No, contrary to what you might think, a tube of mascara cannot be stored. to eternal life. Like food, cosmetics have an expiration date. And it is better to respect it, because the risks are serious: expired mascara can become a real breeding ground for bacteria – and therefore cause local irritation, itchy eyes, red eyes or even bacterial conjunctivitis.
PAO: A tube of mascara should be thrown away 6 months after opening (in general)
However, according to a study carried out in the United Kingdom in April 2023 (among 763 Britons), almost 2 out of 5 makeup users continue to use their expired beauty products. And mascara is undoubtedly “the” cosmetic product most used beyond its expiration date: more than 43% of respondents say they use the same mascara for 6 months or more.
So let’s set the record straight. How long can you keep a tube of mascara once you open it?It is imperative to throw away your opened mascara when the expiration date has passed.” answers make-up artist Shirel Bouhnik Pasi. We are also talking about PAO: expiration date after opening.
“The expiration date of a mascara (the famous PAO, therefore) is usually indicated on the product packagingsays the expert. It is often represented by a small symbol resembling an open jar of cream followed by a number, for example “6M”. This means that the mascara must be used within 6 months of its opening.” This is also the lifespan of almost all mascaras sold commercially.
“If the expiration date has passed, it is best to throw away the mascara to avoid any risk of eye irritation or infection.” recalls the make-up artist.
Unopened mascara can be stored for more than 2 years (provided it is stored properly)
If the mascara has not been opened, how long can it be kept? Makeup artists assume that a beauty product (lipstick, mascara, foundation, etc.) Unopened can be stored for up to 30 months after purchase.. But be careful: only if it is well closed and stored away from heat, light and humidity!
My mascara is not expired but its texture has changed, what can I do? If your mascara has dried out (a little) and/or tends to form “clumps”, makeup artist Shirel Bouhnik Pasi recommends a grandmother’s tip that works: castor oil!
“Instead of throwing away your mascara tube, you can revitalize it by adding a few drops of castor oil, a trick that (in addition to restoring the texture of the product) takes care of your lashes by nourishing them, explains the specialist. Also, don’t forget to gently clean the mascara brush under a stream of warm water to remove any stuck-on clumps of material.” That’s good to know!
Thanks to Shirel Bouhnik Pasi, make-up artist and partner of Rosegold Paris.
Source: www.topsante.com
