How to fix broken make-up

Few things spur on the same existential dread that comes from dropping your favourite makeup palette on a tiled floor. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you gingerly retrieve said palette from the floor and slowly turn it over, only to realise all 10 of your favourite neutral shades are shattered. Don't fret, before you toss your rejects, take a step back and assess the damage. Can this makeup be saved? Here are a few quick-fix remedies. 

Broken lipstick

 Fix-Kit:

A butter knife, microwave-safe bowl, empty plastic pot.

The Solution:

Spoon the residual product out using a butter knife and place all recovered lipstick in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave for 10 seconds, and repeat until the lipstick is liquefied. Pour the liquid into the empty plastic pot and leave to harden. 

Clumpy Mascara

Fix-Kit:

Cup of hot water

The Solution:

Place mascara tube into a plastic cup filled with hot water and let rest no more than 10 minutes. However, if your mascara is 3-4 months old, then it might be time to say goodbye to your beloved baby and buy a new one!

Dried Nail Polish

Fix-Kit:

Cup of hot water, rubber band

The Solution:

Take the cup of hot water and hold the nail polish bottle at the top (lid side up) in the water for 5 minutes. Then, tie the rubber band around the lid to provide grip when opening the bottle.

Hard film forming on powder products

Fix-Kit:

Cello tape

The Solution:

A hard film forms on the surface of a powdered substance such as eyeshadow, bronzer or blush when oil builds up or unclean brushes are used regularly. The powder then loses its pigmented qualities. To fix such a disaster apply the cello tape firmly on the surface and press. Gently pull off the tape from the product to pick up the residual build-up of oil. Oh the satisfaction!

Dried-out creams

Fix-kit:

Baby oil and a toothpick

The Solution:

To maintain the consistency of your eyeshadow or blush cream without compromising the product’s colour depth or longevity, add small drops of baby oil to the product and stir using the toothpick. Repeat until the product is at your desired solidity.

Cracked Eyeshadow

Fix-Kit:

Gladwrap, isopropyl alcohol

The Solution:

To save your broken eyeshadow or foundation power, collect all the product and return to their pan. Gently press the product using the gladwrap to create a loose powdery consistency. Remove the gladwrap and add a few drops of alcohol until the powder is saturated. When malleable, use your finger to smooth it back around the pan and leave to dry.

Expiration Dates

Two to Three Months

Mascara

Face Peels & Masks

Nail files

Loofahs

Six Months to One Year 

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid Foundation

Concealer

Acne Creams

Eye Cream

Face Wash

Serum

One Year to 18 Months

Lip Gloss

Cream Eyeshadow

Face Cream

Sunscreen

Bar Soap

Shower Gel

Eyebrow Gel

18 Months to Two Years 

Lip & Eye Pencils

Lipstick

Nail Polish

Powder Eyeshadow & Blush

Powder Foundation

Body Lotion (In a jar)

Scrubs (In a jar)

Three Years 

Shampoo & Conditioner

Body Lotion (Pump)

Perfume

Hairspray