How to Fix Broken Makeup

Nothing is worse than dropping your favorite blush or eye shadow palette and watch in despair while it breaks into pieces. It’s true, you couldn’t have done much in the moment but do not lose hope.

Before throwing your broken makeup away, ask yourself – can I salvage this?

Whether it’s your lipstick, highlighter or eye shadow, there are quick and easy ways to fix almost all your broken makeup.

If you’re an avid makeup lover, you know how expensive good makeup items can be. It isn’t always easy to find your shade and once you do – it’s almost heartbreaking if your palette or lipstick breaks. If this has recently happened to you, no need to worry. There are various ways to fix your broken makeup to make it look brand new again!

How to Fix Broken Powders

Fixing broken powders depends entirely on how damaged they are. If it’s just a crack, you can smudge it and blend it with the rest of the palette but if your powder has broken into smaller pieces, you need to do a little more to fix it.

Crush the Powder

Right after your powder breaks, your first step should be to keep the compact in a small plastic bag. This way, your work station will stay clean and you will also not lose any powder since it can get everywhere very easily. After you’re done, it is time to crush the powder – even the parts that are not broken. You may think that this will make things worse but you will not be able to fix your broken powder if you don’t start from scratch.

You can crush the powder by using a small spatula, a spoon or even the end of your makeup brush. Make sure to crush the powder until the whole thing turns into small dust particles. If you leave any clumps behind, your compact will become extremely grainy.

Add Rubbing Alcohol

The next step is to add rubbing alcohol to the crushed powder. The alcohol will evaporate but leave a hard powder behind. If your compact powder is tiny, a few drops are good. If it’s bigger, make sure to add enough rubbing alcohol so that it works on the whole compact. Add it until the whole powder is damp but don’t add too much that it starts floating in the liquid. It is best to let the alcohol soak for a while before you start mixing it with the powder. If you feel like you have added too much alcohol, simply dip a cotton swab in the plastic bag and let it soak all the rubbing alcohol away.

This step is crucial so make sure to do it right otherwise your compact powder will never be the same. After the rubbing alcohol has mixed with the powder dust, you have to mix the powder until it becomes creamy and consistent. Make sure to check for clumps before moving forward. A word of caution: the rubbing alcohol method may not be suitable for people who have very sensitive skin.

To Smooth it Out

To smooth the powdery paste, take a plastic wrap and keep it on top of the wet powder. The plastic wrap will keep your objects from getting dirty and your powder from getting everywhere. You can simply use your fingers to smoothen it but if you prefer something else, you can always use the back of a spoon. Whatever you use, just make sure it is smooth or your powder may take its shape.

If you still see some rubbing alcohol, remove the plastic from the top and use a tissue to absorb all the excess alcohol. Make sure to press down on the powder but remember to not press too hard or the compact might crack. It can also lead to the tissue mixing with your compact which will ruin all your effort to fix it. The next step is to simply clean the edges of your compact powder so it looks neat and brand new. You can do this by using a cotton swab or an eyeliner brush since they are easier to use on the edges.

Let it Dry

The final step is to let your compact dry so it becomes hard enough for you to use again. A good idea is to leave the compact powder open overnight which will allow all the alcohol to evaporate and give you a cakey, hard powder in the morning. If you feel like your compact is still a little dirty, use a small cloth or a cotton swab to clean it thoroughly.

How to Fix Broken Lipsticks

Good news – fixing a broken lipstick is much easier than fixing a broken compact powder. The not-so-good news is that while there may be just one way a compact powder can break, it’s a whole different ball game when we talk about lipstick damage! Let’s find out more.

Melt the Ends (if broken in middle)

One of the worst ways your lipstick can break is from the middle. This means you lose a huge chunk of your favorite shade that you might never find again! Fear not and fight those tears– you can simply reattach the broken end and make it good as new.

The first step is to melt both ends by using a lighter. Melt the end of the part that is left in the tube and then melt the part that broke. After you’re done, simply attach the broken part onto the remaining lipstick in the tube. It will easily stick back as long as it is burnt from the side. If your lipstick lost shape while you were burning it, you can use a tissue or a paper clip to mold it into the shape you want. After you’re satisfied with the way it looks, make sure to keep it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes so it becomes completely solid.

Scoop Out the Bottom (if broken at base)

If your lipstick broke from the base, you may have to do a little work to restore it back to its old shape. The first step is to scoop out the whole thing which will inevitably make things easier for you. You can use a bobby pin or a paper clip to remove the remaining lipstick from the tube. If you’ve lost hope, you can always use the lipstick by applying it to your finger first. This way, you may never restore it in the tube but your lipstick won’t go to waste. You can melt the lipstick, store it in a tiny container and then freeze it. You can then use it with a lip brush.

However, if a huge chunk broke off, you can simply reattach it after removing all the uneven parts from the bottom. You may lose some lipstick in the process which means it will become a little shorter but your lipstick will still be intact. Keep in mind to not press too hard when reattaching it otherwise you might damage it even further.

Try a Reusable Lipstick Mold (if you live somewhere with a hot climate)

If you live somewhere hot, it is best to get a reusable lipstick mold. A good idea is to keep all your lipsticks and other makeup products away from sunlight at all times.

Keep its Original Shape (if it breaks off the top)

If your lipstick breaks from the top, you can easily salvage it. Simply use tweezers or a toothpick to remove the part that’s damaged but don’t go too deep or you may damage it more than you salvage. Your lipstick may get a little shorter but it will stay in the tube and the uneven part will not bother you while you apply it.

Conclusion

It may feel like it’s the end when you break your expensive makeup but there are many ways to restore it. Try all the helpful ways listed above to fix your broken makeup which will help you save money and your precious time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Good Curling Iron for Thick Hair?

Curling irons for thick hair must have a high-temperature setting (heat up to at least 400F) to hold thick hair into curls all-day if not for a few days!
The best curling irons for thick hair use an advanced ionic or infrared technology to reduce frizz and keep your hair moisturized.

What size barrel is best for thick hair?

For thick hair, a curling iron with a barrel sized 1.5 inches is the most suitable option for everyday use.
Depending on your desired hairstyle, you can section your hair into smaller or thicker sections to create both tight and loose curls.

How do you make curls last all day with thick hair?

Use a mousse and heat protectant before you blow-dry in order to give the hair more hold. Prepping with a setting spray is also great for locking in your curls. Many of them offer heat protection, too!

Why Not Just Buy New Makeup?

Not only is makeup expensive but you know how difficult it is to find the right shade for yourself. Once you do, it is best to use it as much as possible. And if it breaks, it is best to fix it at home rather than looking for duplicates which will waste time as well as your money.

Can I Use Nail Polish Remover to Fix Broken Makeup?

Nail polish remover or acetone can help fix damaged makeup. Simply add some in your palette and let it dry for a few hours and you’re good to go.