We’ve all tried different mascaras in the search for the best eyelashes. But they seem to have one common issue: they don’t last long. Opening a mascara tube to find it clumpy or dry is not unusual. Luckily, there are some tips to help extend the life of your mascara. It mainly involves patience with the tube and the way you apply the mascara.
Your eyes play a big role in communication, and making your lashes more noticeable can draw attention and make you appear more approachable. Mascara is a popular beauty tool many women use daily. For some, it’s a ritual that opens up their eyes, giving an effect similar to eyeliner. Others might skip mascara daily, saving it for special occasions, only to find it dries out or gets clumpy quickly, which can be quite frustrating and feel like a waste of money.
Learning a few tricks can make your mascara last twice as long, saving you from spending monthly on new tubes. These tips aren’t just for mascara; they can work with other beauty products too.
Mascara tubes are designed to be airtight, but as soon as you open them, air gets in, which leads to drying. To prevent this, ensure that you close your mascara tightly after each use.
1. Never pump the wand into the tube. Pumping pushes air in, which makes mascara dry up faster and go on clumpy. Instead, swirl the brush gently to coat it.
2. Wipe off any excess mascara before it dries completely. This step helps prevent clumping and drying. Remember, removing excess is just a temporary fix.
3. Clean your brush regularly. Cleaning removes leftover product from the brush, reducing clumping and dryness.
4. Choose the right mascara for you—not too dry or too wet. If drying out is a constant problem, consider a waterproof formula.
5. A little trick with a hairdryer and cold water can help. While it doesn’t change the mascara itself, it keeps the liquid inside. Hold a hairdryer on a cold setting about 12 inches away from the tube for 10 seconds. Then, use a toothpick to break up any clumps inside.
6. If your mascara gets clumpy or dry, add a couple of drops of contact lens solution, insert the wand, and let it sit overnight.
7. To reduce clumping, wiggle the wand slightly at the base of your lashes, moving up to the tips.
8. Use an eyelash primer for all-day wear. It coats the lashes, adding volume and preventing smudging or clumping.
9. For extra waterproofing, apply oil-free face wash to your lashes with a Q-tip first.
10. Use a lash brush after applying mascara to distribute it evenly and prevent clumping.
11. If these tricks don’t help, consider trying a new mascara. Modern formulas are often made to resist clumping and are waterproof, which can save you time and money.
In the end, a good mascara will last longer and look better. You can try these tips or simply find a mascara that’s already designed to meet your needs!
