Instead of throwing away a broken eyeshadow and getting a new one, these 'recipes' will help you fix it back into the pan, almost as good as new, and definitely usable!

Standard method

Step 1: Soak shadow bits in alcohol to make paste

Step 2: Smooth out with your finger wrapped in saran wrap, using only the tip, minimise contact. Paste will be darker than normal, so don't panic!

Step 3: Bake in increments of 3 minutes, starting with an oven preheated to 150 celcius. Shadow pan must be stabilized on tin foil. Do NOT use a heat-conductive platform such as a cookie sheet.

Step 4: Watch non-stop, do this until shadow paste just begins to lighten up, signaling evaporation of alcohol. Any shortcuts or leaving the shadow alone for even a few minutes could result in overheating and changing the color.

Step 5: When lightening up begins, remove from oven and let set undisturbed at room temp for 2 days.

Quicker method

Step 1: Collect all the eyeshadow powder on a piece of paper.

Step 2: Create a funnel with the paper and then pour the powder back into the eyeshadow pan

Step 3: Using clingwrap around your index finger, push all the powder back into the pan with medium force. Keep on pushing until the powder is flat.

Quickest method

Step 1: Arrange all of the broken pieces back into the pot, and lay a tissue over the pieces.

Step 2: Take the end of a bottle (MAC Hyperreal caps fit perfectly) and place that over the tissue.

Step 3: Remove the tissue, and the shadow will be perfectly pressed back into the pot and the surface will be as smooth.

Getting that new polished hatchmark look

New eyeshadows have that lovely hatchmark design on the surface. Here's how to do it yourself!

Step 1: Just before your shadow is still damp but NOT pastey from repairing your shadow with alcohol (you should be able to press on it with your fingers)

Step 2: Get a piece of wax paper over your shadow and firmly press down all over the e/s making sure it is set firmly and and the surface is an even as possible.

Step 3: If you see cracks, lightly spray with alcohol and press again using your finger or wax paper.

Step 4: Now here is the good part. Take an old pair of coarse jeans and turn then inside out. (Levi's's are great...just dont use the thin fabric strechy girly ones...they dont have enough texture)

Step 5: Carefully take one of the inside-out legs and put it over the shadow and press firmly all over.

Step 6: Voila! You have the pretty hatchmark you lost in breakage. If the imprint is not showing as much as you want, spray with alcohol and press again or press harder.