How to fix broken powder makeup without alcohol

It can take years to finally find the neutral-toned eyeshadow of your dreams, or the face powder that makes your skin feel like velvet. This is why it can be devastating when you find out that one of your favorites has broken into pieces.

It may seem like the only solution is to toss the makeup and rebuy, but we have some good news — there are some tried-and-true methods to fix broken makeup. Yippee!

Ahead, we speak with three makeup gurus about their top tips for fixing broken makeup, including the best way to travel with makeup, and how to avoid it breaking in the first place.

VIDEO: What Every Beginner Needs to Have in Their Makeup Kit

You were dusting on your favorite powder and it went from pressed to, well, loose. The good news, says Claudia Soare (Norvina), president and creative director of Anastasia Beverly Hills, is that there's an easy fix for broken powders — and it involves a small amount of rubbing alcohol. If you've found yourself in this predicament, Soare suggests taking the following steps:

1. Start first by breaking up your broken product into a finer powder so it's easier to bind together.
2. Add a small amount of 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol (just a few drops depending on the size of the product).
3. Mix the powder and alcohol together.
4. Place a paper towel over the top of the product and press down firmly with the palm of your hand.
5. Remove the paper towel and allow powder to dry before using it again.

If you'd prefer not to use alcohol to mend your broken powder, Hannah Hatcher, a Jane Iredale makeup artist and global educator, says rosewater is just as effective.

You can also turn your beloved face powder compact into a loose powder —simply empty the broken powder into a ziploc bag and use the back of a spoon to crush the broken pieces "into the finest powder possible," Hatcher says. "Then empty the contents of the bag into a small sieve and, using a spoon, stir the contents of the broken powder until it all falls from the sieve into a clean container — you now have a perfectly good loose powder."

It's also important to note that this method works best with foundation powders, Hatcher says. You'll typically want to be more precise with bronzer and blush, so you may want to try the alcohol or rosewater method instead.

Another trick? If you've only managed to salvage a few crumbs of broken bronzer, transform them into a tinted moisturizer. Take your favorite moisturizer, squirt a few drops into center of the compact and use a teaspoon to mix it all together.

The bad news: your lipstick has gone kaput. The good news: Hatcher says there are few ways to rehab your favorite shade.

The first method involves holding a lighter under the broken piece of lipstick to allow it to soften. Don't hold the lighter too close or the lipstick will begin to melt (and be sure to protect your hands while you do this). You can try this same method with a hairdryer, again being careful not to overheat.

If the base piece (a.k.a. the part still attached to the lipstick holder) is bigger, Hatcher suggests holding the lighter to the top of the base. "After about 8 to 10 seconds of heat, take the piece of broken lipstick and place it on top of the base, gently pushing down," says the makeup artist. "Let the lipstick set for a few minutes, then clean up any rough edges with a tissue." To solidify the mended lipstick, place it in the fridge overnight to harden, says Hatcher. "[Then] you are ready to roll!"

But if you find yourself in a situation where there's barely any lipstick to mend, celebrity makeup artist, Cara Lovello suggests transferring the broken lipstick into a palette. This way, the lipstick ruins can serve as both a lip and cheek stain.

If your favorite mascara has ever gone clumpy, it can definitely bring a tear to the eye. However, you'll be pleased to know, dried out mascara can be revived. Just twist on the cap and place the tube in hot water for three minutes. The heat from the water will help breakup any clumps and bring your mascara back to life.

Keeping makeup in one piece can be difficult enough when it's safe and sound in your bathroom let alone when you're traveling, am I right? The good news is, this is one the pros have mastered.

It all starts with the type of bag you choose. Hatcher says that while hard cases are a great option for keeping makeup extra safe, they can take up a lot of space. If you are trying to keep your carry-on concise, then you may want to purchase a small makeup bag that is made from cloth or another flexible material that can easily slide into a suitcase. Using a smaller bag that fits the essentials, and doesn't allow for a lot of wiggle room, will minimize chances for breakage, Hatcher says.

You might also want to consider wrapping your favorite products in a washcloth for extra cushion, Soare adds.

While Soare says she is the self-proclaimed queen of using makeup "until it's hanging on to its last life," there comes a time where it's time to say goodbye to even your most beloved makeup products.

"If you broke a glass foundation bottle, don't try and use it because there could be tiny glass particles that you can't see," she says, adding that this could lead to micro-tears in the skin.

And, if you think your broken makeup may have been past its expiration date anyway, well, then consider it a sign from the universe. Quick reminder: "If the product has changed colors or smells a little strange, you should definitely toss it," Soare says. "This could be a sign that there's life (aka bacteria) in your makeup and you don't want to make this a science project!"

Thanks for your feedback!

Co-authored by Camille Sanghera

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References Approved

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This article was co-authored by Camille Sanghera. Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.

There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

This article has been viewed 310,217 times.

Before throwing away your broken compact powder, why not try and fix it? The most common method requires that you use rubbing alcohol. Although the alcohol evaporates as it dries, some people with ultra sensitive skin might find it to be still too drying. Fortunately, it is still possible to fix broken compact powder with a little bit of pressure and steam.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:Using Rubbing Alcohol

1. 
   

   1

   Open the compact and place it in a plastic, resealable bag. This will help keep your work area clean. It will also catch any loose bits of powder. If you don't have any plastic, resealable bags, cover the broken powder with a sheet of plastic wrap. Make sure that it is wrapped firmly over the edges, or the powder will escape.[1]

   • This method will use rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol will evaporate, and leave behind the hardened powder.[2] It is considered safe, but if you have very sensitive skin, you might want to consider the method.

2. 2

   Break the compact up into a fine powder, including the not broken parts. Use a spoon, mini spatula, or the base of a makeup brush to do this. Keep smashing the powder until you end up with a fine dust. Make sure that there are no clumps or chunks left, or your compact will be very grainy.

   • This may seem like you are only making things worse, but it will help give you a smoother finish in the end.

3. 3

   Take the broken compact out of the bag, or pull the plastic wrap off. If any powder got out, try to carefully tip it back into the compact. Break it up into a fine dust, if necessary.

4. 4

   Add some rubbing alcohol to the powder. Depending on how big the compact is, this could be as little as a few drops, to as much as a capful. Use enough rubbing alcohol so that the powder is damp, but not so much that it starts to float.

   • Try to use at least 70% rubbing alcohol.[3] The higher the percentage, the faster it will evaporate/dry.
   • If you added too much rubbing alcohol, dip the corner of a tissue into it. The tissue will soak up the excess rubbing alcohol.

5. 5

   Let the rubbing alcohol soak in for a few seconds, then smoosh it around.[4] You can use the end of a makeup brush or a mini spatula to do this. Keep smooshing the powder around until you get an even, creamy consistency. There should be no clumps or chunks.

6. 6

   Place a piece of plastic wrap over the wet powder, then smooth it down with your finger to shape it. The plastic wrap will help keep your finger clean while you work. You can also smooth the powder down with a spoon, the base of a makeup brush, or any other smooth object.[5]

7. 7

   Remove the plastic wrap, and press down on the powder with a tissue. Make sure you use a tissue that will not easily break when wet, otherwise you risk getting tissue particles in your compact. Avoid pressing too hard, or the powder may crack. This will help remove any excess rubbing alcohol.[6]

   • To get that brand-new, pressed look, use a scrap of cotton fabric instead. It will leave behind that fabric-like texture many brand-new makeup powders have.[7]

8. 8

   Remove the tissue, and clean up the edges with a thin brush, if desired. If you'd like your work to be neater, take an eyeliner brush, and run the point around the edges of your powder. This will help give you those nice, crisp edges.[8] Don't worry about cleaning up the compact case itself just yet.

9. 9

   Leave the compact open, and let the powder dry overnight.[9] During this time rubbing alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind the caked powder.

10. 10

    Clean up the compact using a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, if desired.[10] While you were restoring your broken powder, you may have gotten some makeup powder "mud" on your compact case. If this bothers you, dip a q-tip in some rubbing alcohol, and wipe the dried "mud" off.

Method 2 Method 2 of 2:Using Pressure and Steam

1. 
   

   1

   Turn your iron on and set it to the highest temperature. It is possible to set broken powder using just pressure, but it will be very fragile. The heat from the iron will help set the powder further and make it more durable.

   • Because this method contains no rubbing alcohol, it is safe for sensitive skin.[11]
   • Most compact powders will come in a metal pan set into a plastic tray. Make sure that your compact powder has this metal pan.

2. 
   

   2

   Break up the compact powder so that you can dump it out. You can use anything hard, such as a toothpick or fork. This may seem like you are only making things worse, but it will help give you a smoother finish.

3. 
   

   3

   Transfer the broken powder into a plastic, resealable bag, and zip the bag shut. Make sure that you get all of the powder out. If you need to, use a toothpick or the end of a fork to get the powder out of the corners. You will be breaking the powder up further inside this bag.

4. 
   

   4

   Break the powder up further into a fine dust. The easiest way to do this is to simply press down on it with the flat side of a fork. You can use anything you'd like however, even a spoon. Make sure that there are no clumps or crumbs however; the powder must be very fine. If you leave any clumps or crumbs, your finished powder will be very grainy.

5. 
   

   5

   Pull the metal pan out of the compact case. Most powdered makeup will come in a metal pan that is glued into a plastic case. You will need to pull this metal pan out before you move on to the next step. The easiest way to do this is to hook a butter knife under the lip of the pan, and then pry/pop it out.

   • If you don't pull the pan out, you will risk melting the plastic tray.

6. 
   

   6

   Pour the powder back into the metal pan. Open up your resealable bag, and tip the powder into the pan. Don't worry if you lose some powder.

7. 
   

   7

   Press the powder into the pan with a spoon. Place the bowl of the spoon onto the powder, and press down on it until it becomes firm. Start around the edges of the powder, and work your way towards the center. Try not to push any of the powder out of the pan. When you are done, the powder should be packed firmly into the pan.

   • At this point, the powder may look as good as new, but it is very fragile and may shatter again with the smallest bump. You will need to set it further using heat.

8. 
   

   8

   Turn the iron off. By now, your iron should be nice and hot. Turn it off and unplug it. This is very important. It will ensure that no water gets into your powdered makeup, which can ruin it.

   • Make sure that the steam option on your iron is turned off. You want to use dry heat.

9. 
   

   9

   Press the iron into the powder for 15 seconds. Make sure that you are pressing down as hard as your can. Do not move the iron up-and-down or side-to-side like you would when ironing clothes. The heat of the iron will help "set" the powder.[12]

10. 
    

    10

    Lift the iron, wait a few seconds, then press it down onto the powder for another 15 seconds. When you lift the iron, you may notice that your powder is looking a lot smoother already. You will need to do the pressing process one more time, however. Again, make sure that you are pressing down hard, and that you are not moving the iron around.

11. 
    

    11

    Let the powder cool, then glue the metal pan back into the plastic case. While the pan cools, swirl some glue inside the cavity in the plastic case. Then, carefully lift the metal pan up, and press it back into the plastic case. Wait for the glue to dry before closing the case.

12. 
    

    12

    Finished.

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Community Q&A

• Question

  I used nail polish remover instead of rubbing alcohol. Is there a way to get it out or resaturate it?

  

  Ashlyn Winn

  Community Answer

  No. Nail polish remover has acetone in it, so you have just ruined your compact.

• Question

  Can I use nail polish remover?

  

  Community Answer

  Because this is meant to be used on the face, nail polish remover is not recommended as it could be very damaging to the delicate facial skin.

• Question

  Where can I purchase rubbing alcohol?

  

  VidalGracey

  Community Answer

  You can find it at a grocery store or drug store.

• Question

  Can I use a methylated spirit instead of rubbing alcohol?

  

  Community Answer

  No.

• Question

  Can I use other liquid instead of alcohol?

  

  Community Answer

  Some liquids may not work, stick to rubbing alcohol or steam.

• Question

  When I used isopropyl alcohol and let the blush dry overnight, it formed cracks. The bronzer broke again when I shook it. How do I prevent cracks?

  

  Community Answer

  When repairing your blush, make sure you used enough isopropyl alcohol, and really try to pack it together. Try putting a thin piece of fabric over a coin and pressing down on the saturated product.

• Question

  Can I use whiskey to fix my blush?

  

  Community Answer

  No, you shouldn't use drinking alcohol. Use rubbing alcohol or use one of the other methods.

• Question

  What should I do if my powder is too loose after drying it?

  

  Community Answer

  Pour just enough rubbing alcohol into your compact to make it squishy again. Then, just squish it all together, let it dry, and use as needed.

• Question

  Does it matter if rubbing alcohol has a color?

  

  Community Answer

  Unless it was colored and sold that way on purpose (which is normally isn't), yes. Rubbing alcohol is normally clear, and if it has changed color, it may be off.

• Question

  What liquids can I use other than rubbing alcohol?

  

  Community Answer

  Anything that will evaporate quickly and won't break you out should work fine.

Tips

• If you can't find rubbing alcohol, search for isopropyl alcohol instead. Don't try to substitute acetone or nail polish remover.

• If only a small part is cracked, try: breaking the cracked part into a powder, filling the cavity with rubbing alcohol, and the smoothing the powder into the cavity.

• These methods can work on just about any powdered makeup: blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, and foundation.

Warnings

• These are usually temporary fixes. Your restored compact may still be fragile and can break easily again.[13]

• Some people find that after restoring, their compact makeup is a little bit harder/darker than before. Some people also find that it does not go on the same as before.[14]

Things You'll Need

Using Rubbing Alcohol

• Broken compact powder

• Rubbing alcohol

• Plastic, reseablable bag

• Plastic wrap

• Something smooth (such as a spoon or makeup brush handle)

• Tissue or cotton fabric

• Eyeliner brush and q-tip (optional)

Using Pressure and Steam

• Broken compact powder

• Clothing iron

• Plastic, reseablable bag

• Fork or toothpick

• Spoon

• Butter knife/blunt knife

• Glue

You Might Also Like

References

1. ↑ http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/06/d-i-y-makeup-fixer-upper/
2. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/makeup/how-to-fix-crumbled-eyeshadow-palettes-and-powder-compacts
3. ↑ http://www.makelifelovely.com/2013/01/how-to-fix-any-broken-powder-or-makeup.html
4. ↑ http://www.makelifelovely.com/2013/01/how-to-fix-any-broken-powder-or-makeup.html
5. ↑ http://www.makelifelovely.com/2013/01/how-to-fix-any-broken-powder-or-makeup.html
6. ↑ http://www.bustle.com/articles/89229-how-to-fix-a-broken-powder-compact-because-you-were-bound-to-drop-it-on-the
7. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/how-to-fix-broken-makeup-blush/page2
8. ↑ http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/06/d-i-y-makeup-fixer-upper/
9. ↑ http://www.bustle.com/articles/89229-how-to-fix-a-broken-powder-compact-because-you-were-bound-to-drop-it-on-the

More References (6)

10. ↑ http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/06/d-i-y-makeup-fixer-upper/
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr0he7CB31s
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr0he7CB31s
13. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2016/02/fix-broken-makeup.html
14. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2016/02/fix-broken-makeup.html
15. Videos provided by Cooper Neu

About This Article

Co-authored by:

Camille Sanghera

Beauty Stylist

This article was co-authored by Camille Sanghera. Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine. This article has been viewed 310,217 times.

Co-authors: 17

Updated: October 21, 2021

Views:310,217

Article Rating:87% - 17 votes

Categories: Featured Articles | Face Makeup

Article SummaryX

To restore broken compact powder, start by breaking up the powder with a fork, then putting it into a resealable plastic bag and crushing it into a fine dust with the flat side of the fork. Next, pry the metal pan from your compact case, put the powder back into it, and tamp the powder down with a spoon. After that, press a hot iron into the powder and hold it there for 15 seconds before removing it. Then, press it down for another 15 seconds to set the powder, and wait for the metal pan to cool before gluing it back into your compact. For more tips from our Beauty reviewer, including how to use rubbing alcohol to restore your broken compact, keep reading!

In other languages

Español:reparar un polvo compacto roto

Italiano:Ricompattare una Cipria Compatta Rotta

Русский:восстановить разбитую компактную пудру

Bahasa Indonesia:Memperbaiki Bedak Padat yang Pecah

Nederlands:In stukken gebroken compactpoeder herstellen

العربية:إصلاح بودرة الوجه بعد كسرها

Tiếng Việt:Khôi phục phấn nén bị vỡ

Français:réparer une poudre compacte cassée

हिन्दी:टूटे या बिखरे कॉम्पैक्ट पाउडर को वापिस ठीक करें (Restore Broken Compact Powder)

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Reader Success Stories

• 

  Sarah Hensel

  Jan 20, 2017

  "I knew about using rubbing alcohol to reset broken powders. There are many variations on the web as for the exact process. This one worked best for me! Much better than throwing out those $40.00 blushes and bronzers!"

• 

  Anonymous

  Dec 24, 2017

  "Easy directions with products I already had, didn't need to have or go out and get, "Eye of Newt" or "Breathe of Alligator.""

• 

  Anonymous

  Feb 11, 2017

  "This method worked really well and it was very fast."

• 

  Denise Green

  Apr 29, 2017

  "I love this wikiHow. This was the answer."

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