How to make old mascara new. How can you dilute mascara?

Mascara is a popular cosmetic product most often used in women's makeup. Its storage and operation must be carried out in accordance with certain rules, failure to comply with which leads to drying out of the carcass.

It’s especially offensive if this is discovered while getting ready for some important event. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to return mascara to its previous consistency.

Why does mascara dry out?

Among the reasons for this condition of a cosmetic product, we can name a few, this is rare use of the product, as a result of which the expiration date expires, or a loose tube, as a result, a lot of excess air remains inside, which leads to a deterioration of the coloring composition.

It could also be the low quality of cosmetics, improper storage in the store, the presence of lumps inside the tube, which does not allow the composition to be used efficiently, as well as to close the tube tightly.

How to restore mascara?

The following products will help you give your cosmetics a second life:

Water. Dip a tube of dried mascara into a glass of hot water for 30 seconds, then screw it tightly and shake well;
Eye drops. Add a couple of drops of Visine or a similar product to the dried mascara;
Contact lens storage solution. One of the safest methods, which does not cause an allergic reaction to the eyes and has antibacterial properties. Used similarly to eye drops;
Alcohol-free toner or lotion. You need to add the product to the tube gradually, making sure that the required consistency is formed;
Infusion of strong tea. Dip the brush into strongly brewed sweet tea, add a few drops to the mascara, then close it tightly and allow time (5-10 minutes) to brew;
Makeup remover. For example, micellar water is ideal for diluting dried concentrate; in addition, it will not cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Castor or burdock oil. Allows you not only to restore the consistency of mascara, but also to improve the quality of eyelashes. Before use, you need to rinse the brush thoroughly, dip it in oil, carefully screw it into the bottle and wait a few minutes.

Several weeks is the maximum period for extending the life of mascara after dilution; during this period you need to visit a cosmetic store and buy a new one in order to look, as always, flawless.

Modern fashionistas are trying to extend the life of their favorite mascara in various ways. Unfortunately, some of them are not only ineffective, but also hazardous to health.

Saliva. The easiest and fastest way. But, as you know, human saliva contains a large number of bacteria, which, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause an allergic reaction.
Peroxide. A dangerous chemical, the use of which guarantees a lot of troubles: burns and damage to the eyes, loss of vision, loss of eyelashes, etc.
Vegetable oil. An ineffective product that rolls into lumps, never dries out, is highly oily and has poor absorption.
Alcohol-containing products. Such solutions perfectly dilute mascara, but have a negative effect on eyelashes and eyes (even to the point of blindness).

To prevent your mascara from drying out, it's important to know a few helpful tips. First of all, do not make repeated movements - up and down, which will allow air to get inside and cause the product to dry out.

Second, it is advisable to unscrew the brush along the line of rotation, and also lower it inward. It is necessary to remove any remaining paint from the neck before closing the bottle so that the lid fits tightly.

Third, the use of a cosmetic product must strictly adhere to the expiration date, because the eyes are an important element of human health, and risking the mucous membrane of this organ is fraught with health risks. Therefore, if mascara has dried out, then it is best to throw it away and buy a new one, rather than engage in amateur activities.

Attention! It is important to purchase a certified product, with the necessary labeling, from trusted cosmetic dealers. If the product does not smell right, causes watery eyes, or causes eye irritation, then such mascara should be thrown away immediately to avoid health problems.

Signs of low-quality cosmetics:

Heterogeneous composition;
Repulsive odor;
Instability on the skin;
The consistency changes with each use.

Mascara should be stored indoors, out of direct sunlight. You shouldn’t use one mascara for two people, because no one has canceled the rules of hygiene. Your health is only in your hands, take care of yourself and purchase only high-quality cosmetic products.

It often happens that mascara dries out at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, remember how to extend its life by returning it to its previous consistency.

Method 1

The easiest way to extend the life of mascara is to soak the tube in a container of hot water for 10-15 minutes, and then shake well. However, this method is only suitable if the mascara contains paraffin.

Method 2

This method is the most effective. You just need to dilute the mascara with one of the suggested products:

Warm boiled, mineral or distilled water (suitable only for water-based cosmetics). However, add water literally drop by drop, otherwise the mascara will become too liquid; - alcohol-free toner, lotion or eye makeup remover. It is better if these are products from the same manufacturer as the mascara; - eye drops or contact lens solution. These drugs kill pathogenic mechanisms and, unlike the water option, will not provoke allergies; - strong and very sweet black tea; - peach seed oil, jojoba or almond oil.

Important! Mascara is strictly prohibited from being diluted with alcohol, cologne, perfume, any alcohol-containing lotions, hydrogen peroxide and vegetable oil. Saliva can also introduce a variety of bacteria into the eyes.

Method 3

This method is suitable when the mascara runs out, but its consistency is fine.

So, inside the tube there is a restrictive tube that removes excess mascara from the brush. You need to pull it out, clean off the mascara that has accumulated under the rim, put the tube back in place - and you're done! The mascara is like new. Sometimes up to 1/4 of the total volume of mascara collects under the rim.

Text: Polina Yanulova

Mascara is one of the most essential products for everyday makeup. With its help, eyelashes become longer and thicker, and your eyes become more expressive. But, like any product, over time it loses its original properties, dries out, and is impossible to use. If the mascara has dried out, but you don’t have extra money or time to buy a new one, then you can try one of the ways to restore it at home.

Causes of drying out

Before resuscitating mascara, you should understand the reason why it has dried out. It could be:

Expired or nearly expired. The average lifespan of eyelash products is three months, regardless of how often you use it. By the end of this period, it runs out and dries up; in this case, it is useless to use any restorative methods, and it is better to simply throw away such a product so as not to harm your eyes.
Failure to comply with storage conditions also contributes to a reduction in service life. If the tube was periodically placed in direct sunlight, near hot objects (for example, a stove or radiator) or, conversely, was in too low temperatures, it is not surprising that the original properties of its contents changed.

Incorrect use. The component that further promotes drying is air. You should not pull the brush out of the tube with sharp movements, jerks, or put it back, no matter how much time remains before it comes out. The brush should be carefully unscrewed and also carefully screwed into the bottle, thereby minimizing the amount of oxygen getting inside. Also, do not forget to close the bottle tightly and do not leave the mascara open for a long time, otherwise it will dry out very quickly.
Poor neck shape. Before buying a product, carefully look at the diameter of the hole for the brush - the narrower it is, the less air will get into the tube and, therefore, the longer it will last.

Previously, there was a theory in everyday life according to which if you remove the mascara stopper from the tube, it will last longer. This legend has nothing to do with reality for several reasons. Firstly, after freeing the bottle from the restrictor, the mascara will be difficult to use, since the excess amount on the brush will need to be manually removed with a napkin. Secondly, the absence of a narrow limiter will lead to an increase in the amount of air penetrating into the tube, which will, on the contrary, lead to even faster drying of the product.

In what cases can dried mascara be revived?

If the reason for the drying out of the mascara is not the expiration of the expiration date, then it is quite possible to try to return it to its original properties and dilute it. After all, the reason for drying out lies in the evaporation of moisture, and therefore, in order to save the carcass, they are trying to restore this moisture. Please note that the methods presented below are intended mainly for one-time use and if the mascara dries out again after one of the restoration methods, then there is nothing more to do with it except throw it away and buy a new one.

Effective ways to recover at home

There are several ways to restore dry or old mascara. Before using any of the solvents, you should remember that it must be non-allergenic and clean so as not to harm the eyes.

Before you begin restorative procedures, carefully study the composition of the mascara, as this determines which method is suitable. Depending on the composition, the product can be:

Paraffin or wax based. In this case, the best way is to use hot water as a means to heat the tube.
Water based. Here are safe methods that can restore water balance: distilled water, soothing eye drops, lens liquid, makeup remover, hot tea.
Waterproof mascaras. It will not be possible to restore them with water, since this contradicts the very name of the product. For products of this type, heating and adding waterproof makeup remover will help.

Let's look at the listed methods in more detail:

Hot water

Water is the very first dilution agent that comes to mind. As you know, it is a universal solvent, therefore, by adding a couple of drops to the tube (it is better to do this with a pipette so as not to overdo it with the amount of water), closing it tightly and shaking well, you can achieve a good effect. But it is worth remembering the nuances associated with its use:

This method is contraindicated for waterproof and alcohol-based mascara due to their special composition;
plain water contains many bacteria, which can negatively affect the condition of the eyes. Therefore, it would be better to use distilled water;
when diluted with water, the consistency of the product will most likely be heterogeneous, with lumps, and it can be inconvenient to apply;
the water evaporates quite quickly, and soon the mascara may become even thicker than it was, then it will definitely have to be replaced;
soon after using plain boiled water, the mascara may develop an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of swamp mud.

Before adding water, study the composition of the mascara on the bottle. If it contains paraffin, then reviving it will not be difficult - just place the tube in hot water for a few minutes - the paraffin will melt and the mascara will be suitable for use again.

Eye drops

Eye drops are one of the safest methods for the eyes, since their composition is specially designed for contact with the mucous membrane of the eye. The purpose of the drops should be distinguished - drugs or hormones are often added to the medicinal composition, so they should not be used. And moisturizers, for example, Visine or Artificial Tear, can perfectly renew the dry composition and will not harm the eyes and the skin around them even after long-term contact. Carefully look at the expiration date of the drops after opening the package - for some companies it is no more than two weeks.

Liquid for lenses

Liquid for lenses, like drops, is one of the safest products with which you won’t have to worry about the effect that a diluted product will have on your eyes. Just carefully study its composition - new brands may add cleansers or lubricants, they can harm the skin and eyelashes. Its only drawback is that it is not available in every home, but only among those who use contact lenses, so this method is not available to everyone.

Strong tea

No matter how strange it may sound, strong tea can refresh old mascara, and besides, unlike the same liquid for lenses, it is available to everyone. Simply add a couple of drops using a dropper into the bottle or dip the mascara brush into the tea itself (after rinsing it well), then close the tube tightly and shake. The main thing in this method is to use only natural black leaf tea, without adding flavorings and other chemicals, since it is unknown how this will affect the eyes. And under no circumstances should you add sugar - this is a solution that is favorable for the growth of many types of bacteria and, in addition, it will stick the eyelashes together.

Eau de toilette or perfume

Your favorite perfume can also act as a reducing agent if it is made on an alcohol-free basis, since alcohol will have a very bad effect on the condition of the eyes and can lead to burns. Spray into the tube 1-2 times and shake well. Apply the resulting mascara carefully, avoiding contact with the eyes and the skin around the eyes, and do not keep it on the eyelashes for more than three to four hours.

Castor, almond or burdock oil

Safe dilution method: add a drop of castor, almond, burdock and some other oils. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the consistency will become viscous, and the mascara will leave marks on the eyelids and under the eyes.

Eye Makeup Remover

Eye makeup remover is also a good option for mascara that has become too thick. You can use different types - cream, tonic, milk, it is only desirable that the mascara and product have the same manufacturer, and that the composition does not contain alcohol, of course. This method has several advantages - it will not harm the eyes, will extend the life of the mascara to several weeks, and is even suitable for waterproof mascara.

Milk or cream for cleansing the face

Facial cleansing milk or cream, as well as eye makeup remover, can effectively bring mascara back to life. Here you can give some tips: choose a product that does not cause allergies and does not contain alcohol, and do not overdo it with the amount so as not to get the product too liquid.

Please note that mascara can only be diluted using one of the above methods; they cannot be combined - for example, by applying lens liquid on one day, adding eye makeup remover on another, and black sweet tea on a third. And, if possible, you should not breed it more than once - it is better to buy a new one.

When using any restorative product, it is very important not to overdo it with the dosage - most often, the reason that the mascara has deteriorated irrevocably is the addition of too much water or eye drops.

It is also important to remember that for various reasons, it is possible that none of the above methods will help bring your mascara back to life. This depends both on its composition and on the characteristics of storage and use. In this case, you just have to throw it away without regret - it served as long as it could.

Alcohol-based products are good solvents, but in this case they should absolutely not be used - they will lead to allergies, irritation, redness of the eyes and other problems. This will also have a negative impact on the eyelashes - leading to increased loss.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the most dangerous agent for thinning mascara and should never be used. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause severe burns, inflammation of the ocular ducts, and even lead to loss of vision.

Vegetable oil

The consistency of the oil will cause the mascara to clump and become unusable. In addition, the oil will stick your eyelashes together, and the mascara will run, so you won’t be able to make up your eyes beautifully anyway.

How to extend the service life?

Sooner or later, any cosmetic product runs out, and mascara is no exception. To make the most of its capabilities and not throw it away prematurely, you need to know some simple secrets that can extend the life of your favorite product:

When putting mascara on a brush, do not move it back and forth in the bottle, otherwise, excess air will penetrate inside, which will lead to early drying.
Open and close the tube carefully, screwing and twisting movements, in a spiral - this will also protect against air ingress.
After tinting your eyelashes, close the packaging tightly.. Also keep an eye on the condition of the neck: over time, mascara residues accumulate on it, which can interfere with a tight closure - they can be easily removed with a cotton swab.
Observe storage conditions. Do not leave it in the open sun or near very hot objects, protect it from sudden temperature changes in winter. The optimal temperature is from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Monitor the condition of the brush. From time to time, dust or dried particles of mascara may collect on it, so it must be washed.
If you pry the ring to remove the remaining mascara on the neck, you can also find a certain amount of product there, which can be very helpful in an emergency.

Please note that the recommended period for using mascara is six months. After this time, the product must be replaced to avoid possible eye infection. But, you must admit, rare mascara lasts up to six months - as a rule, it has to be renewed after one and a half to two months. Fortunately, there are a few simple rules that, if followed, can help you use mascara for much longer.

Why does mascara dry out?

It dries the fastest and is also the thickest in texture. The formula of such products contains special waxes, which are responsible for the effect of thickening eyelashes. The shelf life of other types of mascara is also not so long - it is better to check it based on the packaging. For example, the “6M” icon means that the mascara can be used for six months after opening the tube. Once the mascara is opened, air enters - and after that it begins to gradually dry out.

To ensure that your mascara dries as slowly as possible, try repeating the technique of professional makeup artists. Having unscrewed the brush from the tube, they cover the latter with a finger or a silicone cap. So, while you are painting your eyelashes, no air gets into the tube and, therefore, the mascara dries much slower. By the way, they apply the same rule when using eyeliners - liquid or gel.

One of the common reasons for premature drying of mascara, including waterproof mascara, is a loosely closed tube. The reason may be excess product around the thread, which prevents the mascara from closing completely. Thus, a certain gap is formed between the cap and the tube: thanks to it, air gets inside, and the mascara dries quickly. To avoid this, remove the threads regularly. You can even do this with a regular napkin soaked in warm water or a micellar solution.

Why does mascara become thick?

Another common problem with mascara is that its texture becomes thick. If this is your case, try using a mascara that is oil-based rather than water-based. Oils do not evaporate over time - and this guarantees that the mascara will not change its texture.

How to dilute dried mascara at home?

Your mascara has dried out, but you have no opportunity or desire to change it? Fortunately, there are several proven methods that can help correct the situation. You can repeat them at home. What tools will be useful for this?

Eye drops

The easiest way to restore dried mascara is to add eye drops to it. Ten drops of the product will be enough to revive the mascara. Close the tube and shake it thoroughly to mix the drops with the composition. After this, the mascara will be like new!

Liquid for lenses

You will need lens cleaner (just five drops is enough). The formula of this product is safe for the eyes - therefore, you can safely add it to mascara. The sequence of actions is the same as in the case of eye drops.

It is not recommended to add other solvents such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to mascara. They are definitely not suitable for the delicate eye area.

How to dilute thickened mascara?

Three methods that will help make the composition of mascara more liquid, but will not affect its properties in any way.

Add two drops of preheated coconut oil to the mascara: it will make the consistency more flexible.
Another trick will help return thickened mascara to its normal texture. Pour hot water into a container and place the tightly closed mascara in it. After ten minutes, you can check the product: the product will heat up and the formula will become softer.
Perhaps it just seems to you that the mascara has thickened - and the reason for this is the brush, on which too much product has accumulated over time. In this case, it is better to clean the brush with soap and rinse under running warm water.

Secrets to help extend the shelf life of your mascara

It is better to use open mascara every day: so, you use it completely until the moment when the formula begins to dry out or thicken. If you opened the mascara once, it means that air has already entered it, and the drying process has begun. It cannot be stopped, even if you close the product tightly and put it aside. Therefore, it is better to use only one mascara at a time - this way you can get the most out of your purchase.
Study the storage conditions of the mascara: they are indicated on the packaging. As a rule, the rules are simple: it is better to keep mascara in a cool, dry place
If you notice that the mascara has changed its smell, this means that the product is spoiled and it’s time to change it, even if the period of use is shorter than stated on the package.
To make your mascara last longer, apply the product to the wand carefully and do not make numerous up and down movements with it. Each time you lower the brush into the tube, you force a certain amount of air inside. And, as you understand, the more air inside, the faster the mascara dries.

Women paint their eyelashes to make their eyes expressive and alluring. At the same time, almost everyone is faced with the fact that at first the mascara thickens and dries out over time. It often happens that there is still enough product inside the tube, but it is no longer possible to apply makeup on the eyelashes. In order not to throw away your favorite cosmetics, we suggest learning how to “reanimate” them, especially if the shelf life indicated on the tube is not yet over.

Agree, your favorite mascara always dries out at the most inopportune moment. It’s clear that you can always buy a new one, but what if you have an important meeting ahead and just don’t have time to run to the store? We will tell you how to dilute dried mascara and save you from wasting money.

What should not be used to dilute mascara?

In fact, there are not very many methods for diluting mascara, but even fewer are those that are considered safe for eyelashes and the health of your eyes. To begin with, we suggest you find out what NOT to dilute mascara:

Saliva. As you know, human saliva contains many bacteria that cannot be useful for the microflora of the eye.
or cologne. Perfume compositions are not intended to interact with the eyes, and therefore often cause allergic reactions, redness and swelling of the eyelids.
Cognac or alcohol. If you don't want your eyelids to become itchy and inflamed, don't use this method!
Vegetable oil. Mascara diluted with oil will spread over the skin, as a result of which the makeup will lose its attractiveness and the drawn arrows will spread. By the way, in one of our articles you can learn how to draw correctly.
Hydrogen peroxide. This method is fraught with burns to the mucous membrane of the eye.

Some facts about mascara

Did you know that long ago, women used soot mixed with oil as mascara? The ancient Romans painted their eyelashes with a product made from crushed lead, but after cases of blindness began to become more frequent, mascara was forgotten for a long time.

In ancient writings, recipes for making mascara were found, based on the product of burning trees of different species, resulting in eye makeup with different shades. The recipe based on burnt grape seeds was considered the best.

In the Middle Ages, mascara was not remembered, and it returned to use only at the beginning of the 20th century. It was then that movie stars began to use it, which led to a widespread fashion for an expressive and charming look among ordinary women.

During the Soviet era, most women did not have access to mascara in tubes, so everyone used Leningradskaya, which was sold in a cardboard box. To apply it, it was enough to wet a rectangular piece of mascara and use a plastic brush to thickly paint your eyelashes. In fairness, it should be noted that Leningrad mascara was a completely safe and environmentally friendly product, which simply has no analogues on the modern market.

Even if you adhere to minimalism when using cosmetics, normal makeup without using mascara is almost impossible. And now we’ll tell you how to make a full-fledged product from a dried product.

Water

Using water is considered the most popular method of diluting dried mascara, because it is accessible and cheap. But there are also pitfalls here:

If you use water, it is better that it be distilled. But if you only have boiled water on hand, in emergency cases that will do. To avoid adding too much water, do this with a syringe or pipette, constantly monitoring the process.

By the way, water can be used not only inside the tube. If mascara has thickened, you can dilute it using “water baths.” If the product is made with paraffin, place the tightly sealed tube in a container of hot water for 15 minutes and shake well.

Eye drops

This remedy is considered effective and completely safe. Naturally, neutral drops such as Visine or artificial tears should be used as a diluent. To obtain moisturized mascara, just drop a small amount of eye drops into the tube and shake well. This product practically does not cause allergic reactions and can dilute even waterproof brasmatic. Make sure that the drops do not contain hormones!

Liquid for contact lens care

Like eye drops, the solution in which the lenses are stored eliminates the occurrence of allergies. However, given the specific composition of the liquid, you should be careful with its use and strictly control the dose! To avoid possible problems, mix lens fluid with a couple of drops of distilled water.

Strong freshly brewed tea

Yes, yes, don't be surprised! It is fresh, sugared black tea that is added to the tube to dilute the mascara if it has dried out. You will get a more pronounced effect if you dip a brush from the brasmatic into the liquid with tea.

Lotion or eye makeup remover

An eye makeup remover that does not contain alcohol is considered ideal for diluting mascara. But if there is a small amount of them, then nothing bad will happen, just make sure there are no allergies.

Almond oil or castor oil

It only takes 1-2 drops of almond or , so that the brasmatic will color your eyelashes normally again. But make sure that the product does not become too greasy, otherwise it will spread.

There is another method that not everyone knows about. Each tube of mascara has a so-called “reserve”, which fits tightly to the inside of the body. It is a ring on the neck of the tube, with the help of which excess paint is removed. If your mascara is completely dry, use nail scissors to pry up the spare tire and remove it. As a result, a certain amount of mascara will appear inside the tube, which can be used.