How To Fix Dry Mascara: 5 Tips To Try

Regardless of whether you’re relatively new to makeup or are a seasoned veteran, you’ve likely had to figure out how to fix dry mascara at some point. It’s an inevitable occurrence—after a few months of use, mascara has the tendency to dry up a bit. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw it away (unless, of course, it’s expired). There are a few tricks you can follow to rehydrate dried-out mascara so it gives you gorgeous volume and length, just like the formula did when you first bought it. Below, we’re sharing tips on how to make mascara last longer and cluing you in on what to do if your favorite formula starts feeling drier than you’d like.

How To Keep Mascara From Drying Out

Before we talk about how to fix dried-out mascara, we’re going to tell you what you can do to keep your mascara from drying out prematurely. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to make sure you tightly close the tube every time you apply your mascara and mascara primer. If the cap is left unsealed, it can make the formula dry out faster.

Another thing to avoid is pumping the wand into the mascara repeatedly. Though you may be tempted to do this to get even more product on the wand, pumping the wand forces air inside the tube, which can lead to the mascara drying out faster than it normally would. The more you know!

5 Ways To Revive Dry Mascara

If you’ve reached the point where your mascara is dry and difficult to apply, you’ll likely find yourself wondering how to rehydrate mascara enough so that it’s still usable. That’s where we come in. Keep reading to discover five useful dry mascara hacks worth trying.

1. Add some contact lens solution

To quickly revive your mascara, add a couple of drops of contact lens or saline solution to the mascara tube. (Two to three drops should be more than enough.) Then, twist on the lid and shake the tube to disperse the liquid. This is a simple, foolproof way to get a few more uses out of your dry mascara with products you likely already have on hand.

2. Add a drop of aloe vera

Aloe vera is a savior for dry skin, and it can also help to rehydrate a tube of dried-out mascara. Like the contact solution trick, add a drop or two of aloe vera gel to your tube of mascara, seal the top, and shake or roll the tube between your hands to blend the two together. This will buy you a few more uses and help the mascara glide on more smoothly.

3. Soak your mascara in a cup of hot water

If you’re wondering how to fix dried mascara without eye drops or aloe vera, there are a few things you can try. Dunking the mascara tube in hot water is one of the easiest hacks (and doesn’t require using anything you don’t already have at home). Fill a coffee mug with hot water and let the tube of mascara sit in the cup for about 10 minutes. Make sure the cap is sealed so water doesn’t get inside the tube. Soaking the mascara tube will help warm up and soften the formula, giving you a few more uses out of your dry mascara.

4. Swipe oil onto your lashes

If you have coconut oil on hand, try brushing some through your lashes with a spoolie brush before swiping on your mascara (castor oil works, too). The oil should help loosen up any dried clumps of mascara for a more seamless application. It may also help soften and condition your lashes, too.

5. Apply petroleum jelly to your lash line

If you’re not sold on the thought of applying oil so close to your lash line, you can brush petroleum jelly through your fringe for a similar mascara-softening effect. Just be careful not to get any petroleum jelly in your eyes as you swipe it through your lashes.

How Often Should I Replace My Mascara?

In comparison to powder blush or bronzer (which can sometimes last for years), mascara and other eye products have a relatively short lifespan. Typically, three to six months is the standard shelf life for a tube of mascara, and it’s important to follow to reduce the risk of irritation to the eye area. Defer to the instructions and labels on the packaging of your mascara to see how often you should replace it. If you can’t remember when you bought your mascara, we suggest tossing and replacing it to be safe.

Next time you’re in the market for a new tube, consider picking up the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara. The clump-resistant formula enhances lashes with intense length for up to 50% longer lashes.

If you’d prefer a washable mascara for easier removal, try the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Washable Mascara. Swipe on a few coats of the lightweight buildable formula for a natural look, or add up to 30 layers for dramatically long, voluminous fringe. Thanks to the formula’s self-smoothing complex, you’ll enjoy gorgeous-looking lashes without any clumping, no matter how many layers you apply.

Should I Add Water to My Dry Mascara?

In a pinch, water can help revive dry mascara, but it’s not going to work as well as contact or saline solution. Instead of adding water to your mascara, let the tube sit in a cup of warm water. This method loosens up the dry formula inside and is more effective than pouring tap water into the tube.

Next Up: How To Remove Waterproof Mascara and Other Waterproof Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris