How to Make Loose Face Powder Into Compact at Home

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 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.

Steps

1
Find a suitable container. 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]
X
Research source}
2
Spread paper towel down over the workspace. It is probable that some powder will spill and this makes it easier to clean up after.
3
Place the loose powder into the bowl. 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]
X
Research source}
4
Add a drop or two of the the isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Stir with the toothpick, a spoon, or other implement until the mixture forms a creamy texture.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Aim for a thickened paste. Make it as smooth as possible, realizing that complete smoothness is unlikely.
5
Transfer the paste to the powder compact or other container you're using. 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.
6
Cover with a piece of tissue paper or paper towel. 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.
7
Leave to dry. The powder must be left completely alone for 24 hours. Do not remove the paper layer until this time has passed.
8
Done. 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

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.
Question

For alcohol, can I use nail polish remover?

Community Answer

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

Could I add liquid foundation to this mixture to give the new pressed powder some color?

Jazz3631

Community Answer

Foundation will give it color, but it will be unlikely to set, as the mixture will be too runny.
Question

Would rose water work?

Community Answer

Rose water would work as a good primer, but not to make a compact powder. Try to use rubbing alcohol instead.
Question

Can I use normal 70% alcohol instead of rubbing alcohol?

Community Answer

Yes, it should work fine as a substitute to rubbing alcohol.
Question

Can I use facial toner instead of using rubbing alcohol?

Community Answer

It wouldn't work very well. For the face, don't use rubbing alcohol. Toner does wonders for your skin if you have oily skin.
Question

Can you use hydrogen peroxide instead of alcohol?

Community Answer

Use the alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide can burn or not mix with anything else your using
Question

Can I use vinegar instead of isopropyl?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It will need a little longer to dry and will maybe not be that pretty, but it will do the job.
Question

Would this work with cornstarch?

Community Answer

No and Yes. No, because Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is not good for the body and not food-grade and yes, because if you want it for decorations of to make colored cornstarch for fun.

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.

Thanks!
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0