I've heard so many people say that you should throw your mascara away after three months. Is this really true? Or just some myth perpetuated by makeup companies to boost sales.
2006-10-14 13:40:55 · 26 answers · asked by jaffajaf 2 in Beauty & Style ➔ Makeup
How about other make-ups... would the same thing apply to lipsticks? I would imagine that they would pick up just as much bacteria.
2006-10-14 13:49:28 · update #1
Yes, mascara can actually go bad. It's because when you use the wand to apply mascara, bacteria from your eyelashes gets transferred from the wand to the actual mascara in the tube. Over time the bacteria multiply and make your mascara go bad. You can actually get eye infections from using mascara that's too old.
A good rule of thumb is that if you smell an open tube of mascara, and it has an odor, it's time to throw it away, whether it's been three months or not.
2006-10-14 13:44:43 · answer #1 · answered by Bastet's kitten 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most powders, concealers and lip balms are anhydrous (they don't contain water), so they can last for a couple of years, says Dr. Pugliese.
Cleansers and moisturizers often contain fatty acids, which can turn rancid quickly. Toss after six months.
Multiuse products such as 3-in-1 sticks and creams can spread germs from lips to eyes and cheeks. Wipe the surface before switching areas, and discard or replace after six months.
Pencils can last several years unless you wet the tip with saliva or water. To be safe, sharpen before each use.
Mascara should be tossed after three months without fail. The tube is a breeding ground for bacteria," says Dr. Pugliese.
Foundations can last up to a year if you keep your fingers away from the bottle. Instead, use a sponge to apply.
Store cosmetics in a cool, dry place outside the bathroom to extend their shelf life.
2006-10-14 14:02:44 · answer #2 · answered by croc hunter fan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really true--3 months is the max. Why? You have a wand which you put close to your eye. Each time that wand passes next to the wet part of your eye, it can pick up bacteria....which you promptly stuff back IN to the dark, enclosed mascara bottle. Perfect breeding grounds for an infection.
2006-10-14 13:43:20 · answer #3 · answered by Ann T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its true.. the rule for mascara is 3-5 months. and lipstick is about 6-8 months. other makeup is ok for no longer than a year
2006-10-14 13:51:24 · answer #4 · answered by yep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Four months is the accepted shelf life for mascara
Because of the risk of eye infection caused by bacteria growth
2006-10-14 13:47:00 · answer #5 · answered by belmyst 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep, you should only have mascara from 3 to 6 mnths. as a matter of fact I watched the tyra show and she spoke about this. plus she says lip wear should be changed when you change boyfriends. make up can contain all kinds of bacteria even the case you keep it in.
2006-10-14 17:33:08 · answer #6 · answered by MRS PINK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2-3 months
2006-10-14 14:02:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's unopened it should last a while probably up to a year, but if you've used it, don't use it for more than three months because it can harbor bacteria and cause eye infections.
2006-10-14 13:45:41 · answer #8 · answered by quilter156 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the mascara starts to have an odd odor, that's when you should toss it. There isn't really a 'shelf life'. When it gets stinky and coagulated is when it's time for some new stuff.
2006-10-14 13:43:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only keep my mascara for three months. I keep eyeliner pencil for a few months also. I kept getting styes and it was because of the old eye make up.
2006-10-14 13:51:14 · answer #10 · answered by wingedgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋