10 Genius solutions to repair your broken makeup

Remember that time when the most expensive compact powder you have ever bought fell and shattered in million pieces? What about that gorgeous lipstick that broke in half? Whatever you did with them, I'm sure you were annoyed, but trust me, there are ways to repair what's worth it and toss the products that need to go.

Read more ¿Qué más?: 10 Genius solutions for any fashion emergency

Image via Corbis

Broken Compact

phk0oeqjk01-1.jpg
Corbis

With a small stick, break up the product that is still in good shape. Put a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol, mix with the broken powder until it becomes a paste, flatten with a spatula and let it dry.

Dried up eye pencil

ph2kzd3j8k1-1.jpg
Corbis Images

The tip of your favorite pencil eye is dry and almost scratchy. Don't fret! Sharpen it a bit more first, but if this doesn't solve the problem, warm up the tip with a lighter, a match or anything that does the job. Wait for a few seconds. You don't want it so hot that it burns you.

Clumpy nail polish

phjd51tpwk1-1.jpg
Corbis Images

If your nail polish has passed its prime, but you're in the middle of a nail emergency, thin it with nail polish remover. It will only work once, so toss it right after you are done with your manicure.

Disgusting brushes

ph0i23chwk1-1.jpg
Corbis Images

Dirty or moldy brushes can really make you develop a skin problem. Don't forget to wash them with warm soapy water at least once a month. In case you're desperate, wash your brushes with a teeny tiny drop of shampoo in lukewarm water and dry them with a hair dryer.

Stuck cap on your nail polish

phuvktfnk01-1.jpg
Corbis Images

When the cap of the nail polish bottle is stuck, and not even your super strong man can open it, it's time to look for chemical help. Put the bottle upside down and put nail polish remover all around it.

Almost out of your favorite lipstick

phcct47p2c1-1.jpg
Corbis Images

To be almost out of your favorite lipstick, especially when that particular shade has been discontinued, can be a minor tragedy. To expand its life, you can use a very fine brush to grab until the last bit of color. Another idea is to dab a dollop of Vaseline and mix it with the leftover lipstick. Put the mix in a small container. Instant lip balm!

A dry mascara

phim6k06801-1.jpg
Corbis Images

A clumpy mascara is a mascara well past its prime. Experts recommend you toss your mascara every three or four months, but sometimes it must be done even sooner. If you don't have a replacement yet and your mascara is not in the best shape, try adding a few drops of eye drops in it. It will help for a few days, but you really need a new one.

Shattered eye shadow

phtegluvs41-1.jpg
Corbis Images

I don't really recommend repairing anything that goes near your eyes, but in case of an emergency–or if the eye shadow was super expensive–it's worth a try. Break it completely (it hurts, I know), add a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol, mix well, flatten and put in the fridge. After a few hours it should be good to go.

Broken lipstick

phn2plmn1c1-1.jpg
Corbis Images

This is an easy repair: Carefully melt the edges of the broken parts with a lighter and put back together. Then melt the borders. Let it dry for 24 hours.

Damaged eye shadow wand

pha7xhb2o81.jpg
Corbis Images

There is no point trying to salvage an eye shadow wand. If you don't have any more lying around, use a small brush, a cotton swab or your finger.