How to save money on (and get the most out of) high-end mascara

I've yet to meet anyone (except makeup artists) who can go through an entire tube of mascara inside of its ridiculously short life span. In case you missed that memo, let me educate you. You're supposed to toss out your mascara three months after you open it. Why? Because your eyes are a sensitive area, and opening and closing your precious mascara tube will introduce bacteria. Oh, and by the way, bacteria thrives and multiplies in dark, damp places. Essentially, a tube of mascara is a great bacterial breeding ground. Awesome right? That's also why you're not supposed to share that mess. You'll spread disease faster than most outbreak-type movie plots. Just don't do it.

This little three-month mandate has kept me far far away from pretty much any high-end mascara purchase (unless it was a gift).After all, I regularly toss out half full tubes of my go-to  L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black without remorse because (1) I love my eye sight and don't want pink eye (or whatever) and (2) that stuff is cheap, fabulous, and readily accessible. So if I have to replace it often, I'm glad it's not setting me back.

But the thought of spending more than $20 on a mascara that I'll never finish is enough to make me sweat -- no matter how luscious it promises to make my lashes. I just can't purposely toss that much money down the drain on the reg. I suspect there are a lot of you out there who feel the same way.

Well, let me share a little secret with you that will leaving you wondering how you didn't think of it sooner. Ready? Purchase travel-sized high-end mascaras. That's it. Easy.

Yep, that was pretty much my reaction when I was told too. Seriously, how did something so simple escape me for so long?! Travel-sized mascara tubes have enough product to get you through the three month life span without wasting precious product. You'll either use it all up in that time or you'll be pretty darn close.

Now shimmy on over to the nearest makeup counter and pick up that mascara you've always wanted to try. If you need any suggestions, check out Benefit's They're Real - I love that stuff (and yes, I have the travel size).