Saving Money on Mascara

Open tube of mascara with brush prominent.

Many woman love to wear mascara to enhance their eyelashes. Depending on what brand you buy, mascara can be quite expensive. This is a guide about saving money on mascara.

Solutions: Saving Money on Mascara

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Extending Mascara

I recently discovered a way to "stretch" my mascara! I found that if I add a tiny amount of oil (a safe type of oil for skin without odor/flavor such as baby oil) to a dried container of mascara and then use the lash brush to "mix" the oil with the mascara, I am able to stretch the use of the product!

Of course, you do not want to do this with mascara that is too old for sanitation purposes, and as I mentioned, you want to use an oil that is safe for use on the body. I love finding ways to save money! This tip works for me!

By LoracMc from IA

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Questions

Here are questions related to Saving Money on Mascara.

Saving Money on Mascara

Tips for saving money on Mascara. Post your ideas.

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Most Recent Answer

By metroplex08/27/2007

When I start running low I use my blow dryer on the tube. Make sure you move the blow dryer around when you point it at the tube though.
This makes the mascara thinner and extends the use.
I've also run the closed tube under hot water for similar results

Inexpensive Non-Clumping Mascara Recommendations

What is a good mascara, that won't clump when I apply, is cheap and, not bad for my eye lashes?

By Becca from Bellflower, CA

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Most Recent Answer

By mollyring05/15/2010

I love Maybelline mascaras, and they're really affordable. I was actually just reading the cutest article about dealing with lashes that always clump! http://www.ontheglam.com/2010/05/problem-clumpy-gummy-spider-lashes.html

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Extending Mascara

If you use water-based mascara (as opposed to water-proof), add a couple of drops of water to it when it gets near the end, or if it gets too dry. Close the top and shake the container, then use the brush to kind of stir it around. You should be able to get several more applications from the container now. This also works for water-based liquid eyeliner that has become too dry.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

Editor's Note: There appears to be a lot of concern about this tip due to bacteria. As with all advice, contact a health professional to be sure. Here is another ThriftyFun post talking about this problem

Does putting water in mascara really help?

RE: Extending Mascara

I would be wary of this. Several health sites caution about adding water to mascara. Water contains bacteria that can be harmful to eyes, especially when it sits for awhile, as in a mascara tube. You only get one set of eyes! Cay from FL (06/17/2008)

By Exasperated

RE: Extending Mascara

I wouldn't do it. The germ fighters in the mascara will only last so long. If you've used it up, then it's probably too old to use anymore. Londa (06/17/2008)

By londa

RE: Extending Mascara

The best thing I've found is to get a mug of boiling water and drop the sealed mascara tube in for 3 or 4 minutes. It liquefies what tiny bit may be left and makes it usable longer. No health worries :-) (06/21/2008)

By lisa lovely

RE: Extending Mascara

If there's bacteria in water shouldn't we worry about washing our faces or taking showers? Just a thought. (04/05/2009)

By Glenn'sMom

RE: Extending Mascara

A female friend of mine saw a similar tip in a beauty magazine; however, the magazine suggested using saline solution such as you'd get for contacts. (04/05/2009)

By Mad Rabbit

RE: Extending Mascara

I agree with the other people and say never to add anything to your mascara tube - talk about bacteria! What I do is put my mascara tube next to my blow dryer for a few seconds to loosen up the mascara. Check it every few seconds because I've also gotten it too hot and bent the mascara tube! good luck! (04/05/2009)

By metroplex