Use until the last drop or toss?
When to throw away your eye makeup.
Anytime I have to recommend to a patient to throw away their eye makeup I’m always almost met with reluctancy. This is usually when a patient comes in with an eye infection, and all the used and potentially contaminated eye makeup must go.
I know, it’s a hard recommendation to hear sometimes: cue the first five stages of grief with the loss of that expensive eyeliner or tube of mascara!
So how long do you keep that tube of mascara or that liquid eyeliner in the absence of an eye infection, to avoid using expired eye makeup and to potentially avoid an eye infection?
It seems to be a question that everyone seems to forget about. If you’re like most individuals, you have a makeup drawer that houses an impressive collection of half empty tubes of mascara, kaleidoscope of eye shadow colors, and an assortment of eyeliner tubes and pencils, some sharpened down to the last scraping of color. It’s most likely a collection you have been building upon with each trip to Target, Sephora or Ulta. The thought might cross your mind, “when did I buy this?'“ or “how old is this?'“ which can quickly evaporate into an unanswered riddled question never to be uttered again.
So why do we care about expired makeup especially when it comes to the eyes?
Mostly because the eyes are highly susceptible to infection, irritation and inflammation. This is because of the conjunctiva-that mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyes. The conjunctiva is a direct path to the inside of the eye. Bacteria in old makeup products can be easily introduced into this part of the eye via makeup, applicator tips, or brushes. The result can include:
Conjunctivitis: and infection creating uncomfortable, red and weepy eyes.
Skin infections and reactions around the sensitive eyelid skin causing flaking, redness and irritation.
Styes along the eyelid margin causing redness, tenderness and swelling.
Just like food and a host of other products, makeup is perishable and the expiration date depends on the product.
Eye makeup products thats contain water, oils or humectants tend to have a shorter life span and need to be thrown away sooner. Case-in-point, mascara and liquid eye liner: the double dipping, pumping of mascara wand (which forces air into tube) and the constant reintroduction of natural flora from our own eyes into the bottle, diminishes it’s quality over time. The moist environment inside the tube allows bacteria to build up over time and the product becomes harder to apply, clumpy and sometimes changes in scent.
Eyeshadow and powder based products have a longer self-life because they contain the least amount of water. When a whitish crust forms or when the pressed powder begins to crumble, it’s an indication to throw away.
An overdue sign that eye creams are well past prime is with texture or scent changes and also any discoloration. Most creams and skincare products have a expiration date however, sometimes it’s hard to find. Look for the open jar symbol and the number associated with it. An open jar symbol and the number 6, indicates the period after opening (PAO) is 6 months.
And don’t forget about your makeup brushes. Brushes can live a long life if properly cleaned often. However, if you notice shedding or the bristles become rigid or fail to apply product evenly, then it’s time to toss.
The average American woman spends $8.00 per day on facial cosmetics (according to a survey from Skin Store), so a little TLC is worth to protect your facial cosmetic investment but most importantly, the protection of your skin and eyes.
Other easy ways to protect against eye infections?
Avoid sharing makeup: sharing is not caring.
Clean your face before application of makeup.
Remove makeup before bed
Apply makeup gently: avoid putting on eye makeup in the car as it can be easier to accidentally scratch your eye and directly expose your eye to bacteria.
Check ingredients, which is vital, if prone to allergies and sensitivities. Preservatives are important in limiting bacterial growth however, certain preservatives can compromise the tear-film makeup.
Your eye makeup cheat sheet on when to toss:
Mascara: Toss away every 3-6 months. The safest practice is every 3 months!
Eye Liner: Toss liquid eyeliner every 3-6 months. Toss pencil eyeliner every 12 months. has a limited self life for similar reasons as does mascara; anytime texture or scent changes, it’s time to toss. With liquid eyeliner, the applicator tip is in constant contact with your eyes, so it is easier to introduce bacteria into the eye. Pencil eyeliner has a longer life and can last up to a year.
Eye Shadow: In powder form, eye shadow can last up to 2 years. Look to toss sooner, if you notice the powder starts to change consistency.
Eye cream: toss after 6-12 months as it can start to thicken and smell funny.
Brushes: Wash once a week with gentle soap and air dry. Toss when the brush sheds, or becomes rigid and or doesn’t allow for a smooth application of color or product.
When in doubt, toss it out. Let’s put one rule out there in the universe for our eye makeup and that is, if you cannot remember when you bought it and it’s been opened, throw it away. You may consider this frivolous or costly, but think about an emergency trip to your eye care provider and the costs (and time) associated with that.
If the thought of goopy, red, irritated eyes make you a little squeamish (which it should), there are ways to proactively avoid eye infections by following the above guidelines when it comes to making sure your eye makeup is still good.
Stay happy and healthy all!
Jen Wademan, O.D.
