Introduction
Thinning out your mascara can be a great way to get more mileage out of an old tube, correct any clumps that have developed, or lighten up a heavy coat. However, too much thinning agent can make the product not adhere properly or become too watery and prone to flaking. In order to thin it out without destroying the product, it’s important to know what type of thinning agent you can use and in what amounts.
Common thinning agents that are safe to use include saline solution (the same solution you would use in contact lenses), hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, glycerin and distilled water. If you’d like to create a custom mix for optimal results you could combine different amounts of these ingredients together depending on how thick your mascara is. Saline solution offers both moisturization and some antiseptic properties but may be harder to find than other thinning agents like the ones listed below:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This will lighten mascara while still maintaining its waterproof qualities. It will also serve as an antiseptic in case of any bacteria getting into the tube which can cause the product to go bad quickly.
- Alcohol: A few drops of rubbing alcohol is all that’s needed for this type of agent, since too much can be very harsh on your eyes and skin when used with mascara regularly (alcohol leaches moisture from the skin). Alcohol helps break down clumps quickly as well as drying excess liquid from the formula.
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a natural skin moisturizer known for its humectant properties that help retain water and keep your lashes hydrated. A small drop of glycerin should do just fine if you’d like a more nourished formula with none of the effects that alcohol would have on your lashes or eye area.
- Distilled Water: Using only distilled water can be tricky because it doesn’t offer additional benefits like those listed above but instead it just serves as a diluting agent making sure nothing else is added beyond this single ingredient if desired by some people who don’t want any unnecessary ingredients added in their makeup like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide which are not safe for long term use around the eye area due their drying effects when used often over long periods time.
What to Put in Mascara to Thin It Out
Mascara can become thick, gloopy, and difficult to apply when it gets old. If this happens to you, don’t worry – there are a few simple solutions that can help you thin it out.
Some of the things you can put in your mascara to thin it out include:
- Distilled water
- Eye drops
- Contact lens solution
- Aloe vera gel
These simple ingredients are easy to find and can help your mascara become easier to work with.
Water
Adding water to mascara is a great way to make the mascara less clumpy. This will create a more even and smooth finish to your lash line. However, it is important to take caution when adding water and avoid over-thinning the product as this can lead to breakage of the hairs.
- Start by adding one drop at a time, ensuring that it blends into the mascara as you add each drop.
- You may also add some sterile saline solution, which can also thin out mascara, though you should be sure to make sure it does not have any preservatives in it that would cause an allergic reaction on your eyes if used.
- Alternatively, use an eyedropper or spray bottle with sterile saline solution and mist your lashes lightly before applying your regular mascara. This will help make the overall application process smoother and prevent clumping.
Contact Lens Solution
If your mascara has become too thick to use, you can thin it back out with a few drops of contact lens solution. Contact lens solution contains ingredients that safely break down the composition of the mascara, reducing its thickness and making it easier to apply. You will want to start with just a few drops, as adding too much can cause your mascara to become overly liquidy and difficult to work with. Once you have added your desired amount, mix the solution into the mascara bottle with an old, clean eyelash brush or another small tool like a toothpick or cotton swab.
After you have remixed the ingredients in the bottle, close it tightly for future use.
To avoid damaging your contacts or skin, be sure that you are using sterile contact lens solution and clean tools when thinning out your mascara. Before using this method on any other type of makeup product, test it on a small item first and make sure not to leave any solution standing in the product container after usage.
Eye Drops
Eye drops can be used to thin out mascara. Eye drops are used to soothe and moisturize the eyes, but they can also make old mascara less thick.
Eye drops contain a liquid substance that can mix with the mascara and help it glide more easily across the eyelash. To use eye drops as a lightening agent, add a few drops of eye drop liquid to your tube of mascara and mix it together by turning the wand vigorously in your hand until you have reached a preferred consistency. For best results, use preservative-free eye drops that are safe for contacts, as preservatives could irritate the eyes.
It is important to only add a few drops at a time, as adding too much will make the formula overly wet and could cause clumping or dripping when applied on the eyelashes. Additionally, replacing your mascara regularly is key to preserving its quality and keeping bacteria from building up in it.
Baby Oil
Baby oil can work to thin out your mascara as it contains mineral oil which acts as a moisturizer and lubricant. To use, first pump the brush in the tube of mascara to get rid of any excess product. Then, rub a small amount of baby oil onto the bristles using your fingers. Finally, return the applicator brush to the tube and twist it so that it coats itself with the thinner mixture.
It is important to note that baby oil should only be used in small amounts; any more may kill off all bacteria on your wand, leaving you vulnerable to infection. Additionally, if you are allergic to mineral oil or if your skin is sensitive, be sure to carry out a patch test before using baby oil on your lashes or eyelids.
How to Thin Out Mascara
In some cases, mascara can dry out quickly or become too thick which makes it hard to apply to your lashes. That’s why you may want to thin out your mascara. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this. You can use a few drops of saline or contact lens solution, or even mix in some petroleum jelly or baby oil.
Keep reading to find out the best ways to thin out your mascara:
Add a few drops of the chosen liquid into the mascara tube
When your mascara starts to get clumpy, dry and hard to work with, adding a few drops of liquid can help thin it out. However, there are several important things to consider before doing so. First, always check the ingredients on the product label before adding anything to be sure that the liquid won’t react negatively with the makeup. Second, it’s best to avoid using tap water as this could introduce bacteria into the mascara tube. Instead, pick a liquid that will keep your mascara well-preserved for future use as well as thicken it up for better application. Examples include:
- Eye contact lens solution
- Saline solution
- Hydrogentserum eye drops
Once you have chosen a suitable liquid for thinning out your mascara, it is important that you add only a few drops into the mascara tube—no more than three or four at most—before sealing and shaking it gently. This will restart its creamy consistency so you can enjoy exceptionally beautiful eyelashes once more!
Close the tube and shake it for a few seconds
When your mascara starts to get thick and clumpy or is running low, the easiest way to thin out the product is by closing the tube and shaking it for a few seconds. This technique has the ability to work with tubes that are near empty or almost full because it doesn’t require you to add any additional materials.
Simply close the lid of your mascara and shake it vigorously back and forth for about 5-10 seconds. The motion should help break up any chunks that are stuck inside of the tube, as well as helping to reincorporate any peptides, natural oils, fatty acids, etc., that have been deposited at the base of the tube when used. You can then open up your mascara tube and allow it air out for a couple of minutes before applying.
Keep in mind that this method won’t magically create more product once you have run out; however, if done correctly consistently over time it should help extend its life so you can get more use out of each mascara purchase!
Test the consistency of the mascara on your hand
Before you apply additional thinning agents to your mascara, it’s important to first test the consistency of the product. To do this, coat a clean finger with the mascara and wait a few seconds for it to dry. Pay attention to the result as this will help you address any problems with consistency that can be addressed without thinning agents.
If your finger is left with a lumpy or chunky appearance, that usually indicates that some of the ingredients in your mascara have separated or dried out and formed a clump. If this is the case, try adding one drop of contact lens solution at time, mixing well between drops, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Another quick test to determine if your mascara needs thinning out is simply placing a clean toothpick into the tube and stirring it around gently. The toothpick should feel coated after stirring and come out with an even layer of product on it—not thick clumps or areas where no product is sticking from your brush onto it.
Safety Considerations
When considering thinning out mascara, it is important to take certain safety precautions to ensure it is done correctly and with the least amount of risk. This includes researching the different ways you can thin out your mascara and the potential ingredients you can use to do so. Additionally, it is important to understand the proper safety precautions you should take when using any of these ingredients.
In this section, we will discuss the safety considerations you should have when thinning out your mascara:
Avoid using expired mascara
All cosmetic products, including mascara, are regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). If a product does not meet pre-market safety criteria, it should not be sold in the United States. Unfortunately, many beauty companies are willing to take risks when it comes to safety, as long as their product gets onto the market quickly.
When using mascara, it’s important to check that your product is within its expiration date and has not been tested beyond what has been deemed safe by the FDA. Expiration dates help ensure that you are using a safe and healthy product on your eyes and face. Additionally, be sure to check for any signs of contamination such as lumps or discoloration. Remember: even if you have used a particular brand and color of mascara before with success, it is still important to check the expiration date before using it again.
Using expired mascara can lead to serious health risks including eye infections or allergic reactions from bacteria buildup due to prolonged use of old product formula. In some cases, you may experience redness or itching in your eyes that can last for days if you use expired mascara. This can result in long-term damage or permanent visual impairment if left untreated for too long so always practice caution when selecting products for use around your eyes!
Discard the mascara after thinning it out
When makeup items such as mascara become dry, thick, or clumpy, some people may think to add a few drops of water or oil to thin it out. Doing so alters the pH and bacteria-retaining environment of the product and can cause infection or irritation when applied. If a product has separated, discarding it is the best course of action for safety and hygiene reasons. If other methods for reversing separation have been tried without success, throw out the product and purchase a new one.
Additionally, cosmetics should not be shared with other people because this could expose you both to potential infection from bacteria or viruses that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Additionally, products such as lipsticks, lip balms and mascaras contain chemicals that may contain sensitizing substances that can produce an allergic reaction if used by someone else who is sensitive to those particular ingredients. Finally, when using cosmetics on eyes or mouth areas it’s important to discard them after three months of use as they are more likely to contain bacteria after this amount of time due to frequent contact with skin and/or eye fluids.
Clean the mascara wand after each use
One of the most important aspects of maintaining safe mascara usage is to clean both the mascara wand and tube after each use. This will help prevent bacterial growth on the wand, keeping it uncontaminated and ready for your next makeup application. Wiping down the surface with a damp cloth after use will also keep it free from particles that could be potentially harmful if deposited into your eyes or facial tissues.
Additionally, when it comes to thinning out mascara, resist the temptation to introduce any external substances such as oil or water into the container – this can both degrade its texture as well as create significant risk of infection if anything is carried into your eye by way of a contaminated wand. Keep in mind that some mascaras should not be thinned in any way; using a thinning agent on these resistant formulas may damage their structure beyond repair.
Conclusion
It is recommended that you do not use your finger, q-tip, or other methods to thin out your mascara as this can introduce bacteria and cause infections. The best and safest advice is to purchase a mascara primer and mix it with your mascara wand to thin it out. Mascara primer is formulated to provide extra hydration for the lashes and often contains nourishing and conditioning ingredients.
When mixed with your existing mascara, it will help create a more pliable, less clumpy consistency that can be applied more evenly across the lashes. Additionally, primer often adds length and curl, increasing overall volume of your lashes. Be sure to test it on the corner of the eye before full application.
