Beauty

[Iwantcoffee]

On 12/16/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:

I don't believe that. It's just their way of getting you to purchase more.

That may be true, but old makeup and used mascara is nasty stuff.

I can be around people with the flu and not get sick, but it is a bad virus.

[millieshops]

If my eyes didn't have so many of their own issues, I'd use that mascara. Most of the problem with the short shelf life of an opened wand comes from our using it.

I imagine you could sort of compare it to an A/C filter. Companies pretty much recommend you change the filter every three months for the cleanest air. In my snowbird condo, I change that filter every 3 months when I'm in residence, but when I'm gone, that filter is never changed and when I remove it to change it after 5 or 6 months away, there's virtually no sign the machine was running. It was - just not much dirt in the air to filter out.

[ccassaday]

It's unopened. It should be fine. Cosmetic companies don't pull it off the shelf every three months if it doesn't sell.

[Phantom41]

I must be really bad - I use mascara until it's done! So far, I've never lost an eye!

[Caitlinh429]

Generally after opened and exposed to air, mascara is really good for 4-6 months. Most cosmetic companies say 3 months or less because of bacteria issues, and yes, to promote mascara sales.

Your mascara should have this icon on it somewhere (not all do):

The number = how many months

"M" = months

12M= 12months, 6M= 6months, 24M= 24 months, etc

This also goes for all beauty and skincare items, and means the product will expire at that time after it is exposed to oxygen.

Now for unopened items, the rule of thumb is usually 2 years. This is always affected by various things like ingredients, colors added, temperature, fragrance, parabens, etc. It's always best to check out the item before using it, smell it, touch it, etc and see if it is still fresh.

Mascara you can always tell by the brush and obviously the liquid. Brush should be in tact with firm bristles (no bristles have fallen or easily fall off) and liquid should glide onto the brush with no clumps or hardness.

Since you said the ball tip was not on, I would throw it out.

[depglass]

Sealed? I would use it in a heartbeat. If bacteria is never introduced, I don't know how the mascara could "spoil."

[suzyQ3]

Unopened, I'd say you're good for at least three years. After three years, I'd check it carefully.

I don't routinely use mascara, so I'm not introducing air or any possible bacteria very often at all. I've never noticed a funky smell or any other signs of decrepitude.

I mostly use the little Definicils that are part of Lancome GWP. One of those lasts me a long time. In fact, I don't think I ever finish one. I just finally figure at some point that it's time to dump it.

[melmac1114]

I replace mine every 3 months, and to help me remember when it's been 3 months I do so at the start of January, April, July and October each year. I also use this schedule for other things on a 3 month replacement schedule such as toothbrush heads. If a mascara has never been used I think most should be okay for a year or two.

[magemay]

I was curious and did a search and found this site:

http://checkcosmetic.net/cosmetic-and-perfume-shelf-life-faq/

It's limited, but does have IT on the cosmetic list. I'm assuming the mascara isn't boxed, I don't know, but on the bottom of the tube or box, there should be a batch code. You can enter the code into the system and maybe it will show the exp. date or manufactured date.

I don't use any products on the list of companies so I couldn't try it out to see if it works. Thought it was pretty cool, though.

Maybe someone would try it with one of their product to see if it actually works?

[suzyQ3]

On 12/16/2014 magemay said:

I was curious and did a search and found this site:

http://checkcosmetic.net/cosmetic-and-perfume-shelf-life-faq/

It's limited, but does have IT on the cosmetic list. I'm assuming the mascara isn't boxed, I don't know, but on the bottom of the tube or box, there should be a batch code. You can enter the code into the system and maybe it will show the exp. date or manufactured date.

I don't use any products on the list of companies so I couldn't try it out to see if it works. Thought it was pretty cool, though.

Maybe someone would try it with one of their product to see if it actually works?

magemay, I have used that site, especially for perfume that I have bought either on eBay or at a discount site. It's a very helpful tool.