Methylated Spirit and its Makeup Uses
Methylated spirit, sometimes also known as denatured alcohol, is one of those items you just have to have around. I don’t often think about it but as I was using it to remove a price tag from a makeup item meant as a gift, I thought about how indispensable it is in my makeup stash. Here are some makeup uses of this beauty tool.
Be gone, sticky stuff
If you are wont to keep product packaging and want them looking pristine, this will help you remove price tags and unsightly sticker marks.
It is also good for removing labels on makeup receptacles and skincare/bath and body bottles, if you tire of peeling paper and the glue some labels leave behind.
Additionally, this volatile liquid helps remove waterproof lash glue on falsies, as well as theatrical adhesives such as spirit gum, which is used on stage prosthetics such as wigs, false beards and latex masks.
Bind me, rescue me
While rubbing alcohol is popular for pressing pigments*, methylated spirit is also often used for this purpose. Some methylated spirits contain castor oil, which acts as a binding agent.
A number of drops mixed with the pigment for the right consistency + some pressure exerted on the surface + time for the pan to dry out = a new makeup item! 
It can also be used to salvage cracked/broken eyeshadows and blushes. A few drops of it, together with firm pressure applied on a piece of three-ply tissue (or a clean piece of fabric) over the affected area, help to mend the cracks and resuscitate a damaged powder product.
Banish the germs, blot out the stains
Methylated spirit is sometimes used for disinfecting makeup and makeup brushes because of its alcohol content.**
A firm cotton pad soaked with methylated spirit can clean the surfaces/exterior of beauty tools and makeup receptacles too. Steel plates and glass tiles for mixing/laying down product, powder cases, eyeshadow containers, makeup brush handles, brush holders and the like – the liquid removes product smears, smudgy fingerprints and most makeup stains in a flash. The speed with which it cleans is particularly welcome after a long makeup assignment.***
I also love methylated spirit for cleaning mirrors (it leaves no residue or marks) and high-quality plastic/acrylic makeup storage units that do not melt or corrode upon contact with it.
I’m certain that this list isn’t exhaustive. Do share your use of methylated spirit for beauty-related purposes; I look forward to knowing more!
** To keep makeup clean, I always use disposable applicators and remove top layers of makeup by sharpening my makeup pencils and swiping off surfaces with tissue or kitchen roll sheets.
As for makeup brushes, I prefer to use specific brush cleansers for a simple clean-up and diluted baby shampoo or Daiso Liquid Cleanser for Sponges for a thorough wash.
*** Alcohol wipes work just as well. Depending on the extent of the stains, baby wipes may do the trick but such wipes do not contain alcohol and are usually gentler.
hi there,
thank you for posting this up. may i know whats the alcohol percentage of Guardian brand methylated spirit?
i googled and find that methylated spirit is not to be replaced with rubbing alcohol. that said, is it safe to use it to mend make up?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_safe_to_use_methylated_spirits_as_a_rubbing_alcohol
im just curious, thanks!
/nia/
Hi Nia,
I believe it's 96%. It's recommended for disinfecting skin surfaces, so I reckon it ought to be safe for mending makeup.
I have heard to use Metholated Spirits to strenghen nails. You dip your nails for 4 Minutes into warm Metholated Spirit and then 4 Minutes into warm Olive Oel.
Would the Metholated spirit in any way harm your body? I would appriciate your Reply
Friendly Regards
Rosemarie
Hi Rosemarie,
That’s an interesting tip. I don’t think methylated spirit will harm your body when used topically (on the skin).