To declump your mascara, all you need is a glass of warm water. Drop your mascara tube (with the cap screwed on tightly) directly into the water. Let the tube hang out there for three minutes. When the time is up, you can pull it out and start using it again.
You can remove the clumpiness without having to totally redo your mascara. Just grab an old (clean) mascara wand and gently comb through lashes in a straight upward motion from root to tip. This will help to remove the excess product (and clumps).
Ultimately, mascara clumps because you're using too much or you're being a bit overzealous with application. This can occur when there's too much product on the wand or when you add too many layers. How to Apply Mascara Without Clumping: Make sure all old mascara has been adequately removed from your lashes.
Step 1: Fill a glass or mug with hot water. Step 2: Dip the closed mascara tube in it and let it stay for a few minutes. Step 3: If your mascara wand has collected dry and flaky product, run hot water over it until squeaky clean. Wipe and then dip it back in the tube.
If you attempt to wipe mascara away, your fingers are more likely to push the lashes together. Instead, get a clean toothbrush and comb it through the lashes from root to tip. The bristles will gently brush away excess product without irritating your eyes.
Toss Old Mascara
One of the most common reasons mascara results in a clumpy look is because it's old and has dried out. “Mascara is only good for up to three months," says makeup artist Rachel Duncan. She adds that replacing your mascara regularly is also good for eye health.
Donate your mascara wands:
How does this relate to mascara? Well, with their Wands for Wildlife program, your trash can become an essential tool in helping to care for animals in need. Old mascara wands are perfect for removing larva and fly eggs from the fur wild animals.
Why this works: Vaseline mimics the effects of mascara, leaving you with lashes that look extra thick, shiny and voluminous. It will also help moisturize and strengthen said lashes (the opposite of mascara, which tends to dry them out).
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that can be used effectively on dry skin and eyelashes. It can't make eyelashes grow faster or longer, but it can moisturize them, making them look fuller and lusher.
Dermatology specialist, Dr Rachel Nazarian told Pop Sugar that “since petroleum jelly works so well as a moisture barrier it may cause a blocking of the delicate glands and pores around the eye area. This can lead to inflammation and possible styes”.
Fill your coffee mug with hot water and dip the tube of mascara in it for few minutes. The heat will do miracles to your mascara – it will soften the dried solution and mascara will be as good as new.
Mascara mistake #4: Your lashes stick together like spider's legs. This usually happens when you want to apply another layer of mascara as it causes the lashes to stick together and look like spider's legs. A look you'd rather avoid! To avoid spider lashes, apply a thinner layer of mascara.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year.
Switch out your mascara every four to six months or as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, said Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections and sties.
Because of repeated microbial exposure during use by the consumer and the risk of eye infections, some industry experts recommend replacing mascara 3 months after purchase. If mascara becomes dry, discard it. Do not add water or, even worse, saliva to moisten it, because that will introduce bacteria into the product.
A dry, clumpy, or separated texture may also signal that your mascara is out of date. Using such products is risky, and you're probably not going to end up with the flawless makeup look you were hoping for.
It is recommended that Mascara gets discarded every 3 months as it comes in contact with the eyes. The constant opening and closing of the tube can cause bacteria build up and eye irritation or infection. Signs to look out for expired mascara are a strong smell and the mascara becomes dry and flaky.
Eye drops. Yes, squeeze a few drops in the tube—between 2 and 4—then use the mascara wand (the cleaner the better!) to stir it up, give it a few shakes, and instantly your formula will be like new. Use that extra slip to coat your lashes so that they're long, full, and curled to a tee.
Another common mascara hack is to add a few drops of saline, contact solution, or eye drops to the tube, then swirl it around. This method supposedly makes the formula into a nice, smooth liquid again, while also being safe for your eyes.