Apply the Eye Drops
1.
Old eyeliner can become dry and flaky, which destroys the eyeliner pigment's intensity. To cut dryness, add two to three drops from your eye dropper into the pot of eyeliner. Avoid using contact lens solution, because it won't be as effective in restoring moisture.
2.
Since eyes are susceptible to infection and irritation, you must ensure that no bacteria transfer from your brush to the old pot of makeup. Apply hand sanitizer to the back end of the brush -- the side without bristles -- and stir the eyedrops into the eyeliner using that end. You can also use a toothpick for this step.
3.
Continue to stir the eyeliner with your makeup brush until all clumps are removed. Use the bristles of the brush to pat down the eyeliner as if you're repackaging it. It should look mostly flattened, without any breaks or clumps on the surface.
4.
Rub a cotton swab along the inside and outside rim of the makeup pot to remove excess eyeliner. If your eyeliner is too wet, use the swab to absorb excess surface water. Pat down the surface of the eyeliner with the swab to create a smooth, fully restored finish.
If you use a toothpick to stir the eyedrops into the pot of makeup, use a larger makeup brush to pat down the eyeliner. It smooths out the makeup better than a smaller brush and makes your eyeliner look brand new.
While you might want to revive your favorite L'Oreal HiP eyeliner, old makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria. Use this method on unused old makeup only. If your eyeliner dries out because of heavy use over a long period of time, it's a safe bet that it's loaded with nasty bacteria -- so smell your eyeliner and discard it if you detect a strange or sour scent.
