How to Make Mascara Thinner

Co-authored by Shara Strand

Last Updated: August 18, 2024 References

Using mascara is a great way to give yourself lush lashes. You might want to thin out your mascara if it’s dried out, clumpy, or the tube’s almost empty. As long as your mascara is less than 6 months old, it's worth salvaging. Thin it out using saline eye solution or aloe vera, or try heating it up with hot water to extend the life of your mascara. Once thinned, you can use your mascara for 1 extra week.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Adding Liquids to Your Mascara

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1
Add three to four drops of saline solution to dried-out mascara. Use saline-based contact solution or eye wash. Be sure the eye drops aren’t specially formulated to reduce redness, as this could actually irritate your eyes.^{[1]
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Research source} Pour a few drops in the tube, shake it, and then test the mascara on your wrist. Add another drop or two if it’s still dry.
- Don’t add more than about ten drops. If you put too much liquid in the mascara, it won’t work properly.
2
Use aloe vera to avoid clumps in your mascara. Aloe vera can thin out your mascara and give you a smoother application. Put one to two pea-sized drops of aloe vera gel into the tube. Twist your wand in the tube to mix the gel in. Swipe the wand over your wrist to see if you get less clumps. Add another drop if you feel you need to.
- As with saline solution, it’s best not to add too much aloe vera to the tube. If you’ve still got thick, clumpy mascara after you’ve added about five drops of gel, it’s probably best to get a new tube.
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3
Add coconut oil to mascara to condition your lashes. Coconut oil will also thin out your mascara, and it may even lengthen your lashes! Heat up a spoonful of the oil in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, or until it melts. Use the spoon to put three to four drops of the (now liquid) coconut oil in your mascara tube. You can either shake the tube or twist your wand in there to mix the oil in.
- You may notice that your lashes are longer after using this solution for about two months.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Heating Up Your Mascara

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Use a medium-sized saucepan and fill it up about halfway. Turn your stovetop up to high heat. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes for the water to start boiling.^{[2]
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Pour carefully and slowly. You don’t want any to splash on you! Don’t worry if all the water doesn’t fit. You just need a few inches (several centimeters) of water in there.^{[3]
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Pick up your tube and give the cap a good twist. You’re going to put it into the water, so you don’t want any to leak in.^{[4]
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4
Soak the mascara in the glass bowl for five to ten minutes. Drop the mascara into the bowl of hot water. Leave the tube in the water for a minimum of five and up to about ten minutes.^{[5]
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- Use the timer on your phone or stovetop to track your mascara’s progress.
5
Dry off the tube and test your mascara. Use tongs or a large spoon to scoop your mascara out of the bowl. Place the tube on your counter top and then dry it off with a dishcloth. Avoid touching the mascara with your skin for a few minutes. Once the tube feels cool to the touch, swipe your wand across your wrist to see if the mascara has gotten thinner.^{[6]
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- If this doesn’t work the first time, you probably need to add liquid to your mascara to thin it out.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Mascara Properly

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1
Screw the cap on tightly after each use. Ensure that your mascara is closed by giving the cap an extra twist after you’re done using it. Even a small amount of air can cause your mascara to completely dry out.^{[7]
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- If you struggle to open the mascara back up again, put rubber gloves on and then try again! This will give you a better grip.
2
Store it standing up. Use a small, glass jar to store your mascara upright with your makeup brushes. This will help the liquid in the tube stay fresh longer.^{[8]
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- You can even decorate the jar to make it part of a pretty display in your bathroom or bedroom!
3
Avoid pumping your mascara wand. Many people pump their wands because they think this gets more mascara on the brush and then onto their lashes. Don’t do it! This actually adds air to the tube, leaving your mascara dried-out and clumpy. Instead, twist your wand in a circular motion as you lift it out of the tube.^{[9]
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- The circular, twisting motion will allow you to scrape the sides of the tube with your wand. You’ll get plenty of mascara on your brush without causing air to get into the tube.
4
Dispose of thinned mascara after 1 week. Mascara contains carefully balanced ingredients that are formulated to prevent the growth of bacteria. When you thin mascara with water or any other substance, you throw off that balance and increase the chance that bacteria can grow. In order to prevent a potentially serious eye infection, never use thinned mascara for more than 1 week.
Who doesn’t love recycling expensive beauty products? Soak the wand in makeup remover for a few hours to get off all the gunk. Then, clean it with warm water and body soap. Rinse it off, dry it out, and you’ve got a new makeup tool.^{[10]
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Research source} Use it as a spare mascara wand or eyebrow brush.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make my mascara less thick?

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

Before you apply your mascara, remove the excess on a tissue. Then, brush the mascara on quickly and lightly, using the same motion you'd use to brush your teeth. Afterwards, quickly work the ball of your finger through your lashes to separate them.

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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 mascara clumps on your lashes wiggle a clean spoolie brush through them, working gently from root to tip. If your mascara is clumping in the tube, try heating the entire tube by submerging it (sealed) in very hot water for a few minutes.

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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

You can add a few drops of oil or water to dried-out mascara to thin it out. However, usually dried mascara is simply too old and should be thrown out. You should replace your tube every six months.

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Warnings

Mascara should never be shared with friends—even if you use your own mascara wands. Sharing mascara can cause serious infections that can make your lashes fall out.

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Don’t keep your mascara for more than six months. While it’s frustrating to throw it out before you’ve used it all, a new tube is better than an eye infection!^{[12]
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