Mascara
Replace mascara every 3 months after opening. Germs build up right by the eye — dry, clumpy or off-smelling means replace it now.
Eye hygiene sets the limit
You replace mascara not because the tube is empty but for hygiene. The recommended window is about three months after opening. With every application the wand travels back and forth between lashes and tube and carries bacteria into the moist, nutrient-rich product — right by the sensitive eye.
After a few weeks to months the germ count rises, and with it the risk of conjunctivitis and eye irritation. That makes mascara one of the cosmetics with the shortest wear time after opening. The little open-jar symbol with a number like "6M" on the packaging shows how long the product is generally usable after opening — but for mascara, take the three months as your guide.
A common mistake speeds up drying: pumping with the wand. Repeatedly plunging the brush into the tube to pick up more product mostly pumps in air — the mascara dries out and grows germs faster. Better to draw the wand out with a single twisting motion. And water or saliva to loosen dried-out mascara are off-limits, because they introduce extra germs.
Just as important is not sharing mascara. It sounds harmless, but it transfers germs directly from eye to eye and can pass on infections. Each mascara belongs to one person only. And if you use several mascaras for different occasions, still keep an eye on each opening date, because the three months run from first opening, not from last use.
How do I spot old mascara?
Old mascara shows through texture, smell and reaction:
The mascara strings, clumps or is hard to apply.
A chemical or unpleasant smell shows the product has spoiled.
Itchy, watering or reddened eyes after applying: discard at once.
Replacement interval at a glance
After opening, the clock starts:
| Situation | Replace |
|---|---|
| After opening | about 3 months |
| Unopened (cool, dark) | to the expiry date |
| Dried out/clumpy | replace at once |
| After an eye infection | replace at once |
Keep it hygienic longer
This keeps mascara hygienic until you replace it:
Replace after 3 months — a fixed rhythm protects the eyes.
Do not pump — draw the wand out with a twist, do not plunge it into the tube.
Do not dilute — no water or saliva into the tube.
Do not share — never use mascara together with others.
Common myths
A few myths surround mascara:
No — after about three months it is due for hygiene reasons.
On the contrary — it pumps in air and dries the mascara out faster.
No — that only brings extra germs into the product.
After conjunctivitis or an eye infection, discard the used mascara at once, no matter how old, to avoid reinfection. Noting the opening date on the tube with a small sticker or waterproof pen keeps the three-month rhythm always in view. The same, by the way, goes for liquid eyeliner and lash serum, applied close to the eye and hygienic only a few months after opening. Powder products like eyeshadow are hardier and keep much longer, but should also be replaced after an eye infection.