Whether you bought your makeup crazy cheap or pretty expensive, it can be heartbreaking when it gets broken for some reason or the other, your mistake or not.
You’ve probably experienced this a couple of times and have had to dole out money to get a replacement, especially for that favorite powder or lipstick.
What if you discovered that you didn’t have to toss that broken makeup because it can be fixed to be almost as good as new, especially with simple items you probably already have or can find around?
Well, this article has been prepared to teach you exactly that and help you save money next time this unfortunate incident happens.
How to fix Powder-based Makeup
Be it foundation compacts, bronzers, highlighters, or eyeshadow, you can fix them with more than one method. Listed below are three ways that should work for your broken makeup.
1st Method: Repressing
Re-pressing, the most popular method, involves using a small amount of Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. You’ll also need a spoon, a paper towel, and a bowl, and you can use rosewater instead If you want to avoid using alcohol.
- First, start by dumping all your product into a container and use your spoon to crush the chunks into a fine powder.
- Then, add a few drops of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, depending on the size of the product. You can add more later if needed but start with a small amount.
- Mix the powder and alcohol well to create a goopy sort of consistency.
- Take the contents with a spoon or spatula and gently place them back in the compact.
- Smooth it out, tap the container to avoid air bubbles forming, and leave it out to dry.
- Check when the product is primarily dry but still a little damp. You’ll know this by dabbing at it with your finger. If it leaves an indent without much effect sticking at your fingers, it’s the right stage to cover it with a paper towel.
- Cover the compact with a paper towel and use a flat surface like a book or the palm of your hand on top to gently press down on the product. This will ensure picking up any excess alcohol and pressing the product back into place.
- Wait about a day for it to dry up completely before using it.
2nd method: Creating a Loose Powder
Your compact face powder can easily be turned into a loose version. All you need to do is:
- Empty the broken powder and its remnants into a zip-lock bag.
- Then, seal it and crush the pieces into a fine powder from the outside with a spoon.
- Next, put the powder through a sieve with a clean container underneath.
- Stir continuously with a spoon until it falls into the container, ensuring the pieces are entirely broken up, and you eventually get a fine smooth, loose powder.
This technique works best with setting powders or powder foundations where you don’t have to be as precise as pigmented bronzers or blush.
3rd Method: Removing Hard Film On Powders
You might have noticed your blush or bronzer has developed a hard surface, losing its pigmented qualities, and your brush is not picking up enough product. This is often the result of a film on the surface due to the transfer of oils from your face by makeup brushes to your product.
This also happens quite frequently with eyeshadows when you wet them before use. In this case, there are two ways to save your makeup;
- The first way is to gently scrape the top layer, which can result in wasting the product or risk cracking if you need to be careful.
- The second way is more accessible, and you only need tape.
- Get clear or scotch tape. You might even use heavy-duty packing tape.
- Cut a small piece and stick it on the surface of the powder.
- Gently peel it off. The hard film will stick to the tape and remove the top layer of the product.
- You might need to repeat this step 2-3 times to get your product back to its original use.
How to Fix Cream-based Makeup
The most common gripe with cream-based products, such as BB Creams and foundation, is that when they slowly start to dry out, they develop a crack and don’t perform like before.
In this case, it is easy to fix by adding a few drops of saline solution and mixing it.
This restores moisture without compromising the color or wear.
However, pay attention to the sight and smells of your product before you try this hack. If your broken makeup has expired or gone wrong, it’s best to throw it out and not reutilize it.
Lipsticks
Lipsticks, unlike your other makeup products, can be challenging to repair back to their perfect condition, but there are two ways you can quickly recover the product plus, you can also use these methods to fix other stick products.
1st Method: Sealing the edges
This method works best if your lipstick snaps off halfway or has the base piece attached.
- Hold the lighter under the top broken part for about 6-7 seconds. Not too close, mind you; otherwise, it will melt.
- Place this piece on top of the base and gently push it down.
- If it’s not fused well, for about 1-2 seconds, move the lights around the separated edges to seal it.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, and clean up rough sections as needed.
- Please leave it in the fridge overnight to set and harden; you are good to go.
2nd Method: Melting and repurposing
Collect the broken pieces and dig out any leftover lipstick from the tube.
- Get a small round travel-size container like a lip balm pot, and smooth the product into it.
- Microwave the container for a few seconds, so it melts and sits smoothly. Alternatively, you can melt the lipstick in a metal spoon over a candle and then pour it into the container.
Then, let it cool in the fridge overnight before using it with a lip brush or your finger.
How to Fix Gel Makeup Products
Gel eyeliners or potted brow pomades don’t break, but they can no doubt dry out and crack. To fix this:
- Poke a couple of holes with a toothpick, and drop a few saline eyes drops into them.
- Mix. If it’s too dry, you can put it in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften it enough to mix.
- Let it set in place.
Note that adding eye drops to dried-out mascara helps rehydrate and bring it back to life.
Final thoughts
While it is easy to fix almost any makeup, it is advisable to avoid trying to improve liquid products in glass bottles that may have dropped, and the glass bottle is broken.
You do not want to risk nursing such makeup products back to health because there may be small pieces of glass in the formula. It’s better to be safe than sorry.