Heartbreak always happens so fast. One minute you’re using your favorite powder compact; the next minute it’s in pieces on the bathroom floor. When a beloved beauty product meets a sudden demise, we makeup junkies don’t take it lightly. It leaves us devastated.



But what if you could bring them back to life? I’ve experienced my fair share of cracked compacts, broken lipsticks, and dried-up mascaras—and I’ve learned it’s never too late to salvage what’s left! Here are four quick and easy “procedures” you can perform at home. In no time at all, your kikay kit essentials will be back in business.





SHATTERED COMPACTS

Raise your hand if you’ve ever dropped a compact—or worse, found it all crushed up in your handbag. Lucky for you, there’s a quick fix for these kinds of accidents.

You’ll Need: Isopropyl alcohol and a spatula



First, gather what you can—and ladies, every little speck counts. Dump it back into your compact.

Next, crush everything into a fine powder.

Dose your pile of powder in isopropyl alcohol…

…and mix to create a paste.

Smoothen and press the paste into place with a spatula. Leave it to dry overnight.

And voilà! Good as new:



BUSTED LIPSTICK BULLETS

This one goes out to every girl who’s seen her favorite lipstick take a nosedive.

You’ll Need: A spatula and an empty makeup pot (for balm, concealer, you name it—as long as it’s clean)



First, use a spatula to fish out what’s left of your lipstick.

Transfer the product into the empty container, and mash in the broken bullet.

Smooth it out.

TIP: If you want to keep your lipstick in the tube, check out this hack.





DRIED-UP MASCARA

Has your mascara lost its touch? Resurrecting the formula is as easy as 1-2-3!

You’ll Need: Saline solution (like the kind you use to wash your contact lenses)



Add a few drops of saline solution to your mascara tube.

Shake it up!

That’ll do the trick.



UNCOOPERATIVE POWDER PIGMENTS

Powder formulas are sensitive to temperature, storage, and frequency of use. But when your favorite eyeshadow palette dries to a crisp, don’t toss it out just yet! Just do this.

You’ll Need: Packing tape



Press a piece of tape tightly over the dried-up pigment.

Gently lift it away. This will peel back the old layer and reveal a brand-new one, ready to use.

Swipe away!



GIFs and photos by Danielle Calma