The Weird but Obvious Way to Keep Your Mascara from Clumping

Line, Writing implement, Art, Stationery, Office supplies, Tints and shades, Artwork, Art paint, Brush, Paint, — (Image credit: Design by Betsy Farrell)

There's nothing more sacred than a brand new tube of mascara. It's like a fresh coat of paint.

But alas, with each uncapping of the tube, mascara inevitably gets drier and drier—the proof is in the clumps. However, there is a way to make it feel like the first time every time. And chances are it's been right there, in your medicine cabinet, all along.

You secret weapon? 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.

While water will give you a similar effect, it can present a problem for waterproof formulas, as well as create more clumps. The texture just isn't as silky. Another bit of advice: Make sure that you're using a fresh or designated eye drop bottle as you don't want any bacteria to make its way inside the tube.

Happy swiping!

Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.

TOPICS

Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.