Best Options (Most likely to maintain waterproof properties):
* Dedicated Mascara Thinner: This is the safest and most recommended option.
* Look for a thinner specifically designed for waterproof mascara. These thinners are formulated with ingredients compatible with the mascara's formula and won't necessarily break down the waterproof components.
* How to use: Add a drop or two to the mascara tube, close tightly, and roll the tube between your hands to mix. Avoid pumping the wand, which introduces air. Check the consistency and add more thinner if needed, a drop at a time.
* Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover: Choose a good quality waterproof makeup remover, preferably one that is designed for sensitive eyes.
* How to use: Add a drop or two to the mascara tube, close tightly, and roll the tube between your hands to mix. Avoid pumping the wand, which introduces air. Check the consistency and add more thinner if needed, a drop at a time.
Less Ideal, but Sometimes Work (Use with Caution):
* Contact Lens Solution: This is the most commonly recommended option if you don't have mascara thinner, but may not work for some mascaras.
* Make sure it's a saline solution, not a multipurpose solution with added cleaning agents or lubricants. These additives can interfere with the mascara's formula.
* How to use: Add one or two drops to the mascara tube, close it tightly, and roll it between your palms to mix. Do *not* pump the wand. Pumping introduces air and can dry out the mascara even faster. Check the consistency. Add another drop if needed, but be very careful not to over-thin.
Things to AVOID (Will likely ruin the waterproof properties):
* Water: Water will break down the waterproof polymers and cause clumping and smudging.
* Oils (e.g., coconut oil, almond oil, baby oil): Oils will likely dissolve the waterproof ingredients, making the mascara smudge and lose its staying power.
* Saliva: Unhygienic and will introduce bacteria.
* Lotions: These are not designed for mascara and can introduce unwanted ingredients.
* Adding new product of a different brand: This can mess with the consistency.
Important Considerations and Tips:
* Thin a little at a time: It's always better to add too little thinner than too much. You can always add more, but you can't take it back out.
* Roll, don't pump: Pumping the wand in and out of the tube introduces air, which dries out the mascara. Instead, roll the tube between your palms to distribute the product and mix in the thinner.
* Check for changes in performance: After thinning, test the mascara on a small area to ensure it still applies smoothly and retains its waterproof properties.
* Expiration date: Keep an eye on the expiration date of your mascara. Once it's expired, it's best to replace it, even if you've thinned it. Bacteria can build up in old mascara, potentially causing eye infections.
* Hygiene: Never share your mascara with anyone else.
* Store properly: Close the tube tightly after each use to prevent air from entering and drying out the mascara.
Why Waterproof Mascara Dries Out:
* Exposure to air: Each time you open the tube, air enters and evaporates the solvents in the mascara.
* Pumping the wand: This forces even more air into the tube.
* Storage: Storing mascara in a warm or humid environment can also cause it to dry out faster.
By using the right thinning method and practicing good mascara hygiene, you can extend the life of your waterproof mascara without sacrificing its water-resistant properties. However, be realistic – at some point, it's best to replace the mascara for hygiene and performance reasons.