Beauty

[AngelPuppy1]

I noticed that I have several packages of different kinds of mascara in my stash that have not been opened.  By this I mean, the packaging is still intact.  

My questions are:  How long does mascara stay good-- and safe to use when the packaging has not been open?

And --- is there some kind of coding on the packaging to tell how old the product is --- or when the product expires?

I have a habit of picking up new or different makeup items when I'm out and about and then I forget about them.

I will toss them if there is no way to tell, but if not, I would like to start using them.  I don't want to use questionable things on my eyes though.

Thanks! 

[SilleeMee]

CheckFresh dot com is a website where you can find dates of manufacture and expiration by using batch codes found on products.

[RespectLife]

I have purchased 'sets' of mascara...3 or more.

Unopened for 3-4 months....but by time I get to them, totally dried out.

I don't really go by dates, I don't have sensitive eyes....if the product 'works'....I use it.

[San Antonio Gal]

@AngelPuppy1  - I've got some unopened ones.  As long as the smell is normal when I open,  I will use them.

[Shanus]

@AngelPuppy1   I have unopened mascaras in the original packaging for at least 6 months. These are blister packed which keeps them longer. 

Mascaras purchased that are not sealed in any way may be more iffy. This is why I like drugstore brands which are sealed in a plastic package. ***Note : Some are still dried out if on the shelf for too long.

I'd say if you open the mascara, it's dried out or smells funky, it needs to be tossed.

[monicakm]

I've been wearing false lashes for about 3 years. I wear mascara on my bottom lashes. My mascara tube is at least as old as 3 years. It's the L'Oreal telescopic in the gold tube, it's still good.  On average I only wear makeup once or twice a week. I don't know if it would be good enough to apply on top lashes, probably not, but it's plenty good enough (wet) for my bottom lashes.

Smells fine and doesn't have anything growing on it.

[AngelPuppy1]

@SilleeMee 

Thank you for this info - I will check it out! 

[AngelPuppy1]

Thank you, everyone.  The ones I have are all in the original plastic packaging.  I know once you have opened them, it's probably wise to ditch them after a couple months.

[Mindy D]

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@monicakm wrote:

I've been wearing false lashes for about 3 years. I wear mascara on my bottom lashes. My mascara tube is at least as old as 3 years. It's the L'Oreal telescopic in the gold tube, it's still good.  On average I only wear makeup once or twice a week. I don't know if it would be good enough to apply on top lashes, probably not, but it's plenty good enough (wet) for my bottom lashes.

Smells fine and doesn't have anything growing on it.

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@monicakm @I was young when it happened to me, but I got the worse case of conjunctivitis from doing this. It's not worth the risk, monicakm. Of all the products that pose the highest risk of microbial contamination, it is tube mascaras that have been used and then kept too long afterwards. The microbes can easily multiply in the tube. 

[monicakm]

@Mindy D 

Thank you.  I suppose I can afford a new tube of mascara   It's on my WM list!