How to Fix Clumpy Mascara

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

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
Add water to the wand. 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
Place the mascara in boiled water. 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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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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Eyedrops to Fix Mascara

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1
Add 10 drops of eyedrops to the container. 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.
- Any saline solution will work for this, as it will loosen up the formula. Try starting with just 1-2 drops, then add more if you need to.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Frankie Sanderson
  Makeup Artist & Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.}
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.
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Clumping

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1
Use an appropriate sized wand. 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.
- Different formulations of mascara often have differently-sized wands, so make sure to use the original wand that came with your mascara for the best results.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Frankie Sanderson
  Makeup Artist & Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.}
2
Do not pump your mascara. 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
Discard mascara when it goes bad. 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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- Old mascara is prone to bacterial contamination, which could cause an eye infection. Replace your mascara every 3-6 months to ensure it doesn't become contaminated.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Frankie Sanderson
  Makeup Artist & Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.}

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.

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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.

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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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