When eye black (eyeliner) dries out, there are several solutions depending on the type of eyeliner. Here are some common methods:
- Sharpen the Pencil: Use a sharpener to shave off the dry outer layer of the pencil eyeliner. This can expose the softer, usable part inside. Make sure to sharpen it carefully to avoid breaking the pencil.
- Soften with Heat: You can gently warm the tip of the eyeliner pencil by holding it close to a lighter flame for a very short time, about 1-2 seconds. Then quickly cap the pencil and let it sit for a minute or two. The heat will help soften the wax and pigments inside, making it easier to apply. However, be extremely careful not to overheat it as this can cause the eyeliner to melt too much and become messy.
- Use a Moisturizing Product: Apply a small amount of lip balm or petroleum jelly to the tip of the eyeliner pencil. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the moisturizer to penetrate and soften the pencil. Wipe off any excess before using the eyeliner.
- Add Solvent: For water-based liquid eyeliners, add a few drops of distilled water or a specialized eyeliner thinner into the bottle. Close the cap tightly and shake the bottle gently to mix the water with the dried eyeliner. For oil-based liquid eyeliners, you can use a small amount of olive oil or a dedicated oil-based eyeliner remover in the same way. But be careful not to add too much solvent, as this can make the eyeliner too thin and runny.
- Soak the Brush or Tip: If the problem is mainly with the applicator brush or tip getting dried out, you can soak the tip in a small amount of the appropriate solvent (water or oil as mentioned above) for a few minutes. This can help soften the dried eyeliner on the brush and make it easier to pick up the product from the bottle.
- Steam or Heat: Place the gel eyeliner pot in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. The heat from the water will penetrate the pot and soften the dried gel eyeliner. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to gently blow hot air onto the pot from a short distance, about 10-15 cm away, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. But be careful not to overheat the gel as it can change its texture and formula.
- Add a Little Solvent: Similar to liquid eyeliner, you can add a tiny amount of the appropriate solvent (such as a small drop of eye drops for water-based gel eyeliners) to the surface of the dried gel eyeliner. Use a brush to gently mix it in and see if it helps to soften the product.
