Use Every Bit of Mascara and Save Money

Those pesky 'still new' tubes of mascara get dry and thick before the end of the product. I solve this by placing the tube in a mug of hot liquid and letting it sit and "melt". I actually use my cup of hot coffee in the morning to do this. This method makes the product good as new for a long time!

Editor's Note: To learn more about how to save money on cosmetics see this tip:
The Many Uses for Hand Lotion

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Comments:

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smokehouse: how did you ever figure that out? I use mascara a few times a year and pulled it out for new year's and it was a goopy mess. will have to try out your trick. thnx

Posted by anonymous on January 06, 2009 11:08 AM

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Great idea, but I would be careful that the warmth doesn't allow a perfect environment for bacteria to develop. I think it's wise to throw away tubes beyond a year or so. Another idea is to put a drop or two of boiled distilled water into the tube and mix it up a bit. That would destroy any bacteria that may develop.

Posted by anonymous on January 08, 2009 11:45 PM

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I've read where they recommend you only keep mascara for 3 months because of bacteria which grows in it.

Posted by ccutie on January 10, 2009 1:26 PM

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The majority of us have never had any incident with bacterial problems. Common sense says to replace the item after an infection such as pink eye, etc. We are aware of the bacteria warning however, you are going to get bacteria in the tube even after the first use. Sometimes this hype, I believe, is to give a "scare tactic" to buy more product before necessary. (do you replace your toothbrush after each use? talk about bacteria...!)

Posted by anonymous on January 11, 2009 10:32 AM

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Good comment about the toothbrush. Each and everytime we first use a health and beauty item, we introduce "bacteria." Yes, it's mostly hype. "The Man" wants us to spend, spend, spend what we do not have.

Posted by Nana on January 16, 2009 6:46 PM

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Great tip about the mascara! It works like a charm. wooohooo!

Posted by frugalgramma on January 24, 2009 9:17 PM

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I definitely think it would be more sanitary to immerse the mascara tube in warm liquid rather than adding anything to it. Mascara is one of the few cosmetics that I wear religiously, even when hanging out at home, since I have "balding" eyes (!). I tried heating my latest tube in a cup of hot water, and it worked wonderfully--application was much easier. Great tip!

Posted by SiameseBelle on January 27, 2009 4:23 AM

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Thanks bunches for sharing the "melting" tip.
I wish I'd read this two weeks ago! I just threw away 3 old tubes of mascara!!

Call me picky, but I wouldn't put the tube in my a.m. coffee, though.

BTW, I've cleaned the brushes (soak in a glass of hot water with a drop or two of dishsoap for a few hours, or later (until you get to them) to have one available to clean tight places, i.e. computer keyboard crevices, sewing machine (especially in the bobbin area), and, ooops! I can't remember any others right now. Maybe I need to keep one handy to clear the cobwebs from my memory! LOL

Posted by Pinky212 on February 12, 2009 9:41 PM

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OMG PLEASE DON'T DRINK THAT COFFEE AFTER SOAKING THE MASCARA IN IT!!

Posted by KATHY on February 13, 2009 2:28 PM

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For those who rarely use mascara, I would recommend using disposable applicators. Coating the wand once is plenty product for use on both eyes. This way you are not introducing bacteria into the mascara to begin with.

Posted by Tanya on February 14, 2009 7:16 AM

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Ahem! As a dental assistant, I have to comment that toothbrushes should be changed much more often than they actually are. Also, a couple of drops of boiling water is not going to kill the bacteria in your mascara tube. That said, I might try heating up my mascara in a cup of hot water if the need arises. My way of saving is to buy the cheapest mascara that will work for me--I got a value pack of two tubes of Rimmel for under $4. I would say one tube lasted about 8 weeks using every day and wiping off the brush with a tissue to eliminate clumping.

Posted by Snazzy on February 14, 2009 11:20 AM

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I think your idea is great! Some of the most expensive mascaras dry out quickly. I'm definitely trying this tip, and I'll drink my coffee knowing that I've saved another few bucks on mascara. I wear it rain or shine! Got any other nifty tricks up your sleeve? I've got one, put your lip crayons, eye crayons, etc...in the fridge before sharpening them. Works like charm without breaking the tips off!

Posted by tryingtobereal on February 17, 2009 12:36 PM

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Thanks tryintobereal---about the fridge tip!

And Kathy, (Feb 13 post) FYI the tube is tightly sealed before immersion...can't be any harm as far as I can tell...lol...plus like I said, it doesn't have to be coffee...just a cup of hot liquid...

And some have mistaken that I put water in the tube...NO NO NO---just immerse the whole thing.

Posted by smokehouse1501 on March 21, 2009 6:10 AM

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Years ago I learned that we women pump air into the mascara tube instead we are to twirl the wand not pump it. By pumping it we force are into the tube. It 's true. Mine never clumps.

Posted by hugsandkisses on April 04, 2009 11:48 PM

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