How to Fix Clumpy Mascara

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After time, some mascara brands clump. If you want to revitalize old mascara that's become clumpy, you have several options. Water can be used to add the needed liquid to your mascara to prevent clumping. You can also use eyedrops to restore mascara. In the future, try to prevent the mascara from clumping again by replacing your mascara every 6 months.

Things You Should Know

To fix clumpy mascara, pull out the wand and dip it in hot water. After a few minutes, remove the wand and place it back into your mascara. To apply, makeup artist Shara Strand recommends pulling out the wand and "removing excess [mascara] on a tissue" before touching it to your eyelashes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Water to Fix Clumping

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  1. The simplest way to use water to de-clump mascara is removing the wand and dipping it in hot water. Leave the wand in the hot water for a few minutes. Then, remove the wand and place it back into your mascara. Do not pump the wand. Simply place it back in the container. If successful, your mascara should be less clumpy the next time you apply it.
    • You can use your mascara right away after using this method.
  2. If simply dipping the wand in hot water is not successful, you can try a more intense method. Boil a pot of water big enough that you can completely submerge your sealed tube of mascara in the water. Let the water come to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.
    • Place the mascara into the simmering water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
    • Take out the mascara using tongs. After the mascara has cooled to the touch, check the mascara to see if it's more liquid-like and does not clump as much.
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  3. If your mascara is still a little clumpy after being submerged in the water, add a few drops of olive oil in the mascara tube. This should loosen up the mascara further and restore it to its original consistency.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Eyedrops to Fix Mascara

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  1. Remove the mascara's wand from the bottle. Using any brand of eyedrops, which you can find in a drug store, add 10 small drops to the mascara.
  2. Place the wand back in the container. Give the container a good shake for a few seconds. This should disperse the eyedrops throughout the container.
  3. Unscrew the wand slightly and twirl it around in the mascara. Then, check the mascara. If successful, the mascara should be restored to its original state.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Clumping

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  1. If you have mascara wands that did not come with the mascara container, avoid using wands bigger than the tube. If you struggle to force the wand into the tube, air will get pushed into the tube. Too much exposure to air causes mascara to dry out and clump.
  2. Many people pump the wand to get more mascara on the brush. This pushes more air into the container, causing mascara to dry out faster. Stick to one motion to remove mascara to make it last longer.
    • If you're continuously not getting enough mascara on the brush, and you've had the same tube for a while, it may be time to get new mascara.
    • Use a twirling motion to get more mascara on the applicator rather than pumping it in and out of the container.
  3. No matter how well you care for it, mascara will dry out over time. If none of the above methods restore your mascara, you should invest in a fresh tube. Mascara usually lasts around two to three months. [3]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I add to clumpy mascara?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use water or olive oil. However, if you use either of these ingredients to thin out your mascara, you should use the product within a week as the altered formula may not be shelf stable.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I unclump my mascara?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If your mascara is clumpy in the tube, try heating the whole tube up by dunking it in hot water for a few minutes. If mascara is clumping on your lashes, use a comb or spoolie brush to comb them out.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How do I bring my mascara back to life?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If your mascara is dry and clumpy it's probably time to throw it out. But you can get a little more use out of it by adding a few drops of water and swirling the brush to blend.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
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      Things You'll Need

      • Mascara container
      • Saucepan
      • Eyedrops

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      References

      1. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.
      2. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/does-makeup-expire
      4. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To fix clumpy mascara, simply remove the wand and submerge it in hot water for a few minutes, then put it back in the tube. If that doesn’t do the trick, bring a pot of water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Next, put your sealed mascara tube in the water, and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, remove the tube using tongs, so you don’t burn yourself. Then, when the tube is cool enough to handle, check the consistency of your mascara. If necessary, you can break up any remaining clumps by adding a few drops of olive oil to the tube. For information from our Beauty reviewer on how to use eye drops to fix your clumpy mascara, keep reading!

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