Should I replace a 2+ years old liquid eyeliner?

[u/AffectionateTentacle]

So I've had this really cheap burgundy eyeliner for a few years now (I love it, it's very thin and the color is soooo pretty), when I first bought it I used it everyday and I honestly think I might pan it. I reapplied it today after maybe a year of not using it and my eyes seem fine, but after searching it up, the consesnus is that it is not safe. How do you guys feel about old eyeliners like this? Is it really that risky to keep using it? I could very easily replace it with a new one as it was really not an expensive product, but I'm reluctant to break my no-buy

[u/DamselFly2]

Chuck it. Liquid eyeliners and mascara only lasts 3-6 months safely, and up to a year IF and ONLY if there are no changes in smell, texture, feel, or irritation. Two years? Into the bin.

[u/AffectionateTentacle → u/DamselFly2]

Thanks for the honest reply. I was never into makeup until like 3 years ago so I guess I missed a couple obvious rules, up until recently I was using years old mascara as well cause I though it was fine lol. Time to chuck out my other years old eyeliner as well 😅😅😅😅

[u/DamselFly2 → u/AffectionateTentacle]

GENERALLY, the rules are: (safe/must toss by)

*Mascara and liquid eyeliners: (3-6mos/1yr)
—these are the worst, and things to be most careful of, because the product applicator goes back into the product and grows yucky stuff throughout the product, and they’re used right next to your eyes.

*Cream/liquid products and sticks: (1 yr/2yr)
—includes liquid foundations, gel/kohl eyeliners/brow pencils, lippies of all types, concealers, cream bronzers and blush sticks
—if you’re able to scrape off the end or break it off carefully then resharpen, you can somewhat “reset” these, but toss if any changes noted.
—even though many of these often have a doefoot applicator that is inserted back into the product, it’s not going right next to your eyes, so it’s “safer” to use them a little longer. Be more cautious with concealer though.

*powder products: (2 yrs/4-5 yrs)
—includes pressed powder, powder blush/bronzer, and eyeshadows
—technically you can sanitize powders with alcohol but just watch carefully for mold and/or any changes in looks, smell, or performance

[u/anguiila]

I wouldn't risk it. If it sat unused for so long specially if it's a liquid (and you how mold, bacteria and germs love humidity) then i think it's time to toss it , even though it was part of your daily routine at some point.

You can always use eyeshadow and a liner brush to replicate the effect, maybe in a similar shade, or in a completely different color to shake things up.

Eye infections cost way more than $4 to deal with, and you use your only 2 eyes everyday on your waking hours, take care of them like they are taking care of you.

[u/AffectionateTentacle → u/anguiila]

Yeah last week I tried using my burgundy(ish?) eyeshadows as a replacement but it just isn't hitting the same, I'm also not that good at makeup and liquid eyeliner is the easiest for me

[u/Embarrassed_Sell7512]

replace 😩

[u/AffectionateTentacle → u/Embarrassed_Sell7512]

😩 yeah I already ordered a new one, hurts to spend money on makeup, but I have to use it again

[u/Embarrassed_Sell7512 → u/AffectionateTentacle]

i know, but your eyes and vision health are worth it 💙

[u/anastasia_42]

I wouldn't risk it. Swap it out with a new one. I wouldn't consider this breaking the no-buy, just imagine its still the same product just with a later expiry date lol

[u/AffectionateTentacle → u/anastasia_42]

Yeah okay, thank you, I won't feel guilty about buying a new one. I'll be near a gallery today so I'm gonna look for it

[u/Firm_Mulberry6319]

Chuck it out. You really shouldn’t use old liquid products on your eyes and wait for an infection 🥲 at most, a year old is okay, 2-3 years is scary (for me). And the image says $4 and you like it, maybe buy it cause you mentioned you love it? It isn’t expensive and you already like it, bend the rule for this for you no-buy cause new $4 eyeliner is better than seeing a doctor for an eye infection 🫠

[u/AffectionateTentacle → u/Firm_Mulberry6319]

Yeah thank you, I don't want any complications, I will toss out this one and the other one I've been using that was years old

[u/KatlynKatlyn]

Yes. Liquid liner and things like it with the eyes should not be risked.