Fix Your Dry Mascara With These 4 Expert Tips

By Maya Ernest

Published on Aug 9, 2024

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Mascara adds that extra oomph to any look, but that oomph can quickly turn into an ugh if your mascara has dried out prematurely. A stale mascara leads to clumpy application and flaky wear, which takes away from your glam instead of adding to it as a fresh mascara does. And while people who wear mascara every day might not experience this as often, a dried-out mascara can happen to anyone—but the good news is, there are ways to bring your mascara back to life.

That said, it’s important to know the shelf life of your products: If you’ve used your mascara longer than three months, it’s time to trade it in for a new one. “I personally do not try to fix a dry mascara, as you’ll never get it back to its prime state, so for me, once it’s dried out, it’s time for a new one,” makeup artist Diana Kraut tells IPSY. “If you’re someone who doesn’t wear mascara often and don’t want to have to keep buying pricey mascaras before you’ve even used up a tube, stick to a drugstore brand.” Should your mascara dry out unseasonably early, however, you can try reviving it with the following tips. Brittle lashes, be gone

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MEET THE EXPERT

Diana Kraut is an editorial and celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.

How to Fix Dry Mascara

1. Try The Hot Water Hack

Turns out, you can use a bowl and some hot water to bring your mascara back to life. “If you’re in a pinch and only have a dried out mascara to work with in the moment, I suggest placing the closed tube in warm water for five minutes,” says Kraut. The temperature of the water will help melt the thick formula of the mascara, bringing back its original liquid consistency.

2. Thin It Out With Lens Solution

Kraut doesn’t recommend adding water, or any other liquid, to the mascara itself as it can contaminate the product. If you wear contact lenses, however, chances are you probably have some eye-friendly products like lens solution or saline solution lying around. Try adding a few drops to your mascara to revive it, and then roll the mascara tube between your palms to warm up and de-clump the formula. Since lens solution and eye drops are more viscous (and sterile) than plain water, you don’t have to worry about your mascara getting too liquidy—or inviting any unwanted infections.

3. Add Oil to Your Lashes

While you should avoid adding oil directly into your mascara, swiping some on your lashes can help soften the product and deter a flaky application. Try adding a natural oil—think coconut, almond, or castor oil—to your lashes with a fresh, clean spoolie (not the mascara wand itself). Apply from the lash line to the tip, and then brush your mascara on for nourished, moisturized lashes.

4. Don’t Pump Your Mascara

“Mascara gets dry with repeated exposure to the air, and every time we open the tube and take the wand out, the product is exposed to air and dries out over time,” says Kraut. She advises against pumping air into the mascara tube and encourages storing it properly when not in use. When you are using your mascara, simply swirl the wand and push it against the sides of the tube to get rid of excess product. This will ensure your mascara stays fresh as long as possible. Otherwise, you’ll be turning to these tips a lot more than necessary!

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