A more sophisticated form could be produced using a dilute gum mucilage made from gum tragacanth, quince seed or some other mucin, with more modern forms using a synthetic hydrocolloid like hydroxyethylcellulose. The water-soluble gum served as a film former, suspending and spreading the pigments as well as helping stick the pigment to the lashes, while the more volatile alcohol decreased the drying time. Cheaper versions could leave out the alcohol but this increased the time they took to dry.