How Long Does Mascara Last Unopened

How Long Does Mascara Last Unopened

It is excellent to use every ounce of mascara. But, it isn’t good to use mascara after the expiry date, just like other makeup products. 

Mascara lasts unopened for two to four years.

With that said, it does depend on the storing conditions and ingredients. In this article, we have laid it all out for you. So, sip your coffee and continue reading!

What Is The Shelf Life Of Unopened Mascara?

If stored properly in cool and dry places, the unopened mascara usually lasts 2 to 4 years. All the preservatives break up over time, even if you do not open them and mascara expires! 

Mascara’s composition is critical in determining the expiry date. For instance, products with oil can expire earlier. Besides, if mascara is composed of all the natural ingredients, it will expire quickly as it is free from all the preservatives like parabens, so the shelf life is a lot shorter.

Can Mascara Dry Out Without Being Opened?

The answer to this question is a big no! Unopened mascara will not dry out if you have stored it in a cool and dry place, and it can easily last for more than three years. 

The mascara will dry out only when you leave it open in the air. So, as the sealed mascara is entirely and tightly sealed, it will not come in contact with air and will not dry out!

Furthermore, if you do not store the mascara properly, it can become gloppy, thick, and have changed color, even if you have not opened it up. Therefore, the storage of the mascara in a proper place is pretty necessary. 

How To Store Unopened Mascara?

Generally, it is recommended to store all of your products in a cool, dry, and dark place. However, experts often suggest keeping makeup or other products in the fridge. It is the best way to extend the shelf life of the mascara, and this way, you can stop the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that will not cause an eye infection. 

Always make sure that your products are away from heat and moisture, even if they are unopened. Multiple types of mini-fridges are also available, and you can also think about that and store your makeup and other related products.

What Happens When Mascara Expires?

Makeup products, especially mascara, have a certain life span, and these products can expire after a few months of opening. Most makeup products, including mascara, come with a number and letter “M.” 

The letter M shows the ‘period after opening.’ The mascara usually stays a few months after you start using it, so you should keep it in mind the day you open it. This way, you can estimate your mascara’s expiry date before applying any product to your face.

In case if your mascara is expired, the following can happen:

Eyes:
If you apply expired mascara, it will not stay on your eyes and flake off. It can also go into your eyes and cause serious issues
– 
As the mascara flakes off, it can cause eye infections like pink eye or styes. The expired mascara also irritates the eye of the user

Mascara:
After three months, the mascara itself will become thick and clumpy – not easy to apply
– The mascara can also become dry
– The color will change, and you will not find it that same or vibrant. The powdery particles will become difficult to use

Remember that the mascara can last from two to four years unopened. But, in general, you need to replace it after every three months when it is opened. Otherwise, it could be a bit risky to apply.

Is It Safe To Use Expired Mascara?

No, do not even think about applying expired mascara ever. Remember that this could be riskier than you think. Expired mascara usually causes itching, redness in your eyes, burning, or acne in your eyes. 

Even if you continue to use the expired mascara with these risks, it will never deliver the desired results. Expired or dried mascara will flake off from your eyes, and in the worst condition, it can even get into your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Think Mascara Expires?

Yes, mascara does expire. However, like other products, mascara also has a specific expiry date, and after that, it expires, and you should not apply it any further!

Is There Any Way To Know If Your Mascara Has Been Expired?

The smell, dryness, irritation, and flakes are signs that show your mascara’s expiry. 

How Often Should I Replace My Mascara?

Generally, mascara can last for about three to six months if opened. So, it would help if you did not use it longer than that as it can cause infections and could be irritating for your eyes. So, never forget to check the expiry date and replace it every three months.

Will Unopened Mascara Expire?

Yes, unopened mascara will expire. However, it can last between 3 – 4 years, depending on how you store it and its ingredients.

Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Mascara?

If you want to extend the lifespan of your mascara, you need to follow the under given tips:

  • Try to keep your mascara closed correctly. Keep in mind that air will dry out your mascara every time you open the mascara.  
  • Avoid germs or bacteria. 
  • Store the mascara in a dry, cool, and dark place or keep it in the fridge.

Conclusion

Unopened mascara needs to be stored in cool, dry, and dark places if you want to use it in the future. Correct storing conditions will increase its life by 3 – 4 years as long as it’s sealed and unopened. 

Past its expiry date, you will see your mascara become dry, powdery, and thick. In case if you apply expired mascara, it could cause irritation, redness in the eyes, or an infection. So, use it before it expires, and never forget to replace your mascara every three months once open.