Let’s get real. Makeup is a costly investment, and it can take forever to find the perfect fit for your skin type. So, to watch your favourite compact or palette slip away and crumble before your eyes can feel like nothing short of a tragedy. But all is not lost. We’re here to tell you how some of your precious makeup can be salvaged. Here’s how to fix broken makeup with five easy tips.
1. Broken Compact
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Yes, we already painted this picture. And it’s ugly. But here’s some good news. With just some rubbing alcohol, a spatula and a paper towel, your compact will be as good as new in no time.
Method:
Gather your broken product and use the spatula (or a spoon) to break it into a finer powder. Add a few drops of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and mix it well until it forms a paste. Use the spatula to transfer the paste into the original container. Place the paper towel on top and firmly press down on it with your palm. Let it sit for a few hours until the alcohol evaporates and voila!
You can also use rosewater instead of alcohol for the same effect. Alternatively, you can turn your broken compact into a liquid foundation by mixing the powder with some Vaseline.
2. Broken Eyeshadow
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You can create all sorts of dramatic looks with your eyeshadow palette. But having it break can cause some unwanted drama and heartbreak as well.
Method:
This one’s pretty much the same as the previous method for fixing a broken compact. However, for eyeshadows, you should stick to using rubbing alcohol, since rosewater and petroleum jelly may not do the trick just as well. In case your eyeshadow container also breaks, an empty lens case makes for a good replacement.
Related: 7 Weird Beauty Hacks That Actually Work
3. Broken Lipstick
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You’re late for that meeting/date. You head to the bathroom for a quick last-minute touch-up and roll out your lipstick bullet in a jiffy. The next thing you know, you’re staring at that half-broken lipstick in your hand in horror. Broken lipstick has got to top the list of all broken makeup tragedies ever. But here’s an easy fix.
Method:
All you need to fix a broken lipstick is a lighter and a couple of Q-tips.
Use the lighter to melt the broken edges of your lipstick, as well as what remains in the tube. Take a Q-tip and smoothen these out. Now, use the lighter again to melt the base of the lipstick in the tube and insert the broken piece back onto it. Twist this into place and melt the outer edges to fuse the bits of lipstick together. Finally, use another Q-tip to smoothen your freshly fused lipstick, and refrigerate it for at least an hour.
Alternatively, you could melt the entire lipstick and store it in a separate container. Use a lipstick brush to apply as and when required.
4. Dried-up Mascara
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Trying to apply dried-up mascara can be quite irritating and painful. But if you’re sure that you’ve got some left in your mascara tube, we can tell you how to reach it. The trick? Eye drops!
Method:
Just add two to three drops of eye drops into your mascara tube and swish it around with the wand. Some beauticians even swear by adding a bit of aloe vera or contact lens solution for the same effect. Remember to break that habit of pumping your wand in and out. This allows for more air to get in, and you’ll be back to square one.
This hack works just as well for your not-so-liquid eyeliner.
5. Dried-up Nail Polish
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You were looking forward to giving yourself the perfect manicure… until you saw the bristles of your nail polish brush stubbornly stuck together. Ugh.
Method:
This one’s an age-old trick. And ironically, what’ll help you is your nail polish remover. Use an eyedropper to add some nail polish remover one drop at a time and swish until you achieve the ideal consistency. The secret ingredient here is acetone, so if you have a more concentrated version of it lying around, that would be ideal.
Related: Makeup Dupes That Won’t Burn A Hole In Your Pocket
The next time you have a makeup accident, don’t worry about breaking up with your beauty essentials. Just try these broken makeup hacks and save yourself from unnecessary expenditure.
