The liquid eyeliner should be used up within eight months of opening. If this time frame is exceeded, it is better to avoid using the eyeliner again because it touches the skin of the eyes and becomes contaminated with bacteria after being exposed to the air.

When not using the eyeliner, secure the cap. Keep it out of direct sunshine and away from light at the same time. The best way to store it is tip-side down in a drawer.

Do Eyeliner Pens Dry Out?

Your eyeliner may have dried out for one of two reasons: Perhaps it has to do with how you keep it or the quality of the formula you are using. (In fact, experts advise keeping liquid liners upside-down to maintain the ink saturation of the brush or felt tip.) Maybe you neglected to fully re-cap the gel or pen. (Everyone has experienced it.) Fortunately, there are easy do-it-yourself methods to restore dried-out eyeliner, allowing you to prolong the life of your cosmetics.

How to Prevent Eyeliner Pens from Drying Out

Make a Drying Liner Better
Use eye drops if your eyeliner is beginning to fade and you’re not quite ready to buy a new one. To rehydrate the formula, add a drop of sterile, preservative-free saline or eye drops to the tube and shake.
Use this as a final option while you await the arrival of your new eyeliner, as it will dilute the formula and reduce its magnetic properties.

Switch Up Your Items
Rotate your makeup supplies to prevent using stale, dried-out ingredients.

FAQs About Eyeliner Pen Lifespan

1. How frequently should I buy a new eyeliner pen? If you use eyeliner pens every day, it’s best to replace them every three to six months. However, it’s better to replace the pen right away, regardless of the term, if you see any of the previously stated indicators of expiration.
2. Can I make my eyeliner pen last longer? Although it is inevitable for an eyeliner pen to eventually dry out, there are things you can do to prolong its life. Using gentle application techniques, preventing needless air exposure, and properly storing your eyeliner pen can all help to extend its lifespan.
3. Can I use eyeliner pens that have expired in an emergency? It is not advised to use expired eyeliner pens, even in cases of emergency. Unfavorable consequences like eye irritation or infections could result from using the expired formula. Having a backup eyeliner pen or other makeup tool is preferable in these kinds of circumstances.
4. What are some ways to extend the life of my eyeliner pen? Make sure the cap of your eyeliner pen is securely closed after each use, keep it somewhere dry and cold, and don’t twist it too much to extend its lifespan. Additionally, keep the pen out of harsh sunlight and temperatures.
5. Are there any natural substitutes for eyeliner pens that might prolong their lifespan? To bring dried-out eyeliner pens back to consistency, some people suggest adding a drop of eye-safe contact lens solution. Not all eyeliner formulas will work with this technique, so it’s vital to keep that in mind. The pen should usually be replaced after it has dried out.
6. Can I make an eyeliner pen last longer by sharpening it? It’s not possible to sharpen every eyeliner pen. Unlike most eyeliner pens with built-in tips, some traditional pencil eyeliners can be sharpened. They lack a lead or tip that may be sharpened and are made for direct application. If in doubt, see whether sharpening is advised in the product description or on the label.

Conclusion

Regarding pen eyeliners, I’ve found that some brands last longer than others, and after 9 to 12 months (after they’re opened), they begin to dry out. I keep the nibs of my brown pens and pen eyeliners moist by storing them upside down. Moreover, KVD advises cleaning the nib with a paper towel after use to prevent eyeshadow from clogging it.