How To Fix a Broken Eyeshadow Palette: 3 Effective Ways

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As makeup enthusiasts, we know the heartbreak of dropping a beloved eyeshadow palette and seeing our favorite shades shatter into a million pieces.

But fear not — a broken eyeshadow palette doesn’t have to signal the end of its life. There are several easy and effective ways to fix it and make it look good as new in no time.

In this piece, we’ll explore how to fix a broken eyeshadow palette with three different methods that use alcohol and other tried-and-tested ingredients. 

We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each method. So even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to learn how to salvage your broken eyeshadow with ease. 

We’ll also share tips and tricks for preventing eyeshadow breakage and repurposing your broken eyeshadow so you never have to throw them away!

With these techniques, you can save time and money and keep your favorite eyeshadow palettes in your makeup collection for a long time. 

Method 1: How To Fix a Broken Eyeshadow Palette With Rubbing Alcohol

Fixing broken eyeshadow is a relatively simple process that you can complete successfully with just a few readily available tools and some rubbing alcohol.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix crushed eyeshadow with alcohol.

What You’ll Need

• Rubbing alcohol (preferably with a 70% isopropyl concentration or higher) like the Epic Medical Supply Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
• Small mixing spatula or spoon 
• Liquid dropper
• Small container (empty eyeshadow pan, small bowl, or even a plastic baggie)
• Q-tips and makeup wipes
• Paper towel
• Flat surface for mixing
• Blow-dryer or fan (optional)

What You’ll Do

1. Start by gathering your tools and setting them up on a flat surface. Make sure the surface is clean and dry.
2. Carefully remove the broken eyeshadow from its original container and place it into a small empty container.
3. Crush the eyeshadow into smaller pieces using your mixing spatula or spoon. You’ll need to ensure it’s as finely ground as possible, so take your time with this step.
4. Pour the rubbing alcohol into a liquid dropper to control how much alcohol you put into the eyeshadow product. 
5. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the container with the broken eyeshadow. You don’t need to add much, just enough to moisten the eyeshadow and make it pliable.
6. Mix the eyeshadow and rubbing alcohol together with your spatula or spoon. Keep mixing until you form a paste with a smooth consistency. 
7. Once the mixture is smooth, use your spatula or spoon to press it back into its original container or a new empty eyeshadow pan. Smooth it out as much as possible, ensuring it’s level and compact.
8. Then place a paper towel on top of the eyeshadow and gently press down on it using the spatula or spoon to remove any excess rubbing alcohol.
9. Use a Q-tip or makeup wipe to clean up any excess product on the new packaging.
10. Allow the eyeshadow to dry for several hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by using a blow-dryer on the lowest setting to dry it.

Here’s a sample video that you can refer to which shows a more simplified process of how to fix a broken eyeshadow palette with rubbing alcohol:

Method 2: How To Fix a Broken Eyeshadow Palette With Micellar Water

Want to learn how to fix an eyeshadow palette without alcohol? If you don’t want to use alcohol on your makeup products, we have good news for you.

Luckily, there exists another simple solution to this problem: micellar water. 

This gentle makeup remover can fix a broken eyeshadow, and it’s much less harsh than rubbing alcohol!

Also, micellar water is designed to dissolve or lift away dirt and oil without damaging your skin or makeup products.

Curious about how to fix broken powder eyeshadow using a makeup remover like micellar water? Read on!

What You’ll Need

• Oil-free micellar water like the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water
• Small mixing container
• Small spatula or spoon
• Q-tips or makeup wipes
• Paper towel

What You’ll Do

1. Carefully remove large pieces of broken eyeshadow from the compact and place them into your mixing container.
2. Using your small spatula or spoon, crush the eyeshadow pieces into a fine powder.
3. Add a few drops of oil-free micellar water to the container and mix the eyeshadow until it forms a paste. Add more micellar water if needed, but be careful not to add too much to avoid making it watery.
4. Once you’ve achieved a smooth, paste-like consistency, pour the eyeshadow back into the compact or the new container. Use your spatula or spoon to press and smoothen it until it’s even. 
5. To remove the excess micellar water, place a paper towel on top of the eyeshadow and press it with a spatula or spoon.
6. Clean the excess product off the container with a Q-tip or a makeup wipe.
7. Let it air-dry for at least 24 hours.

Method 3: How To Fix a Broken Eyeshadow Palette With Setting Spray

Another way to fix a broken eyeshadow palette without alcohol is by using a setting spray, a gentler alternative to rubbing alcohol. 

A setting spray is designed to be used on top of your makeup to set it into place without altering its quality, and it also contains moisturizing ingredients that can help to hydrate the eyeshadow and prevent it from becoming brittle over time.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to fix an eyeshadow makeup palette with setting spray.

What You’ll Need

• Setting spray such as the Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Primer
• Small mixing container
• Small spatula or spoon
• Q-tips or makeup wipes
• Paper towel

What You’ll Do

1. Gently remove the broken pieces of eyeshadow from the compact and place them into your mixing container.
2. Crush the eyeshadow pieces, especially the big chunks, into a fine powder using a small spatula or spoon.
3. Spray a few pumps of setting spray into the container with the eyeshadow. Be careful not to add too much or soak the eyeshadow with the solution so it doesn’t become runny.
4. Mix the eyeshadow and setting spray until it forms a paste. 
5. Once it has a smooth, thick consistency, pour the eyeshadow back into its container or a new one. Use the spatula to even out or smoothen the top part.
6. Put a paper towel on top of it and press down on it using a spatula or spoon to remove excess setting spray.
7. Tidy up any spills with a makeup wipe or Q-tip and leave the eyeshadow to air-dry overnight.

Hacks for Preventing Eyeshadow Breakage 

Eyeshadow breakage can be a frustrating experience. 

But by implementing a few simple hacks, you can safeguard your eyeshadow palettes against damage and enjoy vibrant pigments and smooth textures for a much longer time. 

Here are some tips and tricks you can follow to prevent eyeshadow breakage.

Handle With Care

The first rule of thumb in preventing eyeshadow breakage is to handle your palettes and individual pans with utmost care. 

When applying eyeshadow, use a gentle hand. Applying too much pressure to the eyeshadow product can cause it to break. Instead, use light, sweeping motions when applying.

Store Properly

Proper storage is crucial for protecting your eyeshadows. Consider investing in a dedicated makeup storage solution, such as a sturdy cosmetic organizer or a magnetic palette.

Keep your eyeshadows in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as heat and humidity can lead to the crumbling of eyeshadow products with a pressed powder formula.

Use the Cushioning Technique

To safeguard individual eyeshadow pans within a palette, try the cushioning technique. 

All you need to do is place a small piece of soft foam or a cotton pad between the pans before closing the palette. 

Another method that you can try — especially when you’re traveling — is stashing the palette away in a padded makeup bag or wrapping it in a soft cloth to prevent it from getting jolted around in your luggage.

This added cushioning provides a protective barrier, minimizing the risk of breakage.

Invest in High-Quality Eyeshadow

High-quality eyeshadows are less likely to break than low-quality ones. 

We recommend investing in a good-quality eyeshadow palette to ensure your eyeshadow products last longer and don’t break easily.

Ways To Repurpose Broken Eyeshadow Palettes

Now you know how to fix broken makeup powder, specifically eyeshadow. But what do you do if your best efforts aren’t enough to save your beloved product?

We understand how disappointing this can be. But with a bit of creativity, you can breathe new life into your broken eyeshadow! 

So before you toss it into the trash, consider repurposing it into something new and exciting!

Here are some unique products you can make from a broken eyeshadow palette: 

Nail Polish

Transform your broken eyeshadow into unique nail polish shades. 

How? Just follow these steps:

1. Crush the broken eyeshadow into a fine powder and mix it with clear nail polish.
2. Adjust the vibrance and intensity of the hue by adding more or less powder until you achieve the desired color.
3. Experiment with mixing different shades to create your custom nail polish collection. 

Tinted Lip Balm

Give your lips a pop of color by repurposing your broken eyeshadow into a homemade tinted lip balm.

Follow these simple steps to achieve this:

1. Start by melting some beeswax and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Once melted, mix in the crushed eyeshadow. For a pleasant fragrance, add a few drops of your chosen skin-friendly essential oil into the mix.
3. Pour the resulting mixture into an empty lip balm container and let it solidify. 

Colored Mascara

Give your lashes a vibrant twist by turning your broken eyeshadow into colored mascara.

Here’s the best way to do this:

1. Crush the eyeshadow into a fine powder.
2. Mix it with a clear mascara or lash primer.
3. Ensure the consistency is smooth, and apply it to your lashes using a clean mascara wand.

Highlighter or Bronzer

Broken eyeshadow palettes with neutral colors can create a customized highlighter or bronzer that perfectly matches your skin tone.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Crush the broken eyeshadow colors into a fine powder.
2. Mix it with a neutral-colored face powder or translucent setting powder.
3. Adjust the ratio until you achieve your desired shade.
4. Store the mixture in a clean, empty compact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Fix Broken Eyeshadow?

If you want to know how to fix broken eyeshadow with hydrogen peroxide, our answer is simple: don’t do it! 

Why? Hydrogen peroxide is a potent oxidizing agent that can potentially alter the composition and color of your eyeshadow product, making it unsuitable for use on the skin.

Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can be harsh and drying to the skin. Applying eyeshadow with hydrogen peroxide — even after it’s dried — directly to the delicate eye area can cause irritation and discomfort.

As such, it is best to avoid using hydrogen peroxide for fixing broken eyeshadow palettes and opt for safer alternatives like rubbing alcohol, micellar water, or setting spray instead.

When fixing a broken eyeshadow, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of your skin and the quality of the product. 

Following appropriate methods and using recommended ingredients will help ensure a satisfactory outcome without compromising your health or the effectiveness of the eyeshadow.

How Do You Fix Broken Eyeshadow With Water?

There are a lot of people asking about how to fix broken eyeshadow with water, but the reality of the matter is that using water is not the most effective or recommended method.

Water can help temporarily bind the broken eyeshadow together, but it won’t create a long-lasting fix.

The water can dilute the pigments, affecting the color and overall performance of your eyeshadow. 

It’s also worth mentioning that water may also cause the eyeshadow to harden over time because of oxidation. 

When water is introduced to eyeshadow, it can create an environment where the pigments and binders in the product react with the air and begin to break down.

This reaction can alter the color and texture of your eyeshadow, making it harder to use.

Also, mixing your eyeshadow with unfiltered water can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms into the product, potentially causing contamination and shortening its shelf life.

Is It Still Safe To Use My Eyeshadow After Fixing It?

Yes, it is safe to use your re-pressed eyeshadow after fixing it with rubbing alcohol, micellar water, or setting spray as long as you follow proper techniques and allow the product to dry completely before using it again.

Rubbing alcohol, micellar water, and setting spray are commonly used to fix broken eyeshadow products because they can help bring the powder back together without causing harm to the skin or compromising the quality of the product.

Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and binds the eyeshadow effectively. At the same time, micellar water and setting spray contain gentle cleansing and skin-loving agents that dissolve the powder and help you reform it.

To safely use your re-pressed eyeshadow, ensure it is completely dry before applying it to your eyelids. This may take a few hours or even overnight, depending on the amount of liquid used and the humidity of the environment.

Additionally, when using re-pressed eyeshadow, be mindful of the cleanliness of your tools and the product itself. Ensure that your brushes and applicators are clean and bacteria-free to prevent infections or reactions. 

Also, check the consistency and performance of the product before using it to ensure that it has not been compromised during the repair process. 

Broken Eyeshadow? Don’t Fret; It’s Not the End!

Broken eyeshadow can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world!

There are several simple and effective ways to fix the issue, such as using rubbing alcohol, micellar water, and makeup setting spray. 

But it’s not enough to know how to save broken eyeshadow.

It’s also important to follow proper techniques and safety precautions to keep them from breaking or find ways to repurpose your favorite eyeshadow shades to prevent waste.

Remember to handle your makeup products carefully and keep your tools clean to avoid infections and unfavorable skin reactions.

With a bit of patience and effort, you can revive broken eyeshadow palettes and keep them looking and performing their best for an extended period.

Want To Learn More Makeup Hacks?

Read about them here:

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• What Are the Different Types of Eyelids? How To Determine Yours + Easy Eye Makeup Tips
• The Best Order To Apply Makeup: Your Go-To Guide