How often do you need to discard eye makeup?

Question

I've read/heard several times now that you need to get rid of eye makeup (liner, shadow, etc.) every six months. Since some of it is so expensive, I can't help wondering if this is a scheme to get us to buy more. So, how often do you need to buy new stuff if you don't run out of it?

Answer 1

The only item that needs to be replaced every 3 months is the mascara. If you pump your mascara prior to putting it on, then you need to replace it even sooner. This is because of the bacteria that grows in the tube. You can generally tell by the smell of the mascara, and also if lashes seem to clump together after applying ("spider eyes"), or if it flakes at all throughout the day. Keep in mind that even the expensive brands are like this. I have been a Mary Kay Consultant for 3 years and been through intense training.

As far as the eyeliners go. Someone said a friend got an eye infection from a year old eyeliner a friend gave her. First of all, we never reccomend sharing eyeliners or mascaras. If you have a glamor makeover, or go to the mall where someone does your makeup, you will notice that they always use disposable applicators. It's sanitary this way. No matter how close you and your friend are, you should never share eyeliner or mascara because you never know who might have an infection. (Chances are they don't even know.) You should be able to use the eyeliner or any of the other makeup well before it has time to "expire"! :)

So to answer your question, it is a scam in a sense. Not all makeup needs to be switched out. Just the mascara (faithfully every 3 months)! A good way to keep your mascara good for the full 3 months is by cleaning the wand a couple times a week. (I use Mary Kay's oil free eye makeup remover.)

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions you can email me.

Answer 2

Here's the most concise article I've found that reflects what I've read in magazines.

There is a range for makeup shelf life so I provided the link to the Y!Search Results for your reference.


Makeup Shelf Life
How long to keep makeup: the shelf life of cosmetics.
© Chrissy Dolezal Aug 6, 2006

Just like many things we use throughout the day, there is a shelf life of cosmetics. How long should you keep that blue mascara from high school you can't buy anymore?

Makeup shelf life various on the kind of cosmetics and the type of cosmetics you purchase. There are some simple guidelines of how long to keep your cosmetics. Just because you have a little bit of lipstick still in the tube doesn't mean you should be using it. For beautiful, healthy skin you need to know makeup shelf life.
Makeup shelf life guidelines to follow:

First off, if it smells, stinks, has a distinct odor that should not be, throw it away! I am amazed at how long women will keep cosmetics that have a bad odor. Do yourself a favor and trash it.

Another good rule of thumb, if you can't remember when you purchased it, trash it. Makeup should not stir up memories from ten years ago. If you makeup bag does, throw it out!

Thank you to iVillage for the article, Are your cosmetics past their use-by date? by Eva Gizowska. The following is a simple guideline to follow when you are cleaning out your makeup bag.

* Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
* Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
* Concealer: 12-18 months
* Powder: 2 years
* Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
* Cream Blush: 12-18 months
* Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
* Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months Eyeliner: 2 years
* Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
* Mascara: 3 months
* Lipstick: 2 years
* Lip liner: 2 years
* Lip gloss: 18-24 months
* Nail Color: 1 year

If you are using natural cosmetics, these should be thrown out sooner. Regular cosmetics contain ingredients that do help prolong shelf life. But of course natural cosmetics do not. Please check with your favorite natural store for the information on the cosmetics you love.

My favorite tip to make throwing out your cosmetics a little easier: Buy yourself a Sharpie to keep with your makeup bag. Write your own expiration date on the cosmetics that way you will always know when it is time to replace.

Answer 3

I happen to agree with you....I think it is a bit of a scheme, I mean obviously you dont want to be wearing 3 year old mascara but I definitely dont throw away expensive stuff just because its a few months old. I would say the most important one to clear out is mascara because its so close to your important eyes, but eyeshadow, lipgloss, blush whatever, use it until you either get sick of it or you can tell that its getting yucky because it'd be such a waste otherwise.

Answer 4

3-4 months

Answer 5

mascara should be discarded every three months. eyeshadow: 7 months. eyeliner:4 months. It's not a scheme, it's just if you keep your mascara and such too long, you could get an eye infection.

Answer 6

I think you should buy new mascara every 1-3 months. I can usually tell when it's time because mine gets thick & messy... plus the words are usually rubbing off the container by then. ;)

Answer 7

Mascara every six (6) weeks! True. Foundation, eye liners, shadow, etc is good for six months. The issue is contamination from bateria from your eyes.

Answer 8

I was always told every 6 months. I find I can get away with 12 with my mascara, but that's only before it starts making my skin and eyes react.

Answer 9

No, it's no a scheme. The make up can harbor bacteria. And if the bacteria gets into your eyes it can cause things from systs to 'cause you to go blind. A friend of mine used to wear eyeliner. And she stopped. She gave a friend the stick like a year later. My friend used it and got a syst on the inside of her eyelid. It was nasty. So, it's true. I throw mine away after three-four months after this. So. It's up to you!

Answer 10

Mascara is the worst - you should only keep it for 3-4 months.

Powders should be fine for as long as they last - and eyelines - as long as they are pencils and you sharpen them - they are fine too!

Just the mascara is a problem...

PS - change/wash your brushes and pads regularly too.