How to Get the Most Out of Your Mascara

Last Updated: February 25, 2023 References

Is your mascara always running out quickly? Do you have to go to the store every other week to buy a new mascara? Well you're in luck; keep reading to find how to get the most out of your mascara.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting the Most out of the Mascara

1
Run the mascara wand under hot water. Keep it under the water until the wand is clean. Then, dip the wet mascara wand back in the tube, rubbing it against the inside walls of the tube. The heat will soften the product in the tube and your mascara will apply good as new! Plus, you'll have a clean wand!^{[1]
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2
Don't pump the mascara wand. It will let air into the tube and the mascara formula will dry out. Instead, twist it in and out.^{[2]
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3
Add saline solution or eyedrops to your mascara when it starts to dry out. Add 4-5 drops of the solution. Insert your wand and stir; this can be repeated 2-3 times until your mascara is gone.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Get the Most out of the Wand

1
Clean the wand before trying any alternative uses. The steps below give you a lot of different ways to use your mascara wand in your beauty routine, but none of them will work if your wand is still clumped with mascara. Use an eye makeup remover to clean it, first.
2
Use it to keep baby hairs or sideburns or your hairline in place. Just apply hairspray on the brush end and use it to comb out the tiny hairs.^{[4]
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3
Use it to keep your brows in place. Apply hairspray on the brush end (don't over-apply, otherwise your brows may feel stiff depending on the hairspray you use) and comb your brows the way you want them to stay.
4
Use it to create a subtle brow tint.^{[5]
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Research source} This works great for those with fine/light coloured brows (but anyone can do it), or those who want to add only a little bit of colour to their brows. Roll the wand through a matte eyeshadow colour that flatters your brows until the bristles are coated, and lightly brush the wand through your brows. You may experience a bit of eyeshadow fall out, and so you might want to do this before foundation (if you use it).
5
Use it as a lash conditioner. Look for a bottle of Unrefined/Cold Pressed Castor Oil.^{[6]
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Research source} Pour a little castor oil in a travel container and dip a clean mascara wand into the oil. Lightly sweep it across your brows and eyelashes. You will notice quicker growth and stronger lashes and brows overtime.
6
Use it to separate your lashes. A brow comb may work wonders for separating clumpy lashes, a clean wand works just as well. When using a clean brush, it disturbs your mascara less while helping to separate clumps and picking up excess mascara (then if you were to use a brow comb).
7
Use it as a replacement wand. Do you have any other mascaras where you just hate the wand it came with? Save your favourite wands, and when the mascara runs out, use the wand in another mascara for better results.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I save my mascara if it's kind of clumpy?

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Shara Strand is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a makeup and image consulting studio based in New York City. She has over 15 years of image and makeup consulting experience including working as a regional artist for Bare Escentuals and Estee Lauder, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has been featured in WNBC, Fox 5, Direct TV ABC morning news, and Hamptons Magazine. She is the creator of Shara Cosmetics and is a two time Billboard charted singer. She holds a BFA from New York University.

Shara Strand

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Pick the big clumps off with a tissue and then brush the mascara quickly and softly like you're brushing your teeth.
Question

How can I blend out mascara if it's thicker than I want it to be?

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Shara Strand is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a makeup and image consulting studio based in New York City. She has over 15 years of image and makeup consulting experience including working as a regional artist for Bare Escentuals and Estee Lauder, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has been featured in WNBC, Fox 5, Direct TV ABC morning news, and Hamptons Magazine. She is the creator of Shara Cosmetics and is a two time Billboard charted singer. She holds a BFA from New York University.

Shara Strand

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Fingers are really the best tools for blending when you're doing your makeup, and that's true for your mascara, too. Just use the ball of your finger to separate and spread the mascara if you need to make little changes.