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). :)
hi Mag,
the above article is so informative! i’m going to try it out myself asap!
Btw, i have also seen guardian selling Glycerin BP. Do you know what are the uses of this product as well?
Hi Liesl,
You can use glycerin to intensify your powder shadows. ;)
I use it to dry out pimples. It’s also great for cold sores, mouth ulcers and healing wounds. It can hurt but it’s one of the best disenfectants around. I was pre-surgery once and I got a nasty cat scratch – any risk of infection can mean your surgery is cancelled. The surgeon asked me what I did and I said that I’d put metho on it – he said it was the best think I could have done because its 95% alcohol (depending on what you buy).
Hi Solo,
That is a good tip! Thank you for sharing. :)
I AM SKEPTICAL ABOUT THE USE OF METHYLATED SPIRIT ESPECIALLY ON THE FACE. BUT I WILL GIVE IT A TRIAL
Hi Bunmi,
Do read Jess’s comment below. :)
i also use it as a toner as i am acne prone and it works. i use it once a day before bed time after cleansing.if u apply it after poping a pimple it also reduces scaring.
Hi Tina,
I wonder if it’s too harsh, though. Glad it works for you!
Someone told me she mixed it with glycerine and bio oil for beautiful skin, does it works and is it safe?
Hi Dee,
I have no idea – glycerin and Bio Oil are safe for the face (though the latter contains mineral oil which may not be good for some) but methylated spirit is very strong.
I recently purchased methylated spirits. I’m just wondering if I can use it to spot clean my make up brushes and then use the brush straight after to apply make up on the skin?
Hi Claire,
As a commenter below suggests, rubbing alcohol seems to be the safer choice.
hi! tanx for these tips. pls i want to know if i can use methylated spirit to clean my makeup brushes.
Hi Naza,
As a commenter below suggests, rubbing alcohol seems to be the safer choice.
Can i use methylated spirit in my my face for pimples
Hi Thoko,
Please read Jess’s comment below.
Is it safe to us methylated spirits for broken teeth?
I’ve no idea, Alma but rubbing alcohol seems to be the safer choice.
You should really avoid using methylated spirits. I see where you are coming from with the uses though.
Problems:
Methylated spirits uses ethanol with the addition of other toxic chemicals and especially methanol. These are added so that the ethanol can be sold at a cheaper price and used for its benefits and not be classified as alcohol (government alcohol taxes). These chemicals, especially the methanol, are toxic the body and should not be near the eyes. The nature of the chemicals makes them vaporous after time (like how hand sanitiser dries quickly) and to put on fake eyelashes and pigment pots is to expose your skin and eyes to these chemicals. They can cause blindness too!
Alternative:
Rubbing alcohol! This baby is your best makeup friend! It can be used for all the uses above plus more. Rubbing alcohol is made of isopropyl alcohol which is much safer and milder on the skin. However it can still makes the eyes water a bit!
Great article nonetheless!
Hi Jess,
Thanks for the advice! I’ll be sure to chose rubbing alcohol in the future. :)
I heard someone saying they are usin methylated spirits for perfect colour complexion,so i also want to try it…will it be safe if i mix with ponds and use on my face?
Zodwa,
Please read Jess’s comment.
Yes M-spirit it’s gud for skin tone even clear pimples and spots
Hi Augur,
Do read Jess’s comment above.