How to Fix a Dried Eyeliner : Easy Hacks to Revive it

How to fix a dried eyeliner? Here’s a handy guide of expert-approved tips!

Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra

03 Mar ‘25
Dry Eyeliner Makeup Fix Eyeliner Tips Beauty Hacks
Dry Eyeliner Makeup Fix Eyeliner Tips Beauty Hacks

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For most girls, leaving the house without a flick of their trusty eyeliner is a legit nightmare. Also, if you’re a beauty junkie, then it only gets worse. Trust us, we know the heartache of finding out that your favourite eyeliner has dried up just when you’re headed out! Luckily for you, we did a little research and discovered that hope is never lost with eyeliner that has dried in the bottle. Here are 5 simple tips and tricks on how to fix a dried eyeliner.

Why Does Eyeliner Dry Out So Quickly?

Eyeliner can dry out quickly due to several factors. Improper storage, such as leaving the cap off or not sealing it tightly, allows air to dry out the product. Frequent exposure to air while applying also accelerates the drying process. Additionally, using expired eyeliners can lead to faster drying and a decrease in product performance.

How to Prevent Eyeliner from Drying Out?

To prevent your eyeliner from drying out, proper storage is key. For liquid eyeliners, always store them tip-down to keep the liquid at the brush’s end. Ensure the cap is tightly closed after every use to minimize exposure to air. For gel eyeliners, avoid leaving the pot open for long periods and always make sure to seal it properly. Additionally, try to keep eyeliners in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their consistency and longevity.

HOW TO FIX A DRIED EYELINER: EASY HACKS TO REVIVE IT

How to Fix Dry Eyeliner?

Read on to learn some easy and effective ways to fix your dried out eyeliner. Bookmark this guide and thank us later!

Give it a good shake

Give it a good shake

How to fix dried out eyeliner pen? Do you hear a little ball rolling around each time you shake your eyeliner pen? That is a tiny metal ball and its job is to mix things up inside the pen. It is important to shake your eyeliner before each use, and if you haven’t been doing so already, we suggest you start now. This little step helps the product come out of the pen-tip more easily, avoiding a streaky application. This is one of the easiest ways to save your dried out eyeliner!

Run it on the back of your hand

Run it on the back of your hand

Another tip to bring dried eyeliner back to life is to run the tip of the eyeliner pencil on the back of your hand or inner wrist. This will help warm the product and allow it to glide more easily. Alternatively, for felt tipped liners, you can even run it over a paper towel that has been dampened with warm water. This method is simple yet very effective.

Dip it in hot water

Dip it in hot water

How to fix a dried out eyeliner? The best way to store your eyeliner is vertical, at room temperature with the tip facing down or the tube lying flat. However, with time, the product can get lumpy and difficult to use. If this happens, dip the eyeliner in a cup of warm water, firmly capped, tip side-down for a few minutes. Next, remove the eyeliner and give it a good shake and run it at the back of your hand to get it to work smoothly. Make sure that you don’t place the eyeliner in the warm water for too long as it could completely ruin the product. Additionally, always use warm water and not hot water and ensure that the eyeliner is tightly closed before dipping it in the water.

The steam treatment

Steam treatment

Similar to the warm water bath, steam can also do the trick. Hold your tightly closed eyeliner over a steaming cup of water for a few minutes. The steam will slowly melt the product, giving it a second life. While doing this, be cautious and do not hold the eyeliner too close to the steam, as direct heat could damage the liner.

Eye drops make all the difference

Eye drops make all the difference

If you are using a gel eyeliner (the ones that usually come in a pot), then it tends to harden pretty quickly. An easy way to repair this sort of eyeliner is to add a few drops of an over-the-counter eye drop to it. Squeeze a few drops onto the dried out eyeliner and use your regular liner brush to mix it to get the consistency you want. This trick works wonders not only for gel liners but also for dried-out mascara! Add the eye drops carefully and don’t add too much, or else the eyeliner will get spoilt. Once revived, you can use it to create a variety of eyeliner styles such as dramatic wings or subtle, sleek lines for every occasion.

Try some unscented body moisturiser

Try some unscented body moisturiser

Reviving a cream-based eyeliner can be a little tricky as a slightly wrong step could ruin the colour or finish of the product. But here’s something you could do – add a drop or two of an unscented body moisturiser of your choice to the container and mix it with your eyeliner brush. Although this isn’t a permanent solution, it will definitely help increase the lifespan of your favourite eye liner. Again don’t add too much body moisturiser.

The sharpener solution for pencils

The sharpener solution for pencils

If you have a traditional wooden pencil liner, a simple sharpening can reveal fresh, creamy product underneath. Purchase a good quality sharpener to avoid breakage and ensure a clean, smooth point. Sharp

Add a few drops of oil

Add a few drops of oil

For some gel or cream liners that come in pots, a drop or two of a makeup-grade oil can be all that’s needed. Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic oil such as coconut oil. Use a small amount and combine it in thoroughly with a clean toothpick. This method requires a delicate touch. Remember, too much oil will make the liner too liquidy.

Use your hair dryer for gel liners

Use your hair dryer for gel liners

This works exceptionally well for gel liners that have become a bit hard and difficult to apply. With the lid on, briefly direct the warm air from a hair dryer at the pot for just a few seconds. The heat will soften the product, making it easier to work with. Be very careful with this method, too much heat can completely melt the eyeliner and ruin it. A short burst is all you need.

Apply petroleum jelly on your eyelid

Apply petroleum jelly on your eyelid

If your cream pencil liner is dragging, applying a little bit of petroleum jelly to your eyelid before applying the liner will craft a smoother, more glide-friendly surface. The petroleum jelly acts as a primer, allowing the liner to glide on easily. While applying the petroleum jelly, make sure to utilise a very tiny amount to avoid a greasy or smudged look.

When to replace your dried out eyeliner

Replace your eyeliner if it becomes clumpy, hard to apply, or causes irritation. Even with fixes like eye drops, it’s best to replace it after six months for better results and eye health.

Signs That Indicate an Eyeliner Is Beyond Saving:

  • Bad smell
  • Crumbling texture
  • Irritation upon application


If you have tried everything and are still not able to rescue your eyeliner, it might be time to say goodbye. However, it’s crucial that you learn from your loss. Correct storage is important to preventing future eyeliner mishaps. Always remember to close your liners tightly after use, and keep them in a cool, dry place. Don’t store them in direct sunlight or in areas with changing temperatures like your bathroom. By incorporating preventative measures, you can keep your eyeliners in perfect condition and avoid future makeup issues.

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Fixing Dried Eyeliner Eyeliner Storage Makeup Troubleshooting Beauty Products Repair
Fixing Dried Eyeliner Eyeliner Storage Makeup Troubleshooting Beauty Products Repair
Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra writes about lifestyle, culture and beauty, finding inspiration from her immediate environment or her travels around the world. Check out her wanderlust adventures @pallywally_ on Instagram.