If your mascara is starting to clump and dry out before the tube is empty, add a few drops of saline solution (the kind used for contact lenses) and roll the tube between your palms to mix. The saline thins the formula back to a workable consistency.
Three Thrifty Makeup Tricks
Don't toss that makeup just yet. A few simple tricks can squeeze extra wear out of lipstick, mascara, and eyeshadow before you have to replace them.
Revive Dried-Out Mascara
Fix a Broken Lipstick
Don't throw away a snapped lipstick. Warm the broken end with a lighter or match for a couple of seconds, press the two pieces back together, and let it cool in the fridge for a few minutes. The heat re-melds the wax so it holds.
Stretch Pressed Eyeshadow
When a pressed eyeshadow pan cracks or crumbles, don't toss it. Crush the remaining powder with a spoon, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol until it forms a paste, press it back into the pan, and let it dry overnight.
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