How to Make Loose Face Powder Into Compact at Home

Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: July 31, 2024 Approved

Loose powder isn't to everyone's liking; they are messy and can present a respiratory hazard for some people. Fortunately, there is a really easy fix to turn your loose powder into a compact or pressed powder form, and all you'll need is a little rubbing alcohol and a cool powder compact. If you're ready to tame that wild powder, read on!

Things You Should Know

Pour loose powder into a bowl and mix it with a drop or two of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol.
Transfer the mixture into an old compact, a pill box, or another flat, plastic container.
Press a paper towel lightly into the powder and let it stay there for 24 hours until the powder has dried fully.

Steps

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Preferably use an old, cleaned out compact or a new one but you could also use a pillbox, flat plastic container, and so on. The main thing is that the item be clean and dry.^{[1]
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It is probable that some powder will spill and this makes it easier to clean up after.

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The amount is up to you but if you don't want to use loose powder at all, you can use it all up provided you have room for it in the container.^{[2]
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Add a drop or two of the isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Stir with the toothpick, a spoon, or other implement until the mixture forms a creamy texture.^{[3]
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- Aim for a thickened paste. Make it as smooth as possible, realizing that complete smoothness is unlikely.
- Use at least 70% rubbing alcohol. The higher the percentage, the faster it will dry.
Use a teaspoon or similar to move it from the bowl to the compact, patting it down as firmly as the paste will allow, to try to make it sit evenly in the container.
Note that paper towel will leave any imprint from the design on the paper towel; you might like that pattern and it doesn't affect the quality of the powder. Press in place very gently, without pushing the powder paste out.
The powder must be left completely alone for 24 hours. Do not remove the paper layer until this time has passed.
Once dried fully, the compact powder is now ready for use. No more loose powder, you can now treat this as you would any form of compact powder.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I use lotion other than alcohol?

Community Answer

You can use lotion while making your bronzer, but that would make it a liquid-like bronzer. You cannot use lotion as a substitute for rubbing alcohol though. The whole point is that the rubbing alcohol will allow the mixture to mold into your container and it will then evaporate out leaving you with a pressed powder. Lotion would not do this.

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Question

For alcohol, can I use nail polish remover?

Community Answer

No! Nail polish remover can burn your face. Use isopropyl alcohol instead.

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Question

Can I use water instead of rubbing alcohol?

Community Answer

No, you can't. Rubbing alcohol will soften and mold the powder, before evaporating. Water will make the powder soggy and ruin it.

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Tips

This method allows you to mix several colours into one perfect colour for your outfit or costume.

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You can also restore an old broken eyeshadow or other compacted makeup, by smashing it into powder, then following the steps above.

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Warnings

A few loose powder products will not stick together, and may fall apart as you start using them. This can be tested with a small amount first, if you aren't sure.

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