Lena Savoie
Dropping and breaking your makeup can be frustrating, but it doesn't always mean you have to throw it away. There are several ways to fix broken face powder, including methods that don't require alcohol, which can be too drying for those with sensitive skin. One way is to finely break up the powder even more, using a toothpick, until it resembles a loose powder consistency. Then, use a makeup wipe or Q-tip to clean up the edges, and press the powder tightly back into its container. You can also use water or micellar water instead of alcohol to bind the powder together.
How to fix broken face powder without alcohol
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Extent of breakage | If the powder is only slightly cracked, tap the back of the packaging to remove excess powder, then use a makeup brush to smudge the shadow in, pressing it into the packaging to prevent new cracks from forming. If the powder is completely crumbled, break it up into a fine dust. |
| Tools | A makeup spatula, plastic knife, or toothpick can be used to break up the powder. A makeup brush can be used to smudge the shadow. A tissue can be used to blot excess liquid. A spoon or something with a flat bottom can be used to smooth and spread the mixture. |
| Container | If the powder is too broken to be used in its original container, it can be transferred to a new small container. |
| Liquid | Water or micellar water can be used instead of alcohol. |
| Setting | The powder can be set using pressure and heat. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a makeup spatula to push the pieces together
If your face powder is only cracked, you can simply tap the back of its packaging to ensure any excess is removed and doesn't bleed into other colours in the palette. Then, use a makeup brush to smudge the shadow in, pressing it into the packaging to prevent new cracks from forming.
However, if your face powder is completely crumbled, you will need to break it up into a fine dust using a makeup spatula. The smaller the powder particles, the easier it will be to put your face powder back together. Once your face powder is a fine dust, use the makeup spatula to push the pieces together and seal any cracks by pressing with your finger or the spatula. If your face powder is only broken into two pieces, you may not need to do this step.
If you want to ensure your face powder is really pressed tight, you can also try using an iron. Cover the broken powder with a sheet of plastic wrap, then place it in a plastic, resealable bag to keep your work area clean. Turn your iron on to the highest temperature and press the iron on top of the bag, which will help set the powder and make it more durable.
If you're happy with the consistency of your face powder, you can glue the metal pan back into the plastic case. Swirl some glue inside the cavity, carefully lift the metal pan and press it back into the plastic case. Then, wait for the glue to dry before closing the case.
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Seal the compact with a flat tool, like a spoon
To fix broken face powder without alcohol, you will need to break up the powder into a fine dust. This can be done with a toothpick. You may also need to remove any excess powder from the compact case. Then, use a makeup wipe or Q-tip to clean around the edges.
Next, you will need to add a few drops of liquid to the powder. While some sources recommend using water, micellar water, or rubbing alcohol, we will focus on the water option here. Use enough water so that the powder is damp, but not so much that it starts to float. Try to use filtered water if possible.
Once you have added the water, use a flat tool, like a spoon, to smooth and spread the mixture across the compact pan, creating an even layer. You can also use a makeup spatula or plastic knife for this step. Wrap a paper towel (or something lint-free) around the spoon to avoid getting fingerprints on the powder.
Firmly press the mixture down into the pan. You can use your thumb or another flat object for this step. Leave the compact open and let the powder dry overnight. During this time, the water will evaporate, leaving behind a hardened powder.
If desired, you can use an iron to help set the powder and make it more durable. Simply turn the iron on to the highest temperature and hold it above the powder for a few seconds. Be careful not to touch the iron to the powder, as it could burn or discolour the product.
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Use micellar water instead of alcohol
If you want to fix your broken face powder without using alcohol, you can follow the steps below using micellar water instead.
Firstly, collect all the broken pieces and place them back into the original container. You can also break up the powder into a fine dust using a tool such as a toothpick to ensure it is lump-free. The finer the powder, the better its chances of coming back together.
Next, add a few drops of micellar water to the powder. Use enough so that the powder is damp, but not so much that it starts to float. You can use a makeup spatula or plastic knife to mix the powder with the micellar water until it has a creamy consistency.
Then, smooth and spread the mixture across the container to create an even layer. You can use something with a flat bottom, such as a spoon, to press down on the mixture and shape it to fit the container. Leave the compact open and let the powder dry overnight. During this time, the micellar water will evaporate, leaving behind a hardened powder.
Finally, you can clean up the compact using a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to remove any excess powder or residue.
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Use a toothpick to break up the powder
If your face powder is broken, you can fix it without alcohol by using a toothpick to break up the powder into a fine dust. This method is suggested by celebrity makeup artist Anton Khachaturian, who says that "the finer the product is, the better its chances of coming back to life".
To start, collect all the broken pieces and return as much of the product as possible to the original container. Then, use a toothpick to grind the powder into a fine dust. This includes parts of the product that may not have broken. Keep grinding until the powder is virtually lump-less. The smaller the powder particles, the easier the makeup will be to put back together.
Once you have a fine dust, you can add a few drops of water or micellar water instead of alcohol. Mix the powder with the liquid using a makeup spatula or plastic knife until it resembles a frosting-like consistency. If the powder mixture still feels dry and chunky, add a few more drops of liquid as needed.
As the liquid evaporates, the consistency will become thicker. At this point, you can shape the mixture to fit the pan by gently smoothing and spreading it across the pan to create an even layer. You can also use a paper towel wrapped around an object of a similar shape to the pan to press the mixture down firmly.
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Press the powder into the compact with a makeup wipe
If your face powder is broken, you can fix it without using alcohol. First, break the pressed powder into a fine dust using a toothpick. The smaller the powder particles, the easier it will be to put your compact back together. Next, use a makeup wipe to clean up any excess powder around the edges of the compact. Then, press the powder into the compact with a makeup wipe, using your thumb to apply pressure. You can also use a makeup spatula or the end of a makeup brush to press the powder into the compact. Make sure the powder is pressed tightly and evenly into the compact.
Let the powder dry overnight. During this time, any excess moisture will evaporate, leaving behind a hardened powder. If you're concerned about the compact's durability, you can use an iron to set the powder. Turn your iron to the highest temperature and apply heat to the compact to improve the powder's consistency and make it more durable.
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Frequently asked questions
Celebrity makeup artist Stevi Christine recommends tapping the back of the packaging to remove excess powder, then using a makeup brush to smudge the remaining powder into the cracks. If the powder is completely crumbled, place it into a small container and use it as a loose powder.
Celebrity makeup artist Anton Khachaturian recommends grinding the broken pieces into a fine dust using a toothpick. Then, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and smooth it out with a flat tool, like a spoon. Leave it to dry for several hours.
You can use filtered water or micellar water as a substitute for alcohol. Simply follow the same steps as you would when using alcohol.
Place the compact in a plastic bag or cover it with plastic wrap. Then, use an iron on its highest temperature to apply heat and pressure to the compact. This will help set the powder without the use of any liquids.
No, nail polish remover contains acetone, which can be damaging to the skin. It is not recommended to use nail polish remover on products that will be used on the face.
