How to Fix Dried Eyeliner Quickly and Easily

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: August 4, 2023

close up portrait of beautiful girl touching black eyeliner to her eyelid with closed eyes
close up portrait of beautiful girl touching black eyeliner to her eyelid with closed eyes

When it comes to enhancing the beauty of your eyes, the application of eyeliner is a game-changer. But what do you do when your favorite eyeliner dries out prematurely? If you’ve found yourself asking the question of how to fix dried eyeliner, this comprehensive guide has the answers you need.

1 Why Does Eyeliner Dry Out?

Before we delve into how to fix dried eyeliner, it’s crucial to understand why it happens in the first place. Eyeliners, especially gel and cream-based ones, contain volatile ingredients that can evaporate over time, leaving the product dried out. Factors like improper storage, infrequent use, or even an expired product can expedite this drying process.

2 Preventive Measures for Eyeliner Drying

young woman applying eyeliner
young woman applying eyeliner

Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid the hassle of figuring out how to fix dried eyeliner, try these preventive measures:

  • Proper Storage: Store your eyeliner in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
  • Cap it Tight: Always replace the cap securely immediately after use. This helps prevent air from getting into the product and drying it out.
  • Regular Usage: Regular usage prevents the product from staying stagnant, reducing the chances of drying out.

3 How to Fix Dried Eyeliner: Multiple Solutions

Despite your best efforts, if your eyeliner dries out, don’t worry. There are numerous ways how to fix dried eyeliner. Let’s delve into some of the most effective solutions:

1. Hot Water Method

The hot water method is one of the most straightforward solutions to fix dried eyeliner. Follow these steps:

  1. Fill a bowl with hot water: The water should be hot but not boiling, to avoid damaging the eyeliner or its container.
  2. Immerse the eyeliner: Dip the closed eyeliner tube into the hot water. Ensure the cap is securely fastened to prevent water from seeping into the product.
  3. Wait and shake: Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, remove the tube from the water, dry it off, and give it a good shake.
  4. Test it: Open the tube and test the eyeliner on the back of your hand. If it’s still dry, you may need to repeat the process.

This hot water method is an efficient way how to fix dried eyeliner as it helps to melt and redistribute the product, thereby reviving its consistency.

2. The Eye Drop Solution

Using eye drops is another great hack for how to fix dried eyeliner.

  1. Add eye drops: Add two or three drops of saline solution (common eye drops) into your dried eyeliner tube.
  2. Stir and mix: Using a clean toothpick or a small stirrer, mix the solution into the eyeliner. Be sure to combine it thoroughly to ensure an even consistency.
  3. Wait: Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the solution to permeate through the product.

The eye drop solution works because the saline solution has a similar composition to the water-based formulations of many eyeliners, making it the perfect medium to rehydrate your dried product.

3. Using Makeup Setting Spray or Contact Solution

If you don’t have eye drops on hand, another method how to fix dried eyeliner is to use a makeup setting spray or contact lens solution. These work similarly to the eye drops method.

  1. Add a few drops: Add a few drops of makeup setting spray or contact lens solution to the dried eyeliner.
  2. Stir and mix: Use a clean toothpick or a small stirrer to mix the solution into the eyeliner.

Remember, with any liquid you’re adding, be it hot water, eye drops, or a makeup setting spray, moderation is key. Adding too much liquid may make your eyeliner too runny and difficult to use.

4. Microwave Method

When it comes to how to fix dried eyeliner, the microwave method can also come to the rescue. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Remove any metal parts: If your eyeliner has any metal parts, be sure to remove them.
    Microwaves and metal are not a good mix!
  2. Microwave it: Set the microwave for 10 seconds and put your eyeliner tube in.
  3. Let it cool and check: Allow the tube to cool down before opening it, then check the consistency. If it’s still not right, repeat the process, but be careful not to overdo it.

When using the microwave method, please be very cautious. The container may get very hot, so handle it with care.

4 Preventing Your Eyeliner from Drying Out

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Artist applying black eyeliner onto woman's face

Now that we know how to fix dried eyeliner, how do we prevent it from drying out in the first place?

  • Proper storage is vital. Always store your eyeliners in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can speed up the evaporation of the product.
  • Make sure to always tightly seal your eyeliners after use to limit exposure to air.
  • Avoid sharing your eyeliner with others to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
  • Don’t ignore the expiration dates. Cosmetics have a limited lifespan, and using them past their expiration date can affect their performance and safety.

5 Wrapping Up

A dried-out eyeliner doesn’t have to spell the end for your favourite makeup item. Understanding how to fix dried eyeliner can save you both money and the inconvenience of hunting for a replacement.

Remember, the key to successfully reviving your dried eyeliner lies in patience and gentle handling. Whether you choose the hot water method, eye drops, makeup setting spray, contact solution, or microwave, a gentle and gradual approach will yield the best results.

So, the next time your eyeliner dries out, don’t throw it away. Simply revisit this guide on how to fix dried eyeliner, and bring your favourite product back to life.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to share these valuable tips with your friends too. After all, sharing is caring!

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About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

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Updated: August 4, 2023
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