I have a drawer for all the mascara I test and use, it’s not a big drawer and every so often I like to be ruthless and bin the majority to make room for the new bigger and better mascaras that are emerging (too few & far between lately!).
The other more obvious and less frugal reason for binning what looks like perfectly good product is the use by date. This is important for every cosmetic product but it is particularly so for mascara, they are a breeding ground like no other for bacteria, and these bacteria can cause very very nasty infections within the eyes. I don’t need to tell anyone how precious your sight is!
The manufacturers are obliged to give you a guideline in regards to how long the product will last once opened, you’re looking for a pot with a little open lid as pictured below on Rimmel’s Sexy Curves Mascara. The number inside the pot is the number of months the product is good for after opening.
Rimmel’s time period is extremely optimistic IMO, most mascaras tend to read good for 6 months, a few 3. The rule for my own mascara is generally 3-4 months, by which stage if I love it its finished anyway or if its not I don’t like it enough to keep it.
In regards to mascara I have to use on other people, I keep that for 1 month and then dispose of regardless of what amount is left. I always use disposable wands which are cheap to buy but avoid double dipping and product contamination. Even if you’re not a pro make-up artist, but like to practice looks on friends & family you should get yourself some wands and get into the habit. Your bessie mate won’t thank you for conjunctivitis :S
So what did I throw out today then?
- MAC Plush Lash – Messy wand, too much like hard work for me
- Enormous Lash – Completely done, won’t be re-purchasing, vaseline is giving the same effects
- L’Oreal Double Extension Waterproof – horrible formula, dried up within a few weeks
- NARS Mascara Black Orchid – Yawn, boring boring boring and horrid smell
- Bourjois Volume & Glamour – Nasty over-powering paint type smell which made eyes water
- Bourjois Liner Effect – what a crock of sh*t, review here
- No7 Lash 360˚- Colour more dark grey than black, formulation dry, never going to get used up
So what have you binned recenty? Or are you one of these people that has drawers of things they don’t use but are convinced they might need some day? 
xox
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a ruthless 'thrower outer' and come under lots of criticism from friends and family for not having sentimental value for things. It's hard to strike a happy medium!
I think we're cut from the same cloth, I am ruthless, give me a skip and I'll overfill it, I think it comes from having moved house 4 times in the past 5 years.
I'm of the mind, do we really need it? Is it possible to buy a new one?
Needless to say I have a savings account with a pitiful balance… xo
LOL loving the reviews espec the one for Bourjois Liner Effect. Am moving to Oz in July and the main worry is what am I gonna do with my make up collection – have been trying to cut back and use up so that I have less to throw out but its tough going.
Mascara is the one thing I have no probs getting rid of after a few mths. For that reason I think its better not to invest in the more expensive brands – its too hard to part with them after just a few mths use!
Lucky you, I'd trade gloomy NI for anywhere sunnier/ warmer in a flash at the moment. Saying that I'll probably always live here, my Mum would disown me if I moved!
Totally with you on the mascara front, my favourite which is now discontinued *cry* is L'Oreal's Voluminous. x
My bundle of five Voluminous arrived on saturday, a happy girl I am knowing I have enough to keep me going for a while anyway, love love love that mascara!
I couldn't find mine the other nite before going out and used the Max Factor 2000 Calories, was ok, but just not the same. Now found and such a difference, I just love the wand, makes my spidery lashes look so much fuller x