How to Fix Broken Powder Makeup in 5 Easy Steps

What You’ll Need

• Compact with broken powder

• A clean paper towel or makeup wipe

• A few cotton swabs

• A plastic knife or makeup spatula

• Rubbing alcohol 

How to Fix Broken Powder Makeup 

Step 1: Break Down the Powder Makeup

“Break down the broken powder makeup into fine pigment particles with any spatula-like tool,” says Mia Galvan, makeup artist and content creator. If you don’t have a makeup spatula, a plastic knife can also work. 

After breaking down the broken pressed powder, it should resemble a loose powder consistency. The smaller the powder particles, the easier the makeup will be to put back together. 

Step 2: Pour Rubbing Alcohol

Next, pour a cap full of rubbing alcohol into the compact and use the makeup spatula or plastic knife to mix the powder with the alcohol. Keep mixing until it resembles a frosting-like consistency, says Galvan. If the powder mixture still feels dry and chunky, add a few more drops of alcohol as needed. 

“As the alcohol evaporates, the consistency will become thicker, which is when you want to start shaping [the mixture] to fit the pan” advises Galvan. Gently smooth and spread the mixture across the pan to create an even layer. 

Step 3: Pack the Powder

“Find something that is a similar shape to the pan,” says Galvan. “For example, if the pan is square, find something that is also square, similar in size, that has a flat bottom.” Wrap a paper towel (or something lint-free) around the object, and firmly press it down into the pan. This stamping motion will help pack the powder so it’s firmly pressed into the pan.  

Step 4: Clean Up Leftover Powder 

Next, use the cotton swabs to clean up any leftover powder on the area surrounding the compact. 

Step 5: Let Powder Sit and Dry

Let the powder sit and dry overnight with the compact open. In the morning, your compact will look good as new, and it will perform just as it did before you broke it.