5 Oddly Specific Ways To Make Your Mascara Last (Almost) Forever

Mascara is an essential elements of any makeup bag.

Unless you’ve been blessed with extraordinarily thick eyelashes, chances are high that you rely on this little wonder to create a finished look. Even used on its own, mascara can instantly transform your gaze, whether you crave dramatic intensity or a soft, natural accent.

Of course, a perfect-match product is not easy to find, and once you’ve discovered one you don’t want to let go of it. Unfortunately, many mascaras are known not only for their breathtaking impact, but also for the tendency to dry quicker than puddles in the summer sun.

Here are some tips that will help you prolong the life of your favorite.

1. Keep it closed.

Every time you apply your mascara, you expose the container to the air that dries the contents quickly.

Solution? Close the hole when you take the brush out. Just make sure you use a clean tissue or your carefully disinfected fingers for this purpose, so that no germs reach the tube's rim.

2. Scrape, don’t pump.

When you start getting low on your mascara, you might feel tempted to get out more of it by pumping the wand inside the tube. Don’t do it!

While this trick might help you get a few more scoops of your favorite formula, it allows air to rush inside and make your mascara even drier than before. If you need to scrape more product out of the tube, do just that – scrape. Press the brush against the wall of the container and pull it out in one slow movement.

3. Avoid germs.

Ophthalmologists recommend replacing mascara every three months, and they have a very sensible reason for that. Every time you use the product, you also get a bunch of bacteria on your brush. That's the last thing you want in your mascara tube.

Luckily, there are ways to make sure that your mascara doesn’t become a hotbed of germs too soon. Think twice before letting someone borrow your product. Although sharing is caring, bacteria are the last things you want to exchange with your friends.

Also, avoid using the product on irritated eyes. Not only can it worsen the irritation, but it will also contaminate the brush and might bring itching and swelling back just when you thought you got rid of them.

4. Put it in the fridge.

If you don’t use your mascara on a regular basis, the best way to preserve it is to keep it in the fridge. Low temperatures that help keep your food fresh also work wonders when it comes to preserving your favorite cosmetic products.

Yes, your mascara will get thick from the cold, which might make it more difficult to apply. But, it will last you up to six months instead of three.

5. Emergency solutions work, too.

If your mascara has dried out and there is no way you can get a hold of a new one right there and then, you can try to resurrect the product with a few eye drops. Some beauty experts suggest that saline solution might do the same trick.

Alternatively, you can place the tube in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. The warmth will soften the product and make it easier to apply.

Of course, nothing lasts forever, and a time will come when you have to part with your beloved tube. With these simple tips, however, you'll get the most out of your favorite mascara and enjoy it as long as you’re supposed to.