Whoever claimed Cuban ingenuity has limits? A viral TikTok video has sparked a wave of nostalgia and laughter among Cuban women both on and off the island, thanks to a beauty hack that, while basic, has proven to be foolproof: warming dry mascara in boiling water. The video creator, known as Una Guajira en La Habana (@unaguajiraenlahabana), didn't need to announce her Cuban roots... her method was a giveaway.
The scene is simple yet impactful: a young woman places her mascara in a small pot on the stove and then is seen applying it to her lashes as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The on-screen text teases: “TELL ME YOU’RE CUBAN. Without saying you’re Cuban.” The result: over 4,000 likes and a flood of comments filled with anecdotes, laughter, and all sorts of confessions.
Amidst the hundreds of reactions, there's a bit of everything. “I still do it here in Miami,” one user admitted. “I put it in the microwave and it exploded,” another shared, laughing. “They sent it to me in Spain; I can’t live without that mascara,” a third chimed in. Someone even stated, “It lasts longer than the Cuban people under the dictatorship.”
The comment section turned into a virtual beauty salon brimming with camaraderie and memories. “I forgot once and the whole bottle melted,” someone recalled. “I used to boil it until there was nothing left!” another confessed. Some even shared more modern tips: adding eye drops, using saline solution, or finding similar versions at stores like Dollar Tree or Walmart.
This hack wasn’t merely an act of vanity, but a genuine survival skill in the realm of aesthetics. In times of scarcity, making the most of mascara—just like nail polish, lipstick, or eyebrow pencils—became a learned skill passed between neighbors, sisters, mothers, and daughters. As is often the case with Cuban inventions: if it works, it gets passed down.
The video by Una Guajira en La Habana achieved something invaluable: it activated a collective memory that transcended borders. Because, as many commented, “If you haven’t done this, you’re not truly Cuban.” Sometimes, a boiled bottle of mascara is all it takes to reconnect with who we are... even from the other side of the world.
Exploring Cuban Beauty Hacks
Why do Cuban women boil their mascara?
Cuban women boil their mascara to rejuvenate dry mascara, making it usable again. This technique is a creative solution to product scarcity and demonstrates resourcefulness.
What are some alternative methods for reviving mascara?
Besides boiling, some people add eye drops or saline solution to their mascara. Others look for affordable replacements at discount stores like Dollar Tree or Walmart.
How does this beauty hack illustrate Cuban ingenuity?
This hack reflects Cuban ingenuity by showcasing how people creatively adapt to product shortages, using simple yet effective methods to extend the life of their beauty products.