Are you frustrated with trying to salvage your liquid eyeliner after it has dried out? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with this issue but don’t know what to do. Luckily, there are a few simple techniques that can help you revive and re-use your beloved (yet seemingly lifeless) liner, allowing you to keep creating stunning eye looks.
Whether you need an all-night look that won’t smudge or just want to enhance your eyes for the day – we’re here to show you how! Keep reading as a guide on how to fix liquid eyeliner that has dried out and is about to be revealed and once more your makeup bag will be full of beautiful colors, shapes, and sharp wings!
Why Does Liquid Eyeliner Dry Out?
Liquid eyeliner tends to dry out easier than other types of eyeliners, such as pencil or gel. This is because liquid liners are mostly made up of water and volatile solvents that evaporate quickly. The more these substances evaporate, the thicker and drier the remaining product becomes, making it difficult to apply smoothly. Additionally, the constant exposure to air and bacteria from being opened and closed frequently can also contribute to drying out your liquid liner.
9 Best Ways on How to Fix Liquid Eyeliner That Has Dried Out
1. Add a Few Drops of Eyedrops:
One way to revive your dried-out eyeliner is by adding a few drops of eye drops or saline solution into the product. These solutions are designed to keep your eyes moist and can do the same for your eyeliner. Simply add a few drops, mix it well with a toothpick or brush, and you’ll find that your liner is much more fluid. This method works best for water-based eyeliners.
2. Use a Makeup Setting Spray:
Another great option is to use a makeup setting spray to loosen up the dried-out liner. Simply spritz some onto your eyeliner brush and mix it with the product. The alcohol in the spray will help break down and dissolve any clumps, making your liner smoother and easier to apply. Using a setting spray will also help your liner last longer and prevent smudging.
3. Put It in Warm Water:
Placing your dried-out eyeliner in warm water can also help restore its fluidity. Fill a cup or bowl with hot (not boiling) water, then place the closed liner tube into it for about 10-15 minutes. The warmth will help soften the product, making it easier to apply. Just make sure not to leave it in for too long as this can cause bacteria growth. This method works best for gel and cream eyeliners.
4. Use a Hair Dryer:
If you’re in a rush and need to revive your liner quickly, using a hair dryer may be the way to go. Simply aim the warm air directly onto the closed-liner tube for a few seconds, then shake and roll it in your hands. The heat will help loosen the product, making it easier to apply. Just be careful not to overheat the liner as this can cause it to dry out even more.
5. Add a Drop of Oil:
Adding a drop of oil, such as coconut or olive oil, into your dried-out liner can also help bring it back to life. These oils will act as emollients, providing moisture and helping the product glide on smoothly. Simply add a drop or two into the tube, mix it well and you’ll find that your liner is much easier to apply. Adding oil can also help prevent your liner from drying out again in the future.
6. Store It Upside Down:
Storing your liquid eyeliner upside down can help prevent it from drying out in the first place. This is because the tip of the liner will always be submerged in the product, keeping it moist and ready to use. Additionally, storing it upside down can also help prevent air bubbles from forming, which can cause clumping and drying out of the product.
7. Thin It Out:
If your liner has completely dried out to the point where it’s unusable, you may need to thin it out before using it again. To do this, simply add a small amount of water or eye drops to the product and mix it well. Continue to add more liquid until you reach your desired consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, as this can cause the product to become runny and difficult to control.
8. Use a Different Brush:
Sometimes, the issue may not be with your liner itself but with the brush you’re using. If your liner is dried out and clumpy, try using a different brush. A fine-tipped eyeliner brush will allow you to control the product better and create precise lines. Additionally, make sure to clean your brushes regularly to prevent buildup and bacteria growth that can contaminate your products.
9. Invest in a New Liner:
If all else fails, it may be time to invest in a new liquid eyeliner. Over time, makeup products can expire and lose their effectiveness. If you’ve tried all the above methods without any success, it may be a sign that your liner has reached its end. Make sure to check the expiration date on your products and replace them regularly to ensure the best results.
Following these tips and tricks, you can easily fix your dried-out liquid eyeliner and continue creating flawless eye looks. Remember to properly store your liner and clean your brushes regularly to prevent them from drying out in the future. With a little bit of TLC, you’ll never have to worry about struggling with dried-out eyeliner again! Keep experimenting with different techniques until you find the one that works best for you and your preferred product. Happy lining!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Fix Liquid Eyeliner That Has Dried Out
- If your liquid eyeliner has completely dried out, try adding a few drops of saline solution or contact lens solution to the container. This will help to revive the formula and make it easier to apply.
- Another way to fix dried-out liquid eyeliner is by heating it up slightly. You can do this by running the closed bottle under hot water for a few minutes or using a hairdryer on low heat. Be sure to test the formula on your hand before applying it to your eyes, as you don’t want it to be too hot.
- If your liquid eyeliner has a brush applicator, try wiping the excess product off of the brush and then gently pressing the brush onto a tissue or paper towel. This will help remove any dried-out product and allow the formula to flow more easily.
- Sometimes, simply shaking the container vigorously can help to mix up the formula and make it easier to apply. However, be careful not to shake too hard as this can cause air bubbles which may affect the application.
- If your liquid eyeliner has a felt tip applicator, try running it under warm water for a few seconds. This will help to loosen up any dried-out product and make it easier to use.
- If none of these methods work, you may need to invest in a new liquid eyeliner. It’s important to regularly check the expiration date on your makeup products and replace them if they have passed their recommended usage time.
- To prevent your liquid eyeliner from drying out in the future, be sure to tightly close the container after each use and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near sources of heat.
- You can also try storing your liquid eyeliner upside down to help keep the formula flowing towards the tip. Just make sure to securely close the lid to prevent any leaks.
- If you find that your liquid eyeliner is drying out quickly, try using a primer or eyeshadow base before applying the product. This will help the formula adhere better and prevent it from drying out too quickly.
- Lastly, make sure to always clean your liquid eyeliner brush or applicator after each use to prevent any buildup of product which can lead to drying out. You can use a mild soap or makeup remover to clean the brush and then rinse it with water. Be sure to thoroughly dry the brush before storing it back in the container.
Following these tips and tricks, you can easily fix your dried-out liquid eyeliner and ensure a smooth application every time. Remember to always check the expiration date on your makeup products and store them properly to prevent them from drying out prematurely.
With a little bit of care and maintenance, you can make your liquid eyeliner last longer and save yourself from having to constantly replace it. So, try out these methods and say goodbye to dried-out liquid eyeliner woes! Happy makeup-ing!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be incredibly frustrating when you reach for your liquid eyeliner only to find that it’s dried out. Pop the cap off and apply some drops of oil to the tip to revive it, and you can be back to creating beautiful cat-eye looks in select colors within no time. Don’t forget either, that just like any other type of makeup product, eyeliners need to be replaced as they can expire or collect bacteria over time.
If you are continuously finding yourself with a dry liquid eyeliner situation, we recommend replacing your eyeliner every 6 months or so for optimal results. Now that you know how to fix liquid eyeliner that has dried out, why not try obtaining those coveted winged-eye looks by mastering your own signature liner technique?