Some could argue that your makeup look isn’t complete without a swipe of mascara. Whether you have a more minimalist style or prefer a glam squad-worth MOTD, this makeup bag staple is a hot ticket item. But, according to makeup artists, we’ve been doing it all wrong when it comes to buying mascara — instead of opting for full-size formulas, we need to start reaching for those tiny travel-size tubes.
Table Of Contents
Is It Safe to Use Old Mascara?
Why Are Mini Mascaras So Expensive?
The Best Travel-Size Mascaras for Cheap
Full-size mascara tubes are technically all travel-size. However, makeup brands like Benefit Cosmetics and Too Faced make mini-size versions that take up less space in your toiletry bag while traveling or on the go. “The smaller size makes [mini mascaras] incredibly convenient for on-the-go use and ensures you can always touch up your lashes when needed,” says Nikki Reece, a makeup artist and owner of Allure Faces by Nikki. “Whether you’re headed to work, a social event, or a weekend getaway, travel-size mascara fits easily into your purse, clutch, or even pocket.”
As much as we appreciate their compact design, size isn’t actually why mini mascaras are so amazing. According to Reece, one of the biggest benefits of travel-size mascara is that they reduce product waste and allow you to achieve a more effective application without the risk of the formula drying out. “Since mascara has a relatively short shelf life of about three to six months after opening, many people find it difficult to use up a full-sized tube before it expires,” she explains. With a smaller, travel-size mascara, the formula stays fresh and, therefore, keeps its integrity and allows for a better application every time you use it.
Looking to refresh your mascara stash? We share more about the magic of mini mascaras, plus our top picks for the best cheap travel-size tubes, ahead.
Is It Safe to Use Old Mascara?
A poor application experience isn’t the only reason not to use old mascaras. On top of losing their moisture, old mascaras come with an additional set of concerns that might make you re-think reaching for that expired tube. “Old mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria,” says Reece. She explains that, as the mascara ages, it becomes more susceptible to contamination, especially if it’s your favorite formula that gets a ton of use. “Every time you dip the wand back into the tube, you introduce air and potentially bacteria, which can lead to eye infections such as pink eye,” she notes.
On top of inviting bacteria into your mascara tube, dried-out mascara can get clumpy and difficult to apply to the lashes. Reece says this often results in flakey lashes which can not only ruin the look of your makeup application but can also cause irritation if the flakes fall into your eyes. Dry mascara can also impact your lashes’ health and cause them to become brittle and break, which Reece says can be damaging over time.
If you are in a pinch, there are some tricks for what to do when mascara is dry, but celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa recommends tossing your tube ASAP to prevent the risks of infection of clumpy, dried lashes. “A travel size option is perfect if you want to save money and add a fresh mascara back into your bag,” she notes.
Why Are Mini Mascaras So Expensive?
Since they are smaller than full-size mascara tubes, travel-size mascaras cost less. This makes them a go-to sample size for those times when you want to test out a new mascara and don’t want to fork over that full-size price (which, for some brands, is not cheap). As much as we love mini mascaras, they aren’t that cheap when you consider the cost per ounce though. This is why some might prefer to go with the bigger tube and get more formula for their money.
However, when you consider the life span of a mascara tube, how much and how often you use it, and how quickly some formulas can dry out, you actually end up wasting a lot of product when purchasing a full-size bottle — even if the cost per ounce looks less upfront.
With mini mascaras, you end up spending less and wasting less while experiencing the formula’s integrity for longer.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Walmart is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
The Best Travel-Size Mascaras for Cheap
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Magnet Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Magnet Powerful Lifting and Lengthening Mascara
If you love Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real mascara (honestly, who doesn’t?) and don’t want to run to risk of wasting that precious formula, you can get a cheaper and smaller tube at Walmart for just $7.50. This mini mascara features the same lifting and lengthening effect as its full-size counterpart, only more compact.
Size: 0.1 oz.
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (3-Pack)
Travel-size mascaras aren’t always the cheapest option when you look at the cost per ounce. So, if you’re looking for additional ways to save without skimping on formula quality, consider this three-pack of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash mascara. The volumizing mascara breaks down to around $4 per 0.9-ounce tube.
Size: 0.9 oz.
e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara
e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara
For a travel-size mascara with an hourglass applicator that can lift lashes and add impressive volume, consider the e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara. This formula is enriched with jojoba wax to provide an ultra-smooth, never-clumpy finish and can even help you achieve some curl, too.
Size: 0.14 oz.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Of course, the cult-favorite Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara also comes in a mini size. A full-size tube costs around $30, so it’s a bit of an investment (especially when you consider the potential product waste). So, we prefer the travel-size tube, which you can find at Walmart for less than $15.
Size: 0.17 oz.
Babe Lash Enriching Mascara Mini
Babe Lash Enriching Mascara Mini
We like our mascaras with a little extra oomph — and we aren’t just talking about volume. The Babe Lash Enriching Mascara might come in mini form, but it still boasts some mighty benefits. This mini mascara is enriched with lots of nourishing ingredients such as olive oil and peptides to support lash health while also lengthening from roots to ends.
