really, really dumb question.

So I have a bunch of mascaras, and my only problem is, I cant be sure when they're like, empty. Its really tough to tell since my lashes are thick and black as it is. I don't know.

Does anyone know how long an average tube is supposed to last? Or how to tell when its finished? I'm sorry guys, I feel really stupid posting something like this, but you're probably the only ones that would know.

You should throw them out regardless of if they're empty after 2-3 months. Also, around that time, after the mascara dries on your lashes it will get really crumbly and gross. That's how you know.

lol actually, I just had to buy mascara cuz my was all dried up.
When I went to put it on it just felt sticky, and nothing happened to my lashes, I felt like straining trying to get some coating.

I'm guilty of using mascaras faaar too long.
I always have several I switch between..which means I keep them for longer than I should because I have so many.

^I do the same thing. ^_^ I have four that I switch between. haha. I'm a mascara whore.

They say 3 months, but I always go 6-7 at least and I've never had any problems.

^ Same here.

Coming from a make up artist (my tutors), they've said it's all in how you use it. If you wash your face well before applying it, you can use it as long as you're able- until it dries up or starts going crappy or whatever. If you just chuck it on without a proper hygeine routine before hand, all sorts of stuff are gonna be living in it.

Le_Saboteur wrote:

^ Same here.

Coming from a make up artist (my tutors), they've said it's all in how you use it. If you wash your face well before applying it, you can use it as long as you're able- until it dries up or starts going crappy or whatever. If you just chuck it on without a proper hygeine routine before hand, all sorts of stuff are gonna be living in it.

Eek, I hate the thought of all this bacteria swarming inside my mascara. Thanks for the help guys! I think I have some to throw away...

^ aw, haha. normally I just freak and throw them out every other allergic reaction. I was guilty of holding on to my lash stylist for about a year; I lost it for a good 4 months or so, and the whole time it was in a cool place - so it hadn't even gone bad! n.n

I wonder what's considered cool for mascara storing.

So I just was messing around with my big fatty mascara, and it sort of smells weird. But I'm not sure if its the mascara smell and I never noticed it. Help? I don't want to throw that one out. Its my favorite

isn't the general rule that if it smells weird, you throw it out?
that's what i've always been told..

Maybe if you can smell it when you take it out of the tube, without giving it a sniff, it'd be safer to chuck it. Do your other mascaras smell the same?

I have a drawer for all my makeup, which is where I keep just about everything. I have a little container out on my dresser though, with the basics in it, so when I'm in a hurry, I can grab them, slap them on, and run out the door. I keep one mascara there too, so it'll be done for in another two months, max. But keep your absolute favourites in a drawer, where it won't be exposed to a lot of heat or anything.

If its got a strange scent to it - one that you aren't used to - then generally, its a sign that its gone bad. But if it isn't bothering your eyes or anything, then continue to use it.

Le_Saboteur wrote:

Maybe if you can smell it when you take it out of the tube, without giving it a sniff, it'd be safer to chuck it. Do your other mascaras smell the same?

I think if I sniff it first, then I smell it. My lash blast I can smell when it comes out of the tube, but that's definitely the smell of mascara. I think I'll just throw it out. I want to try colossal anyway.

colossal will be a bit annoying with the first few uses, but once it thickens up [after it comes in contact with air a few times] it will apply better, and won't be as runny. its not the best out there [full n soft = HG status], but is good for everyday wear.

Hmmm. Might as well give it a try. Thanks for the heads-up on the runnyness.

NP! all maybelline mascaras are like that with the first 3-4 uses, then the formula thickens up. I need to replace my colossal with a waterproof formula now that school is starting...my eyes get super watery so colossal won't be a smart choice -.-

Whatever you do, don't get waterproof lash blast. It stays on your eyes FOREVER. Like, it finally comes off maybe 3-4 days later. And believe me, I've tried getting it off.

sadly, I did, and I gave it to mum. I only bought it to compare to colossal...and there is no comparison. I don't use CG mascaras anymore solely because they're just TOO difficult to remove, and pull lashes off in the process.