We’ve all experienced the heartbreak of dropping a favorite eyeshadow palette and discovering that one or more pans are shattered. The sight can be as devastating as a bad breakup. But don’t rush to throw it away just yet. There’s a simple method if you’re curious about how to fix broken eyeshadow and restore your beloved palette to its former glory.
Armed with a few household items, a bit of time, and some patience, you can make that damaged eyeshadow as good as new. Let’s dive into how you can save your makeup—and your day.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before diving into the fixing process, it’s essential to gather all the supplies you’ll need. The last thing you want is to be mid-repair and realize you’re missing a critical item. For this DIY eyeshadow repair, you’ll primarily need rubbing alcohol, plastic wrap, a small bowl, and a flat tool like a spoon or a coin.
Rubbing alcohol serves as the magic elixir that binds the eyeshadow particles back together. Make sure to go for at least 70% isopropyl alcohol for effective results. Plastic wrap will protect your eyeshadow while you press it back into shape, and the small bowl is where you’ll be mixing your shattered pieces. Finally, the flat tool will help you compress the eyeshadow back into its pan, making it as good as new.
Step 2: The Repair Process
Now that your supplies are at hand, it’s time to get down to business. Start by carefully emptying the shattered eyeshadow pieces into your small bowl. You may want to use a tissue to handle these fragments gently, as they can be quite delicate.
Next, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol into the bowl with the eyeshadow. The goal is to create a paste-like consistency, so don’t go overboard with the liquid. Mix well until all the particles are combined and you have a smooth mixture. Once that’s done, use a spoon or another flat tool to transfer this paste back into the eyeshadow pan.
Press the mixture into the pan firmly to ensure that it’s compact. For this, you can use your flat tool wrapped in plastic wrap to avoid sticking. Press down evenly so that the surface is smooth, and you’ll have your eyeshadow looking nearly brand new.
Step 3: Let It Set
Patience is key here. After you’ve done the meticulous work of pressing your eyeshadow back into its pan, it’s time for the setting process. Cover the top of the eyeshadow pan with a piece of plastic wrap. Then, place a coin or any small flat object on top of it for added pressure.
Leave the setup undisturbed for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This gives the rubbing alcohol time to evaporate and helps the eyeshadow particles adhere to each other. The result is a restored eyeshadow that’s just as good as new, minus the drying time.
It’s tempting to rush this step and immediately dive into a swatch test, but the key here is to let the product set completely. That way, you ensure its longevity and prevent further breakage.
The Final Touch: Clean Up and Test
Once the setting time has passed, remove the coin and plastic wrap from the eyeshadow pan. Use a clean makeup brush or tissue to gently wipe away any excess product that may have overflowed onto the edges of the pan or the surrounding area.
The moment of truth: it’s time to test your handiwork. Use your go-to eyeshadow brush to lightly dab into the repaired eyeshadow. If the consistency feels similar to its original state, then you’ve succeeded in your eyeshadow repair mission.
And there you have it—your eyeshadow is back to life, saving you both money and a trip to the store. Before you go rocking your newly restored shade, just make sure to sanitize your makeup tools to keep everything as clean as possible.
