How To Make Mascara Waterproof Using Hairspray? [Step by Step]
Mascara is an absolute makeup necessity for many women. Just a swift coat of mascara before you leave the house can add more life to your eyes and accentuate their beauty instantly. Unfortunately, going out in the rain with a non-waterproof mascara on will quickly ruin your makeup.
Since mascara is an important aspect of eye makeup, waterproof mascara becomes a need rather than a want. Luckily, there is a quick fix for a non-waterproof mascara using a hair styling product that is a part of every woman’s cosmetic kit that is hairspray.
So whether you need to waterproof mascara for one-time use or need a long-term solution, this guide will provide you with the answer. Here are the three methods you can create DIY waterproof mascara at home using hairspray.
Does Water Wash Off Mascara?
Mascara is basically carbon black or iron oxide pigment combined with oils or waxes as supporting ingredients. Since it contains oil or wax, a few splashes of water may not completely wash it off, but it will undoubtedly make it smudgy and make your lashes clumpy.
In short, it will create a greasy mess. Further splashes of water will definitely make it runny and wash off the thin coat of mascara from your eyelashes.
This is where the need to make mascara waterproof arises. One recurring method to do so that almost every makeup guru would recommend is using hairspray.
Hairspray, also known as hair lacquer, contains dimethicone copolyol. It is a lightweight silicone-based component with waterproofing abilities.
Moreover, it enables the lashes to maintain their shape for a longer duration. So, how do you create a truly waterproof mascara using hairspray? The DIY ways presented below will help you find the answer.
Mist Hairspray on Lashes to Make Mascara Waterproof
This method is only recommended when you need waterproof mascara instantly. In case you are unfamiliar with what misting means, it refers to spraying lightly on a surface.
In this method, you merely have to lightly spray hair lacquer over your lashes after applying mascara. It will form a dimethicone copolyol coat on the mascara and add waterproof abilities to it.
Required Items
To make your mascara waterproof using this method requires you to have the following items:
- Any mascara of your choice
- An eyelash curler
- Cotton swab
- Moisturizer or makeup remover
- Hairspray
Step by Step Process
1. Use the eyelash curler
Avid makeup users know that applying mascara is not merely brushing mascara over your lashes, and there is more to the process. If you really fancy amping up the sizzle of your eyes, you should know that an eyelash curler is just as important as mascara.
Pick a curler with a round rubber pad as it curls the lashes properly rather than bending them at sharp angles. Always set the curler near the base of your eyelashes (where the lashes meet the eyelid) and squeeze.
Hold the curler in position for at least 10 seconds before release. This will provide a nice shape to your lashes and allow more light to reach your eyes, making them appear brighter and bigger.
2. Take out the mascara wand
Applying mascara does seem like a simple process, but it is the minute details that make a huge difference in results. For instance, how you take out the mascara wand from the tube.
A common mistake is pumping the spool up and down while taking it out to saturate it with mascara.
While doing this, you are pumping more air inside the tube, which may result in drying out. Thus, it is recommended to move the mascara wand in a circular motion while taking it out.
3. Remove excess mascara
If the spool has too much product on it, the lashes might stick together. Thus, remove the excess mascara by wiping the spool on the brim of the tube or using a tissue, and this will leave just the right amount of mascara on the brush.
4. Apply the mascara
Position the mascara wand against the base of the lashes and wiggle it forward to the tip of the lashes. The base of your lashes should have the most product in order to make them appear longer and prevent them from being weighed down on the tip.
If you are afraid you might blink, keep your mouth open. It gets difficult to blink while your mouth is open.
Leave the first coat to dry, then proceed to apply the second coat only if necessary. Many coats of mascara are not suggested as it can result in clumping. At best, you can apply three coats, but anything more than that will not work.
5. Remove mistakes with a cotton swab
To remove mascara from unwanted areas on the eyelids using a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or moisturizer. You should only do this when the mascara is dry.
6. Spray lightly on lashes
Keep the spray at least 10 to 12 inches away from your eyes. Close your eyes tightly and lightly mist or spritz hairspray over your lashes. You might need a friend to spritz the hair lacquer for assistance.
One light spray is sufficient to make the mascara waterproof. Let the hairspray dry, and you will notice that your lashes are holding their shape far better than before.
Precautions
- You should always apply mascara after doing the rest of your eye makeup to avoid smudging.
- Hairspray may contain components that can cause redness and irritation in the eyes. Hence, ensure you close your eyes tightly and spray from an adequate distance.
Time
Making your mascara waterproof using this method will hardly take 8 to 10 minutes. This includes two to four minutes for applying the mascara, a wait of 15 to 30 seconds between each coat of mascara, and 5 minutes for the hairspray to dry.
Cost
The price range of mascara is quite versatile. However, a decent or good quality mascara will cost you between 10 to 20 USD.
A high-grade eyelash curler usually comes in a range of 5 to 10 USD. The cost of hairspray will vary with quantity, quality, brand, etc., but generally, you can find a good hairspray in a range of 15 to 20 dollars.
Overall, the total budget for this method can be expected to be in the range of 40 to 50 USD.
Apply Hairspray Using a Brush to Make Mascara Waterproof
Suppose your eyes are quite sensitive, and you cannot risk getting hairspray in your eyes. In that case, you can apply hairspray over your mascara using a brush. This will create a thin and lightweight coat of hairspray over the mascara as a water barrier.
Required Items
The following things are necessary for this method:
- Any mascara of your choice
- An eyelash curler
- Cotton swab
- Moisturizer or makeup remover
- Disposable mascara brush
- Hairspray
Step by Step Process
1. Use the eyelash curler
The key step in getting bigger and brighter is not merely applying mascara but also shaping your lashes properly.
Use an eyelash curler with a convenient hold and a rubber pad for smooth and curvy lashes. Set the curler in place, squeeze and hold for 10 seconds before releasing.
2. Take out the mascara wand
While taking out the brush from the mascara tube, do not pump the spool up and down to saturate it with mascara. This will force more air into the tube and result in drying out. Move the mascara wand in a circular motion while taking it out.
3. Remove excess mascara
Too much mascara will cause clumping and greasy lashes. To ensure there is just the right amount of mascara on the spool, wipe it on the lip of the mascara tube or use a tissue to remove excess mascara.
4. Apply the mascara
Put the mascara brush against the base of the lashes and move it forward in a zig-zag movement. The amount of product should be most on the base of the lashes.
Multiple coats of mascara are neither required nor recommended. Still, if you think a second coat can give better results, you can apply a second coat after the first coat is dry.
5. Remove mistakes with a cotton swab
If the mascara has spread onto unwanted areas such as the eyelids, then utilize a cotton swab dipped in moisturizer or makeup remover to wipe it off.
6. Apply hairspray on a mascara brush
Take a disposable mascara brush or use a clean brush from your old mascara tube. Spray hair lacquer on the brush till it is completely saturated.
Now, apply it to your lashes in the same manner as the mascara. This will create a waterproof coat on the mascara, thereby making it long-lasting.
Precautions
- To avoid smudging, ensure that you wear the mascara after doing the rest of the eye makeup.
- The mascara should be dry before applying the hairspray. Otherwise, the hairspray and mascara will mix and become clumpy.
Time
This method will require a time of up to 10 minutes, including two to four minutes for applying the mascara, 15 to 30 seconds for the mascara to dry, and 5 minutes for the hairspray to dry.
Cost
The price of mascara can vary from brand to brand. Typically, a decent or good quality mascara will cost you between 10 to 20 USD.
At the same time, an eyelash curler, if you don’t already have one, will be available for 5 to 10 USD.
A disposable mascara brush usually costs 0.3 to 0.5 USD per piece, the price of hairspray would be around 15 to 20 USD.
The total approximate cost can be in the range of 40 to 50 USD.
Add Hairspray to The Mascara to Make It Waterproof
If you need a long-term solution and do not want to go through the process of making your mascara waterproof every time you wear it, this method is for you.
Adding hairspray directly to your mascara tube will make it waterproof, and you will have access to waterproof mascara any time you want.
Since mascara is one such beauty product that has the shortest shelf life, it is recommended to replace your mascara two to three months after opening.
Hence, you can use your DIY waterproof mascara for two to three months and redo the process once you get a new one.
Required Items
To make DIY waterproof mascara at home using hairspray, you will require the following:
- Dry mascara
- Hairspray
- And water
Step by Step Process
1. Add water to mascara
Take your dry mascara, remove the mascara wand, and put it in a safe place. Add only two to three drops of water to the mascara and shake to remove bubbles and mix.
Add more drops of water if required. Ensure that the mascara is still a bit dry because when you add hairspray, the mascara will become thinner.
2. Add hairspray
Place the hairspray nozzle close to the opening of the mascara tube and spray lightly two times. Shake well and check the consistency of the mascara. If the mascara is still thick, add more spray and shake the tube well.
3. Wait for a while
After adding the hairspray, you should not immediately use the mascara. First, take the wand and put it inside the tube again in a rotating motion for mixing. Now, leave the mascara for at least 5 minutes, and your DIY waterproof mascara is ready to use.
Precautions
- Sometimes hairspray contains irritable compounds. Hence, it is best to use an unscented hairspray with natural oils to avoid irritation in the eyes.
Time
This is a concise and straightforward method that will barely take 6-8 minutes. Simply wait for 5 minutes after adding water and hairspray to the dry mascara, and it will be all set to use.
Cost
Since there are only two items needed for this method, the budget for this method is relatively small.
A dry mascara can be bought for 5 to 10 USD, while the hairspray has a price range of 15 to 20 dollars.
The total cost for this method will be around 20 – 30 USD.
With the help of the above-mentioned easy methods, you can create a truly waterproof mascara at home using hairspray.
Now, you know the secret to have flawless lashes at a pool party or rainy day. Although in order to get the best results, you should also keep in mind the quality of the items used.
If the mascara or the hairspray is not standard quality, you may end up having irritation in the eyes or other severe problems. Thus, while using any of the given methods, you should focus on getting high-grade products.
