Our friends at Real Simple magazine have a great online series about how to fix broken beauty products. They describes the cause of each problem, how to fix it, and how to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Nicely done, Real Simple!

Here are the links to each of their suggestions along with a few comments of our own. We recommend clicking the links and reading the Real Simple tips, then come back here to read our comments:

1. Broken Lipstick
After you make the repairs they suggest, you can make your lipstick shine like new by VERY CAREFULLY passing it over a candle flame. Kids don’t try this at home!

2. Clogged Hairspray Pump
In addition to what Real Simple says, you should also know that a clogged hairspray can also be caused by a poorly designed formula. The resin that holds your hair in place can separate out if it’s not properly neutralized. If this is the case you’ll see little white specks floating in the product. Throw it away, it can’t be fixed!

3. Jammed Lotion Pump
Of course you can also switch a pump from another skin lotion product.

4. Broken Perfume Pump
They didn’t mention that the heat can cause the diptube (the thin plastic straw that carries the product up to the pump) to swell up and become sealed shut. Store perfume in a cool place.

5. Shattered Powder Eye Shadow or Blush
If you’re following their tip and you apply alcohol to the eye shadow compact, make sure you let it dry completely. Alcohol might carry in enough water to let bacteria grow in the powder cake.

6. Missing or Broken Aerosol Cap
They say aerosol “cap” but they’re really talking about the button or the actuator, as it is technically known. The cap is the piece that covers the entire top of the can.

7. Stuck Nail-Polish Lid
We agree with their comments. You might also try rubbing a little nail polish remover under the edge of the lid before trying to loosen it. You won’t get much under there, but it might help.