How To Refill A Vintage Makeup Compact

updated May 7, 2019
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I’ve always admired vintage makeup compacts, but found it rather sad that refills weren’t available and chalked these fancy little accessories up as a lost cause. Sure you could possibly use one as a fancy pill case or just use the built-in mirror, but it’s just not the same. Then, randomly, my friend forwards this “how to” my way!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Vixen Vintage worked out the details on how to turn loose powder into a perfectly pressed cake, ready for a night on the town. Though if any of you have more information on the use of rubbing alcohol or possible alternatives, I’d love to hear about them in the comments section.

What You Need

Materials
Loose powder
Rubbing alcohol
New powder puff or sponge to fit in compact
Spoon
Small bowl
Scrap of fabric
A knife or thick paper for smoothing

Instructions
1. First thing to do is wash out your vintage compact very well. Bacteria can spread through the leftover makeup so make sure it is washed with soap and let to dry.

2. Scoop some powder into a small bowl.

3. Add about a cap full of liquid to the powder.

4. Mix to a thick paste. You will need to add more powder and liquid as you mix to reach the correct consistancy.

5. Scoop the paste in and spread the paste around the dish and press a little to make sure there are no empty bubbles hiding.

6. Smooth out the top with a flat item such as the back if a knife or strong piece of paper.

7. This step is optional, but I like it because it feels more finished.
Take a scrap of cloth (a woven cotton will work best) and lay it on the powder. Press gently onto to cloth with your fingers, making a mark in the powder. If the powder is of the correct thickness, then it will not stick. Now you have that professional “woven” look.

8. Set it in a safe dry place for about 24 hours and after that you are ready to go! As with any other pressed powder compact, be careful not to bang it around in your purse, or drop it as the powder will break. But if that does happen you can just do the process over again reusing the broken powder.

For more photos, see Vintage Vixen’s full post.

Related posts:
• Make-Up Brushes and Manicure Kit by Eco-Tools
• How To Dispose of Old Makeup?
• Eco-Friendly Cosmetics: The Packaging Matters, Too!

(Image: Vintage Vixen)