looking and potentially very dangerous. I, too, buy drugstore brands, so I’m willing to sacrifice the $5.

I go by quality: as soon as it starts to clump or go on messily, I toss it out. Usually that’s around the 3-6 month mark, and it goes faster for the cheaper mascara than the more expensive.

The shelf life for an unopened tube should be at least a year. When you’ve started using it though, you should replace it after 3-6 months. I’ve heard 3 months since I was a teenager and always lived by that rule.

My eyes are way too important to me. If you check the mascara tube most say 3 months, usually the tube isn’t nearly empty by then, but bacteria lives there and have a great time.

If I use mascara while I’m ill and have a fever, I try to replace it afterwards. I once had an eye infection for a year and a half, which made it impossible for me to wear contact lenses. After that I’m really really careful. No bacteria near my eyes.

I *knew* these comments would rock. What fabulous information. Thank you!

I see a split already, between those that use inexpensive brands from drug stores and those that use expensive brands from cosmetic counters. I fall into the latter category. I have been using Lancôme Mascara for as long as I can remember. I do prefer the results of better-end mascara and will pay for it. I have long thick lashes and want to apply one layer and that’s it. Otherwise it looks like I’m wearing too much make-up which is one of my pet hates. So, that means I need good quality mascara. I’ve used drug store brands occasionally and developed a skin rash every single time. Perhaps I’ve used the wrong brands or the quality has improved, but I’m not willing to take the chance again.

So far, I’m not convinced that I should be throwing away my Lancôme mascara after three months. If I’d been having problems as Lisette had mentioned, I’d be a lot more cautious. I guess I’ve been reinforced to believe that 6-9months is fine. Also, I don’t wear contact lenses. I’m still going with scam.

If the mascara expires after only a couple of months, yet most people have enough left to last them much longer, then perhaps the cosmetic companies should make the tubes smaller so that there is not so much wasted mascara being thrown away.

I think contact lenses can be stretched for 2-3 months. But my doctor said that any time after that, a lot of protein buildup can naturally occur in the lenses. Regardless of cleaning (because you should be doing that anyways). I’ve worn daily contact lenses for years and generally replace them every 2 months. I often forget how minutely clear everything becomes when it’s replacement time! =D

It’s a total scam! As Lisette said – maybe don’t pull out an old one you’ve had for years but until it starts clumping (assuming you haven’t finished it before then) you’re fine.

Same for eye shadows, I’m 29 and I’ve been using some good neutral shadows I bought on sale when I was 21 and they are still just fine. It’s pressed powder, unless something affects the consistency of it I plan to keep using them till they’re finished. I don’t want to be part of the throw away society.

I go with the 3-4 month rule. I will admit that I love to try all the new versions of mascara that come out (drugstore usually but sometimes higher end) and that keeps me on a 3 month usage cause I am anxious to try something new.

I used Lancome Definicils for years and found Loreal Voluminous is almost identical. Now I have a few go tos: Maybelline Full n Soft and Lash Discovery are fab every time and Neutragena Healthy Volume is great for lush lashes in one swipe.

I totally agree on the “natural but better” look with mascara – hate to see clumps or spidery lashes! Yuck.

I wear mascara by Estee Lauder and I usually toss mine about every six months when it starts to get dry and clump. I think you can’t be too careful with contacts lenses, though. Mine are the hard lenses so it’s not so much an issue but I make sure my children switch out their soft lenses every 30 days.

I’d really listen to my eye doctor on this one. Unlike cosmetic counter/ drug store employees, he or she has absolutely no ulterior motive. Washing the mascara brush is absolutely not enough; it might help keep bacteria levels lower, but the stuff can live inside the tube as well, not only on the brush.

An aunt had a recurring eye infection and her eye doctor not only instructed her to throw out her mascara after 3 months but also to keep one tube for her right eye and one for her left. I know this sounds extreme but it was the only solution that allowed the infection to finally clear up. And one of my sisters got an eye infection that left her unable to ever wear contacts again. No idea if it was caused by mascara but these sorts of experiences have made me very super-careful with my “eye health.”

That being said, I often consume food slightly past its “expiration date.” We each have our own thresh-holds of what we find unsafe and if you’ve gone so many years without a problem, Angie, I’m guessing your eyes are not especially infection-prone.

I use Dior mascara until it´s finished, usually about 6 to 7 months. If you use your mascara on a daily basis, there is no need to toss it after three months – says my friend who is an eye doctor.

Hmm, I think I only buy mascara (covergirl) every few years. I don’t wear it everyday. I have never had an eye infection as an adult.
I have at times stretched my contacts too, although my current ones (theoretically one day use) are so fragile they don’t tend to last for ages

I wear contacts and I have a condition that causes my eyes to occasionally get too dry and will wind up with a nasty infection (not styes but similar, and sometimes I’ve gotten an infected cornea which is the worst!!!).

So I have learned the hard way to toss mascara no later than the 6 month mark, no matter how much is left. The brand I’m using now doesn’t seem to last that long anyway (lasts about 3 months tops), so I don’t feel I’m wasting my money. I will toss automatically if I get an eye infection – no matter how new the tube is.

I always apply mascara after taking a shower, and never carry it outside of the house or leave it in a hot car, etc. I’m really careful with anything I put near my eyes, as I’ve had too many problems. This is yet another reason why I don’t bother anymore with eye shadow either.

I also wear contacts and have dry eyes. My good friend is an opthamologist and recommended that I ‘watch my eyes’ for what they needed: they would indicate when something had to change. My eyes will feel gritty or dry and get bloodshot when I need new contacts or a change in mascara.

I’ve worn two department-store-cosmetic-counter mascaras and have had no problem, and a few drug-store varieties will also last long. I’ve also had drugstore varieties and an organic/natural mascara that lasted 1-2 months before my eyes indicated it was going “bad.” I think each individual will need to take into account their eye health and the ingredients in their product. I’ve heard the varying time horizons too, and each mascara has been different for me.

I’ve also had problems with make-up removers; some irritate my eyes to NO end and I can’t use them!

well, look at it this way — how much is the tube of mascara. How much is trip to the optometrist? How much for the emergency room for that awful eye infection? Seems like a no brainer to me. Three months sounds good!

I’m with you Angie on this one. I also have Lancome mascara and I pretty much use it until it’s gone( 6-9 months) or if it gets hard & clumpy (usually my fault for leaving it open). I once got an eye infection (my son had pink eye so it wasn’t from my mascara) and as a precaution, I replaced my mascara as well as my liquid liner. I could see that if you are prone to eye infections or wear contact lenses, it might be necessary to replace more often.

Whoa! Hold on here Ladies… mascara shelf-life? Variable. Depends on brand, usage, etc. It goes OUTSIDE the eye.
Contact lenses? Completely different conversation. Contact lens polymers (the plastic lattice that gives the lens structure) are entirely different brand to brand. A lens created for extended wear tends to be a durable but open structure, allowing up to 80% of the lens to be fluid. A throw away daily wear lens can be only 30-40% fluid and does not allow the cornea to breath when the eye is closed. In addition, “throw-away” lenses are manufactured cheaply, collect debris easily and DO NOT clean up very well. Yes, you can stretch their lives a bit… but you are asking for trouble. A person can be allergic to the polymer from one manufacturer, yet do quite well with another…
Do the research. If you want the most bang for the buck, get a good quality, possibly an extended wear lens and keep it meticulously clean.

I use Dior Show for volume and because is has rose water in it. Smells so good. I toss it about 1-2 months. I just like the way it goes on when it’s fresh. Thanks for the topic.

Hey, what do you do when you have worn new pants that have faded die onto white shirts? I was so surprised my NYDJ trousers (not jeans) bleed onto my white shirt. I expect it with jeans, but not trousers. Caught me off guard. Now my white shirt is ruined.

I think half a year is a good rule. If it doesn’t make you itch, it’s fine.

I have never had an eye infection so I guess I am not prone to such things. I also use Lancome mascara and I keep it until it gets old and won’t go on nicely.
I started using the more expensive brand because my eyes, in the past, were sensitive to cheap mascaras, especially the waterproof kind. I didn’t like the stiff lash feeling.
I only put my mascara on right after showering and do not re apply during the day. When I was a teenager no one talked about an expiration date for mascara or eye infections. My sister and I shared the mascara. Like I said I guess we are not prone to problems with eye infection.

I keep mine for about 6 months but throw it away after it starts to get dry and flaky. However, if I have *any* eye irritation – allergies, a cold that affects my eyes, etc – I leave off the mascara and don’t put in contacts either.

I have 2-week disposable contacts, but my eye doctor & contact specialist told me that if I was careful about cleaning them I could stretch them out to a month. I use the Clear Care contact solution, which gets the lenses VERY clean, and I only wear contacts about half the time at most, so I can stretch a pair out. It’s easy to tell when they get old & need a change because they become less comfortable to wear.

I don’t have that problem because a tube of mascara never lasts me more than 6 months (I’m a daily wearer). I also wear higher end mascara (Yves St. Laurent is AWESOME) and I know when my mascara is getting older because the consistency just isn’t the same. I think six months is a good rule, because although it appears that the mascara only touches the external area of the eye, it can still touch your eyelid and get the same nasty germs from inside your eye. I had pink eye a few months ago (not sure where I got it) and I had to throw away ALL my eye makeup, including mascara. Not worth it!

I don’t know anything about mascara, but I do know the contacts thing is not really a “scam.” You can wear dailies for longer periods of time, but they are really meant for people who have sensitive eyes or allergies, as changing them daily keeps them fresh and without protein deposits or allergens sticking to them. They are also thinner than those which are changed less frequently, which makes them more fragile but also more comfortable. The longer you keep your lenses, the more junk sticks to them and the more scratched/beat up they get. Soft lenses are just not durable.

Personally, I’m using RGP (”hard”) contacts for the first time and I love them. They can last for 2-3 years, are much more resistant to proteins and lipids than soft contacts, they don’t rob your eyes of natural moisture the way softies do, they permit more oxygen flow, and they give much more precise vision. The only reason they are so unpopular is because they require a “break in” period where they are pretty uncomfortable. They’re not for everyone. I wear them because I have astigmatism and softies weren’t ideal for my oddly-shaped cornea. But with the RGP’s, I am seeing 20/20 for the first time in my entire life and it is amazing.

Sorry Angie, this had absolutely nothing to do with your question! I know nothing about mascara since I do not wear it. I suspect, though, that as long as the brush is clean, the mascara itself is probably not the issue. Just a suspicion.

i do the 3-4 month rule (that’s all i ever heard), but i buy cheapie drugstore mascara so it’s not such a big deal.

More wonderful comments! I’m glad that some of you had the initiative to include the variable of contact lenses. I do not wear them and therefore know little about them. I suspect that mascara and contact lenses is a tricky business. Thanks for the helpful insight.

Mac, I’m lucky in that my eyes don’t seem to be allergy prone. Something has got to compensate for the ridiculously fussy feet.

OK as someone with a PhD in molecular genetics who grows bacterial strains on an almost daily basis, I have to make a comment on this one.
I would say that this would depend very much on the brand of cosmetic you use and the amount of preservative/chemicals added to the product. I use Lancôme Mascara and certainly don’t use it every day; I have used mine up to a year without any problems. This would depend very much on the individual, the brand, and how often the wearer used the mascara. I also agree avoid exposing your makeup to high temperatures (the ideal temperature for most bacterial growth is 37 degrees Celsius, about 100 Fahrenheit).
If you catch an eye infection then of course ditch the mascara if you have used it; it will be a source of contamination.
I think it’s also a case that you get what you pay for. When the mascara has a bad smell that is a sure sign of the presence of “bad” bacteria. If your eyes are becoming sensitive to it it may be a sign of infection or that you are having a reaction to the chemicals in it (especially with the cheap stuff!). Personally I would never get cheap mascara, it is false economy to me.
I get so fed up with the media/advertisements spreading false reports about bacteria in order to sell more products I tend to get on the soapbox about this one! OK I will get off now and go and put my makeup on……

I toss in 3-4 months…I seem to be prone to eye infections. My pharmacist told me *any liquid product* (liquid liner ,& mascara in particular) tends to breed bacteria..the pumping(air) action adds to this. I won’t be without my *eyes* , so I am cautious::)

Ingrid, if your mascara lasts a year without drying up…I’m switching.:)

BB’s Weekly Fashion Link Round-Up…

See Scarlett Johansson’s ladylike look at the Selfridges event for Dolce and Gabbana makeup. [fabsugar]

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Q&A with blogger DWJ, author of The Art of Accessories [MyStyle.com]

When should yo…

I use mine until it runs out, which only takes about 3 months. I find my eyes get itchy around the end of the tube which I have always attributed to the mascara “expiring”.

I use mine until it runs out. I have no idea how long that takes. Never had an eye infection; I generally use Loreal Voluminous.

I agree with Taylor, being in retail and selling organic cosmetics myself. What contains liquid can breed bacteria, especially in damp bathrooms. Lipstick and pencils are safe products for this reason. But usually 3-6 months for mascara is ok, if you don’t keep your stuff too warm and in a dry environment.

The reason companies give such a short span is because they are legally required to be on the safe side. Wrong information would cost them a ton if customers sued. And if you’ve ever had an eye infection you’d surely choose to go the safer route.

I’ve used either M’s Great Lash or Arbonne’s mascara my whole life – I use it until it’s gone and then I toss it. Definitely longer than 3 months … oh and no contacts here.

And I meant to say no problems here!!

I never pay attention to those warnings…this may be foolish on my part, but until the mascara drops in quality (flaking when it didn’t before, etc.), that’s when I toss it. I think if they’re gonna tell us to pitch it after 3 months of use, the tubes should be smaller, as that’s a lot of mascara (and $$) going to waste!