Whether a dramatic intensity or just a natural soft accent of the lashes, mascara works wonders. It is a must-have product in a make-up kit. Often, many have a favorite mascara that is perfectly compatible with every look. However, as useful mascaras are, these tend to dry out. If you are worried that your favorite mascara will dry out sooner than you expect, here are a few tips to make mascara last longer.

1. Keep the bottle closed at all times
Each time mascara is applied, the tube is exposed to air. This can cause the product to dry up quite quickly. The best way to avoid this is to close the opening of the bottle each time the mascara brush is taken out. Use a clean tissue. Make sure that you sanitize your hands to avoid germs getting on the rim of the mascara tube.

2. Just scrape the mascara out instead of pumping
It is quite a common habit to pump the mascara wand inside the container every time the product is running low. While pumping can extract just a few scoops of mascara, it lets air inside the tube at the same time. This can cause the mascara to dry out sooner. The best way to avoid the mascara from drying and at the same time get the last bits of the product out of the tube is to scrape. Scrape the inside walls of the mascara tube. Then, gently pull out in one motion.

3. Keep germs away
It is usually recommended to throw out old mascara every three months. The reason for this is germs. Every time the mascara is used, bacteria and germs stick to the brush. If the mascara tube becomes a hotbed of bacteria, it can cause infection. Additionally, the mascara won’t last long, and you have to throw it out. To avoid this, don’t share mascara. Don’t use the product on infected or irritated eyes.

4. Put the tube in the refrigerator
A useful hack to make mascara longer is to put it in the fridge. This is especially useful for those who don’t use mascara on a regular basis. The low temperature inside the refrigerator will preserve your mascara. On the flip side, the mascara may become a bit thick because of the cold. This can be easily be resolved by taking the tube out for a while before applying. Put it back in the fridge once done. This will make the mascara last for at least six months.

5. Use a saline solution
Some people recommend putting a few drops of water in the dried mascara. However, this will make the product quite runny. Instead, put a few drops of saline solution or contact lens solution. Shake the tube gently. This hack works well for a mascara that is almost over and when the last amount of the product needs to be scraped out.