Buzz
Before discarding a shattered pressed powder compact, why not attempt to repair it? The most popular method involves using rubbing alcohol. Although the alcohol evaporates quickly, individuals with highly sensitive skin might still experience dryness after using this technique. Fortunately, there are alternative methods such as applying pressure or using steam to fix broken pressed powder.
Steps
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Open the powder compact and place it in a resealable plastic bag. This helps keep your workspace clean and ensures that any loose powder particles are contained. If you don’t have a resealable bag, you can use plastic wrap to cover the broken powder. Make sure to seal the edges of the compact tightly to prevent the powder from spilling out.
- This method involves using rubbing alcohol. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a tightly pressed powder layer. While this method is generally considered safe, those with extremely sensitive skin may want to consider the steam method instead.
Crush the pressed powder into a fine loose powder, including the unbroken parts. Use a spoon or the handle of a makeup brush for this step. Continue grinding until the powder becomes a smooth, fine consistency. Ensure no chunks remain, as this will result in a lumpy final product.
- Although it may seem like you're making the compact worse, this step ensures a smoother finish in the end.
Remove the compact from the plastic bag or unwrap the plastic covering. If any powder spills out, try to scoop it back into the compact. Grind it into a fine powder again if necessary.
Add rubbing alcohol to the powder. Depending on the amount of powder, you may only need a few drops or a capful of alcohol. Use just enough to moisten the powder, but not so much that it becomes soggy.
- Try to use rubbing alcohol with at least 70% concentration. The higher the concentration, the faster it will evaporate/dry.
- If you accidentally add too much alcohol, use a corner of a paper towel to soak up the excess.
Let the alcohol soak in for a few seconds, then mix thoroughly. You can use the handle of a makeup brush for this step. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, lump-free paste.
Cover the wet powder with plastic wrap and press it neatly around the edges. The plastic wrap will keep your hands clean. You can also use a spoon, makeup brush handle, or any smooth object to flatten the surface of the powder.
Remove the plastic wrap and press a paper towel gently onto the powder surface. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could cause cracks. This step helps absorb any excess alcohol.
- To make the powder look brand new, consider using a piece of cotton fabric instead of a paper towel. It can leave a textured pattern similar to freshly pressed powders.
Remove the paper towel and use a small brush to clean the edges, if desired. For a neater appearance, use an eyeliner brush to sweep around the edges of the powder. This step ensures the edges look tidy and polished. You don’t need to clean the compact just yet.
Leave the compact open overnight to dry. During this time, the alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a solid pressed powder.
Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the compact, if desired. While restoring the powder, the compact may get messy. If you prefer, use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to wipe it clean.
Using Pressure and Steam
Plug in the iron and set it to the highest heat setting. While you could use pressure alone to press the powder, it would remain fragile. The heat from the iron ensures a firmer and more durable result.
- Since no rubbing alcohol is used, this method is safe for sensitive skin.
- Most powder compacts have a metal plate inside the plastic casing. Ensure your compact has this metal plate before proceeding.
Break the powder into smaller pieces so you can pour it out. Use something sturdy like a toothpick or fork. While it may seem like you're making the situation worse, this step ensures a smoother final product.
Place the broken powder into a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove all the powder from the compact. If needed, use a toothpick or fork to scrape out powder from the corners. The powder will be further crushed inside the bag.
Continue grinding the powder into a fine consistency. The best way to do this is by pressing down with the flat side of a fork. However, you can use any tool, including a spoon. Ensure no chunks remain; the powder should be completely smooth. Any leftover chunks will result in a lumpy finished product.
Remove the metal plate from the compact. Most compacts have a metal plate glued inside. You need to remove this plate before proceeding. The easiest way is to slide a butter knife underneath the plate and gently pry it up.
- If you don’t remove the metal plate, you risk melting the plastic compact.
Pour the powder back onto the metal plate. Open the plastic bag containing the powder and carefully pour it onto the metal plate. Don’t worry if a small amount spills.
Use a spoon to press the powder firmly into the plate. Place the back of the spoon on the powder and press down until it compacts. Start from the edges and work your way toward the center. Try to prevent the powder from spilling out. Once done, the powder should sit neatly within the metal plate.
- At this stage, the powder may look restored, but it’s still fragile and could crumble with the slightest touch. You’ll need to use heat to further compact it.
Turn off the iron. By now, the iron should be sufficiently hot. Turn it off and unplug it. This step is crucial to ensure no steam or water damages the powder.
- Make sure the steam function is turned off. You need dry heat for this process.
Press the iron onto the powder for about 15 seconds. Apply as much pressure as possible. Avoid lifting or moving the iron around as you would when ironing clothes. The heat from the iron will help “set” the powder.
Lift the iron, wait a few seconds, then press down again for another 15 seconds. When you lift the iron, you’ll notice the powder surface has become smoother. However, a second press is necessary. Again, ensure you apply firm pressure and avoid moving the iron.
Let the powder cool, then reattach the metal plate to the compact. Once the metal plate has cooled, apply a small amount of glue to the empty space in the compact. Carefully lift the metal plate and press it back into place. Allow the glue to dry before closing the compact.
Finished.
Tips
- If rubbing alcohol isn’t available, you can substitute it with isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using acetone or nail polish remover as alternatives.
- These methods work well for various types of makeup powders: blush, contour powder, eyeshadow, and foundation.
- If only a small portion of the powder is broken, try crushing the broken part into a fine powder, adding alcohol to the gap, and pressing the powder into the empty space.
- This method is ideal for foundation, blush, and contour powders. If you can’t press eyeshadow back together, you can use it as loose powder.
- If your makeup powder has expired, it’s best to discard it and replace it with a new one. These methods may only further dry out expired products.
- If you can’t restore your eyeshadow, repurpose it for other uses. Mix it with clear nail polish to create a custom color, or blend it with Vaseline to make your own lip gloss.
Warnings
- These methods are only temporary fixes. Your restored pressed powder compact will remain fragile and can easily break again.
- Some people find that the powder becomes slightly harder or more pigmented after restoration. Others notice that it doesn’t perform exactly as it did before.
What You’ll Need
Using Rubbing Alcohol
- Broken pressed powder
- Rubbing alcohol
- Resealable plastic bag
- Plastic wrap
- Smooth object (like a spoon or makeup brush handle)
- Paper towel or cotton fabric
- Eyeliner brush and cotton swabs (optional)
Using Pressure and Steam
- Broken pressed powder
- Iron
- Resealable plastic bag
- Fork or toothpick
- Spoon
- Butter knife or dull knife
- Glue
