After navigating a veritable obstacle course – testing a plethora of mascaras, zigzagging across the lashes and tossing one or two aside – you’ve finally landed on the ideal mascara, the one that perfectly meets your standards. It’s the perfect mascara: incredibly lightweight, it lengthens and volumizes your lashes, and meets every one of your needs.
However, it sometimes happens that the brush you cherish dries out, becomes clumpy, and loses its effectiveness even before its expiration date. It’s annoying, isn’t it? But what if you could bring that mascara back to its original state? Don’t throw away your favorite mascara; try these tips instead!
Before that, what is the reason why your mascara dries out in such a short time?
Let’s be clear: mascara has the shortest shelf life of any beauty product; it is recommended to discard it after three months of use. After all, it is a liquid formula – much more susceptible to bacterial growth than powders or products with more complex formulations. Now that we’ve identified the problem, let’s look at the reasons why your mascara is drying so quickly.
- Excessive pumping: Any makeup expert will attest to this: Every time you insert the brush into the mascara tube, you’re pumping air in, which speeds up the drying of the formula. Furthermore, many bacteria thrive in the presence of oxygen; by allowing air into the tubes, you encourage product contamination. So, how should you use it correctly? Simply grab the brush and rub it against the inside of the tube. You can rotate the brush to pick up the product that sticks to the side.
- Don’t forget the importance of proper tube closure. The label clearly states that it is imperative to secure the cap to prevent it from drying out. If the tube is not hermetically sealed, air and heat will seep into the product, causing the liquid formula to become too thick. Therefore, make sure you seal your mascara tightly.
Once these precautions are taken, let’s move on to the solution. Discover 4 tips for reviving dried-up mascara!
Lens Solution Hack
For contact lens wearers, this trick is the ideal method to revive dried-out mascara. A few drops of saline contact lens solution or eye drops will restore the formula to a liquid consistency that is safe for the eyes. Start by adding two drops of contact lens solution to the tube.
Next, warm the product by gently rolling the tube between hands for a short while. This step helps thin out the formula, which has become too thick. Add more drops as needed, depending on how much mascara is left in the tube.
The Hot Water Hack
One of the simplest and most effective tricks is to soak your mascara in hot water. The thick formula thins, bringing your mascara back to like-new condition. Fill a coffee mug with hot water and immerse the tube in it for a few minutes.
Make sure the cap is sealed tightly to prevent water from seeping inside. If your mascara wand is caked with a dry, painted formula that is difficult to clean, the hot water will leave it perfectly clean and smudge-free.
Aloe Vera Gel Hack
Are you looking for a trick that not only revives your mascara but also nourishes your lashes? Try aloe vera gel. Pour a few drops of aloe vera gel into the mascara tube, then shake vigorously for about two minutes. Make sure that the aloe vera gel does not contain chemicals as these can harm your eyes. Add more drops depending on the consistency of the product. Let it sit and then mix in circular motions.
Nourishing Oil Hack
The last tip is to add oil in the formula. It is an excellent source of vitamin E and fatty acids, which nourish your lashes and give them the much-needed nutrients they crave. It helps smooth the cuticle and improves the luster and shine of your lashes.
In addition, adding this miracle oil to your mascara tube will dilute the formula – a beneficial step for product preservation. Many people use olive oil or castor oil to restore their mascara to its original consistency. These oils are safe for the skin and can make your lashes look fuller, shinier, and healthier. Just add a few drops of oil to the mixture and then mix gently.
As we mentioned earlier, mascara has a relatively short shelf life; therefore, be vigilant and throw it away before the expiration date – after all, your beautiful eyes deserve to be protected.