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Some would argue that no makeup look is complete without a coat of mascara. Whether you prefer a minimalist style or a glamorous look, this makeup bag staple is a popular choice. But according to makeup artists, we're all buying mascara all wrong: Instead of opting for a full-sized formula, we're reaching for the tiny travel-sized tubes.
All full-sized mascara tubes are technically travel-sized. However, beauty brands like Benefit Cosmetics and Too Faced make mini versions that take up less space in your beauty bag when you're traveling or on the go. [mini mascaras] “They're super convenient for on-the-go use, allowing you to touch up your lashes whenever you need to,” says Nikki Reece, makeup artist and owner of Allure Faces by Nikki. “Whether you're at work, a social event, or just taking a weekend getaway, travel-sized mascaras fit easily into your purse, clutch, or even your pocket.”
The compact design of mini mascaras is great, but the size isn't the only great thing about them. According to Reese, one of the biggest benefits of travel-sized mascaras is that they reduce product waste and allow for more effective application without the risk of ingredients drying out. “Mascara has a relatively short shelf life, about three to six months after opening, so many people find it difficult to use a full-sized tube before it expires,” Reese explains. With smaller travel-sized mascaras, ingredients stay fresher, maintaining their integrity and resulting in a cleaner application with every use.
Looking to refresh your mascara stock? Find out more about the magic of mini mascara, plus our top picks for cheap, travel-friendly mascara tubes.
Is it safe to use my old mascara?
Uncomfortable application isn't the only reason to steer clear of old mascara. In addition to losing moisture, old mascara also comes with a few concerns that might make you hesitate to reach for that expired tube. “Old mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria,” says Reese. As mascara gets older, it becomes more susceptible to contamination, she explains, especially if you use your favorite formula frequently. “Every time you put your brush back into the tube, air gets trapped, potentially introducing bacteria, which can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis,” she points out.
Not only can bacteria get into mascara tubes, but dry mascara can also cake and become harder to apply to your lashes. This can lead to flaking, which not only ruins the look of your makeup, but can also get into your eyes and cause irritation, says Reese. Dry mascara can also affect the health of your lashes, making them brittle and more prone to breakage, which Reese says can cause damage to your lashes over time.
In case you're in a pinch, there are a few things you can do when your mascara dries out, but celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa recommends throwing out the tube of mascara as soon as possible to prevent the risk of infection caused by dry, caked lashes. “If you want to save money and put a new mascara back in your bag, travel sizes are a great choice,” she points out.
Why are mini mascaras so expensive?
Travel size mascaras are less expensive because they are smaller than full size mascara tubes. They are my go-to sample size when I want to try a new mascara but don't want to pay the full size price (which isn't cheap depending on the brand). I love mini mascaras, but when you consider the cost per ounce, they're not that cheap. That's why some people prefer to opt for the larger tubes and get more bang for their buck.
But when you consider the lifespan of a tube of mascara, how much and how often you use it, how quickly some products dry out, etc., you'll actually end up wasting a lot of product when buying a full-sized bottle, even if the cost per ounce seems cheaper at first.
With a mini mascara, you can enjoy the integrity of the formula for longer, with less expense and less waste.
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The best cheap travel size mascara
Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Magnetic Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics The Real Thing! Magnet Powerful Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
If you love Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real mascara (honestly, who doesn't?) but don't want to risk wasting its precious ingredients, you can pick up a cheaper, smaller tube at Walmart for just $7.50. This mini mascara has the same lifting and lengthening benefits as the full-sized mascara, but in a more compact package.
Size: 0.1 oz.
Estee Lauder Sunptures Extreme Mascara
Estee Lauder Sumptus Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (3 Pack)
Travel-sized mascaras aren't always the cheapest option when it comes to cost per ounce, so if you're looking for even more ways to save without sacrificing the quality of the formula, consider this 3-pack of Estée Lauder Sunptures Extreme Lash Mascara The volumizing mascara is priced at around $4 per 0.9-ounce tube.
Size: 0.9 oz.
ELF Big Mood Mascara
If you're looking for a travel-sized mascara with an hourglass applicator that lifts your lashes and adds dramatic volume, look no further than ELF Big Mood Mascara, which is infused with jojoba wax for an ultra-smooth, clump-free finish with a curling effect.
Size: 0.14oz
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Of course, Too Faced's cult-favorite Better Than Sex Mascara also comes in a mini size, but a full-sized tube is about $30, so it's a bit of an investment (especially when you consider the potential for product waste), so I recommend the travel-sized tube, which you can pick up at Walmart for under $15.
Size: 0.17oz
Babe Lash Enriching Mascara Mini
Babe Lash Enriching Mascara Mini
We love a mascara with a little extra volume, and we don't just mean volume. Babe Lash Enriching Mascara may be mini, but it still packs a punch. This mini mascara is packed with nourishing ingredients like olive oil and peptides to help support lash health while lengthening from root to tip.
Size: 0.1 oz.
