Mascara - Our Favorite Makeup

Here in the United States, women love mascara.  We use it every day. In fact, studies show that women apply mascara nine times a week.  That's more than once a day.  And, it's the one makeup we just can't live without.  It's very important to us, but most of us don't know how to care for our mascara.  We don't know when to throw these little beauties out.

Why do I need to throw out my mascara tube?

This is not actually a question I get that often from my patients.  But, it's one that I should get, because not many of us women know the answer.  Mascara, just like a jug of milk or a loaf of bread, has a shelf life. There are preservatives in it to keep it fresh, but they only last so long.

Mascara is applied to our eyelashes, and then the wand is put right back into the tube.  We do this over and over, sometimes multiple times during an application.  But, our eyelashes and eyelids have bacteria that naturally live on them. 

But, I'm a Clean Person

This is something that I do hear a lot.  I can't have bacteria on my lids.  I'm a clean person.  That may be absolutely true, but it's normal for the bacteria to live on your skin.   It's not that your lids are dirty. We all have them just like the bacteria in our stomach, that digest dairy. We need them otherwise we can enjoy an ice cream cone.

The bacteria that are on our lids and lashes can get onto your mascara brush as you're applying it.  And then, you put the wand back down into this nice dark cozy tube where they can flourish and live and multiply.  After a period of time, this wonderful mascara tube is now filled with more bacteria than mascara. Gross.

 How often do I throw out my mascara tube?

This means you need to throw the mascara tube out regularly. Now in general, I recommend that you throw out your mascara every three months. To remind yourself, you could put it on your calendar. Or, you could put a reminder on your phone to throw it out on time.

When you keep the mascara tube too long, you may notice the mascara changing.  It may seem dry, chunky, or caked up when you try to get it out of the tube.  Sometimes, my patients tell me that they add water to loosen it up again.  Do not do this!!!

The mascara is chunky because it is full of bacteria.  Never add anything to your mascara tube or heat it up to get more out.  If it is dried up, throw it out.  And, do not heat it up to get the last bit out of it either.

Eyes Are The Story

I have been talking a lot about a new beauty brand called Eyes Are The Story.  This beauty brand was developed by a team of eye doctors with our eye health in mind.  The products in their line are all eye-friendly.  The mascara comes in these smaller tubes: 

In this case, you can use the mascara and each little tube will last about a month.  The mascara comes in a three-pack.  So instead of using one tube for three months, you'd use three separate tubes for three months and they get a new package. 

Eyes Are The Story has a line of beauty products, which are all completely eye-friendly.  They are great for those of us with sensitive eyes.  None of their products contain toxic ingredients or eye irritants.  Use the code: WINKWINK to get a 20% discount off your first order on their website.

Best Way to Remove Mascara?

To keep the bacteria living on your lids and lashes at bay and not allow them to over-populate, it's important to remove all of your makeup at the end of the day.  Remember, these bacteria are the ones that are making your eyes sensitive in the first place.  Having an abundance of them will only cause more redness and irritation. 

If you don't have a favorite eye makeup remover, please check out my guide called the Ultimate Guide to Makeup Removers for sensitive eyes. Download it here. 

Also, Eyes Are The Story brand has convenient eye makeup remover wipes.  They are individually wrapped.  They are wonderful for trips or just removing at the end of the day. 

CONCLUSION

Mascara makes our eyelashes look longer and darker.  We love it and can't live without it.  However, it can be the cause of your red, irritated eyes.  You can help your eyes out by throwing out your tube every 1 - 3 months.  And by remembering to remove your eye makeup before bed.  Check out the Guide to Makeup Removers for sensitive eyes here.  Also, Eyes Are The Story has a line of eye-friendly makeup that includes a mascara and makeup remover wipe that won't irritate your eyes.