How to Fix Broken Makeup in 5 Steps

Whether you have broken blush or shimmer powder, follow these step-by-step instructions to fix your broken powder makeup.

1. 1. Gather materials. First, you’ll need a bowl, a small spoon, rubbing alcohol, makeup remover, and paper towels. If you don’t already have these products on hand, pick them up from your local drugstore.
2. 2. Remove the broken product. Scoop the pieces out of your broken compact into a small bowl. Using the bottom of a spoon, break the rest of the product into pieces and put them into the bowl. Use makeup remover to clean the inside of your pallet where your product once was. This area needs to be clean and dry before continuing the makeup repair process.
3. 3. Create a powder and add rubbing alcohol. Using the back of a spoon, mash the broken product in the bowl to create a fine powder. The finer the powder, the easier it will be to reassemble. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the powder, and mix it into a damp paste.
4. 4. Replace and press the makeup. Fill the original container with the paste you’ve created. Lay a paper towel (or plastic wrap) on top of the product and press with the back of a spoon, the heel of your palm, or a flat-surfaced object to smooth out the top.
5. 5. Dry it out. Leave the palette open so that your product can dry. Once it dries, it is ready to use as you did before it was broken—always apply powder product with a clean makeup brush or puff.

The most common repair method for powder makeup involves using rubbing alcohol. However, if you want to avoid it, there are a variety of alternatives to lean on.

1. 1. Use filtered water. Simple filtered water is a popular substitute for alcohol to fix a completely broken or minorly damaged palette of powder makeup. As you would with the rubbing alcohol method, deposit the broken product into a bowl and grind it into a powder. Add water to the powdered makeup until the product is damp and mixes together well but is not watery. Fill the empty palette with the paste and press using a paper towel and your hand. If you are fixing your favorite eyeshadow that happened to break, simply add a drop of water without removing it from the eyeshadow palette. Press the pieces back together or mix in the tray. Smooth the surface and let it dry before using.
2. 2. Try micellar water. For a more skincare-friendly option, use micellar water to fix your broken makeup. Follow the same process outlined for rubbing alcohol, swapping it for micellar water in your makeup repair formula. If your makeup only has a crack, use micellar water to fill it. Let the product dry before using it.
3. 3. Repurpose as loose powder. If you don’t want to use liquid, consider repurposing your makeup product as a loose powder. Remove the product from its tray with a spoon, and add it to a powder-friendly container. Use a spoon or a toothpick to grind the product up until it is fine. This technique is particularly helpful for face powders like foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter.

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