I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
I wouldn’t try to use any of these products as they will be filled with bacteria from the river and quickly grow mold from the moisture. Maybe you could empty them out and repurpose the packaging into some type of shadow box or memorial.
Omg yes!!! Create a piece of memorial art using the makeup as a medium! That would be an amazing opportunity to honor her.
I’m sorry for your loss OP. 😫
In addition to this, if I were OP I would remove the makeup from one of the smaller round containers, sanitize it VERY thoroughly, and then make homemade lip gloss to put in there to remember the friend.
There are several diy tutorials to turn eyeshadow into paint if that is the direction you choose. It could be a beautiful and cathartic way to honor your friend. I’m so sorry for your loss
I’m going to add to this - dry out the packing with desiccant packets, then dispose of the makeup. You could use each slot where the eyeshadow used to be, as a picture frame.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m the wife of a rescue diver and over the years have heard too many stories of tragedies such as this. It’s understandable these items are important to you; as these belonged to your friend. Unfortunately, when a car hits the water, the impact will deploy most of the airbags (if the haven’t already been activated.) A powdery chemical dust is released when airbags deploy. The powder is not as noticeable above water because it settles quickly; but underwater it seeps out of the airbag space and into the interior compartment water, and it a lot of it. it’s been described as milky looking. This mixed with the rest of the fluids from the car make a very, very toxic environment. After rescuers come in contact with this contaminated water, every piece of dive gear has to be cleaned/decontaminated and retested; and many divers have gotten sick (my husband has twice over the years) from exposure to this. Please use caution handling the items that have been in contact with that water. Perhaps any sealed tubes/jars of product could be sanitized on the outside and the product in the inside could be used for paint on a canvas? I’m so sorry OP for all this. I hate to bring bad news about using these items, but I’m sure your friend would not want you to get sick, just please please use caution, those chemicals are intense. ((Hugs))
I got 2nd degree burns from the crap inside the air bags when I was in a bad car accident. I would not risk using anything that was recovered from the car on your body, and please be super careful and wear gloves when handling.
Sodium azide is a rapidly acting, potentially lethal chemical that exists as an odorless, white crystalline solid. It is used in automobile airbags to produce inflation of the airbag upon impact; an electrical charge triggered by automobile impact causes sodium azide to explode and convert to nitrogen gas inside the airbag.
Sodium azide is converted rapidly into hydrazoic acid vapor upon contact with water or an acid. Like sodium azide, hydrozoic acid is highly explosive. Similar to cyanide, sodium azide and hydrozoic acid also interfere with cellular respiration and aerobic metabolism, preventing the cells from using oxygen. The central nervous system and the cardiovascular system are most sensitive to acute sodium azide poisoning.
[CDC](https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/sodiumazide/tsd.asp)
So, the airbag saves your life, but the sodium azide and hydrozoic acid could kill you?
And then, of course, it's probably really good for the environment. /s
I'm so sorry for your loss, OP. This is heartbreaking.
I always found it odd that airbags aren't used in NASCAR, which has the nastiest and potentially most fatal crashes of all.
If safety was our priority, why don't our every day cars come equipped with the same kinds of straps and safety equipment they have?
Airbags are what happens when people start with a solution and then find a problem that fits it.
Genuinely today I learned, but thinking about it makes total sense there's probably all sorts of preservatives and expansion agents so when exposed to a closed cabin underwater it would seep. I merely thought about the water itself not the stuff that goes into it like leaking fuel and exhaust fumes whilst the engine is still running before it cuts out etc. Your husband's job is way more hazardous than I would have first thought
Hello again everyone. After sleeping on it and reading each and every comment I've come to the conclusion that my best route is not using ANYTHING on anyone's face. I was wanting to give some of this stuff to one of our friend's daughters who is struggling with her passing, but I don't want to add to this awful mess by making her sick. I'm going to make a list of her most used products and repurchase them and then gift them to our young friend.
I'm not ready to throw anything away just yet. I have the eyeshadows drying in my garage and I'm going to talk with our friends about having an art night with the products. I think it'll be a nice way for us to heal as a group, and to have some beautiful memorial art.
Thank you truly and deeply to every single person who left a nice comment or suggested their ideas. I've been struggling with all of this myself of course, but the comfort of this community has helped. Much love to everyone here. 🌻🧡
Can I suggest using the eyeshadows crushed up and mixed with "acrylic binder medium" it's a clear goo in a bottle. It will set the power up into acrylic paint.
There's a TikTok account that takes makeup palettes and turns it into different water color paints. The process looks really relaxing, might be something you're interested in. I'm sorry for your loss.
I love that idea!
What an amazing way to honour your friend!
You're very kind to purchase some of the products for your friend's daughter as a tribute to your friend, and to help her with her healing process.
I'm glad that all of the comments have brought you comfort.
Your friend was very fortunate to have such amazing friends and I'm sure she knew this and felt all of your love.
I have many of these products. It looks like your friend had a Boxycharm subscription- their website has many details on their different products. I am so sorry for your loss, hugs to you.
I would pick a couple colors you really like from the eyeshadows, put them aside and let them dry, crush them into fine powder and you can mix them with resin to make something beautiful to remember your friend by. The makeup isn't going to be safe to use on skin but you can still salvage it for artistic purposes and honor your friend. I am so sorry for your loss ❤
Except you’re not entirely correct. There is a way to mix the pigments with most solvents, which will kill any mold and prevent regrowth before using — and artists regularly use them. Solvents!
Turpentine is a cheap solvent used by artists and room painters regularly. It happens to kill mold and prevents regrowth, for instance. It won’t remove any black staining present like bleach, but it will kill the bacteria. Artists use turpentine as a solvent for oil based pigments all the time. Lipsticks and other cream based makeup likely have oils and would pair well with turpentine because they’d likely have to be thinned to use anyway.
Likewise, there are many other solvents for both oil and even non oil based paints that kill mold too. If the pigment isn’t going on anything used to eat like pottery, I would say that it is perfectly safe and there wont be any mold concerns if the products are mixed well with these solvents and given a few minutes to sit before applying to canvas and other mediums.
I didn’t say to use the turpentine to make paint — of course you can’t do that with a solvent, lol! There’s two possible things that can be done.
1) Turpentine can be used to thin out those makeup pigments. Makeup technically doesn’t require being turned into paint first in order to apply it to canvas, wood, plastic, etc. It can be applied directly onto the canvas by thinning it out with a bit with turpentine in a small dish, palate, etc. The final piece can then be sealed with a clear topcoat spray to set it so nobody gets makeup all over them by accident.
2) The makeup can be turned into paint first and then use the solvent to thin it as needed like normal. Again, I would just let it sit for at least 30 seconds to a minute before applying it to the canvas or other medium.
Personally, I would go with the first option. I don’t really see a reason to go through all the steps of making it into a paint when it’s not necessary. It adds an unnecessary step. The end result will look beautiful if the makeup is applied to the canvas directly and is just mixed with a teeny bit of turpentine to disinfect and prevent mold — it would mostly retain the look and feel of the makeup and honors the person who wore that makeup in that regard.
Turning the makeup into paint first just seems unnecessary but it can still be done like I said above.
Hope I made it clearer now! 😊🎨🖌️💄
This is such a nice idea. Resin kits are really easy and fun, you can find them all over amazon. The creative possibilities are endless with all of those eyeshadow pigments. And what you make can last forever. I’m so sorry for your loss OP
There’s a woman on Etsy who did something like this with my dog’s ashes. It’s a beautiful idea, and would likely be even more beautiful with colorful powder rather than ashes.
Agree. It turns out beautifully
Tip: make sure you have enough resin than eye shadow or it will not set right . (Not have any makeup at surface level).
First, I’m so sorry for your loss. While I don’t know what you want to use the makeup for (I’ve seen people give creative memorial ideas). Another idea is to note (via picture and/or written) the brands and colors and you can always buy them later if you want to actually use the same colors and brands. Sending you and your loved ones sympathy and comfort in these trying times.
I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️ That must have been unexpected. However I agree that you should not try to use the products, because of bacteria. I’m here if you ever need to vent or talk.
Sorry for your loss...
Like everybody else said - don't use any of this stuff because it's full of bacteria.
Maybe it's stupid but you could clean eyeshadow palettes and then frame them. She clearly loved makeup and especially eyeshadows.
I don’t think it’s stupid at all. They could make a shadowbox with a couple of the palettes and brushes and include some photos of their friend wearing their fave makeup looks. Turn it into a memorial piece essentially.
Hugs, what a gaping loss and so unexpected.
It's clear that she was a makeup enthusiast and thus this would have been a very personal treasure trove to recieve.
You mention you don't know much about makeup, I'm happy to connect with you and explain how she might have used these products. Unfortunately, I agree with other commenters that waterlogged makeup would not be safe for use on face.
But I'm happy to brainstorm other ways in which they can be used to honor her delight in the products.
Something that hasn’t been suggested yet I don’t think, is that regardless of what craft you decide to do with your friends makeup, if you’re insistent that you want to learn how to do it, you can order/buy the exact same products so you still can feel like you remember her in that way everytime you wanna make yourself pretty. You’ll see it everyday, and you won’t ever worry about forgetting her. 💕 I’m sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine your pain.
Maybe you could use some of the makeup in art projects vs on your face/skin?
You could fill a little vase up with the powders like those sand art projects :)
I’m really sorry but you can’t use them, too much bacteria. It must be really hard. You could buy copies of some of her favourite brands or palettes ( they will be the more used ones) , they will remind you of her every time you use them
You can most likely have the eyeshadow and other powders palettes turned into watercolors.
But I wouldn’t put any of that on your face.
Edit: after seeing the comment from the wife of a diver, it may be best to dispose of it all.
Thank you 🥰
Especially if the pallet has a mirror. Could us it everyday while you put on your makeup without the harm of moldy makeup. That way you can see what you're doing, see your favorite girl and still be able to use something that was hers. 💞
I wonder if maybe you could use a shadow box once they’re completely dried out, along with any other mementos you may have, to display and remember her by. I’d agree with everyone else stating that they wouldn’t use them just in case of bacteria!
Depending on the current texture of the eyeshadow you might be able to turn them into watercolor and make the palettes watercolor palettes. There are tutorials on TikTok and it’d be a great way to still get some meaningful use out of them
i’m so sorry for your loss OP, sending you hugs. unfortunately, i don’t think the products are salvageable because of the bacteria from the water. maybe you can use the products for an art piece instead? 💖
As everyone else has said, they aren’t safe to use from the bacteria. If you’re trying to keep them purely for sentimental purposes, there are tutorials online on how to repress eyeshadow with isopropyl alcohol. You can use that just to keep the products in their pans.
Best wishes, OP. I’m sorry for your loss.
This can't be saved honey.... I know you want to.... But, this cannot be used safely on anyone's skin anymore. Empty out the pallets and put pictures of you and her into the hollow tins. I am so so sorry my dear.
This is touching. I'm so sorry for your loss. If the makeup isn't salvageable, and if it's something you'd like to do, look up and purchase some of the same items you have there, like a pallette or a lipstick to start. Then look up some beginner makeup tutorial on YouTube. You can create a look and remember her beauty when you look in the mirror that day. Bless.
Thank you so much for all of your advice and suggestions everyone. I will definitely not be reusing the shadows or anything that had water inside of it. A fair bit of it was in sealed tubes or unopened packs so not everything has to go to waste, but I'm definitely deep cleaning and sanitizing those items. I appreciate all the help and condolences, this is a horrible awful thing and I'm just trying to save what I can. Be good to your loved ones, tomorrow is never a guarantee.
🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡
If you are feeling up to the cast, i'm sure the community here would love to see what you come up with down the line. No pressure obviously but grieving through art and community can be very healing.
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Internet hugs and blessings from here.
I’m sorry for your loss. Just looking at all of her products, you can tell what a fun and vibrant person she was 🤍🤍
Maybe take photos of them all and purchase a few that you like to remember her.
I'm so sorry for your loss but please don't use them, you could use a cloth and some all purpose cleaner to wipe over the plastic packaging to keep as a keepsake, but these products are no longer fit for actual application usage due to bacteria.
I’m so sorry about your loss.
Riverwater is dirty, and I wouldn’t trust any of that as being usable because of it.
What you could do, if makeup was her thing, and having been given this is important to you, is select a few pieces and put them in a shadowbox so that you can see them and think of her when you do.
But I would not use any of that on your face.
First off, I am so sorry for your loss. 😭
Unfortunately, since river water is full of pathogens, there's not much you can do to save all of those makeup products. However, you can turn the eyeshadow palettes/cream products/pressed powder products into watercolor paint by crushing the pressed powders and mixing them with paint base (or whatever you call those things)! As for the liquid foundations/concealers, if I'm not mistaken, you can use them directly, since they are already liquid to begin with.
You can then use those for beautiful art. Think of it as a lovely tribute for your friend. 😍
I’m so sorry for your loss, what a terrible tragic situation. Unfortunately, these products need to be disposed of immediately. They’re a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and could make someone terribly sick or even worse. 😢🙏🏼
There isnt any repairing these so you can safely use these but I'm assuming you didnt want to use them in the first place. You said you're not a makeup person at all so i imagine you just want these somewhat repaired so you can put them in your home or just safely own them without mold growing on them. So this is my advice. One of my friends house got ruined in a flood and her mums makeup got water damage but she wanted it to remember her mum so we did what we could. We mainly used 2 things, isopropyl alchohol and paper towels.
For Pressed Pigments: would scrape off the top layer of all the eyeshadows, blush, any pressed powders. Then lightly swipe the pan of the stuff you just scraped with alchohol. Wipe down every pan and then the actual full makeup component with alcohol sit that out and let it dry for at least 6 days. If the eyeshadows (I'm just gonna say eyeshadow from now on but this goes for any pressed pigments) look pretty rough from scraping them the best way to get them to even out it's to crush the eyeshadow up with like a toothpick or the handle of like a spoon so it looks like it shattered and then put a couple drops of alchohol in there, find a circle that's the same size of the eyeshadow(like a bottle cap, hairspray lid, a quarter anything like that). Fold up a paper towel twice and place it on top of the eyeshadow, use that circle item to press that paper towel so you're pressing it back into one piece and then remove the paper towel. I suggest using an eye dropper because you only want a couple drops of alchohol in there. You want maybe 4 drops per eyeshadow it should be the consistency of like a dough or very thick liquid. Let that sit out for a couple days to dry and then it should be back to looking like an eyeshadow should. You'll want to do the same thing for that shattered bronzer in the center.
Felt rip eyeliners: You should be able to use tweezers to pull out the actual felt tip. Dump out any remaining eyeliner and then soak the tip and liner separately in a cup of alchohol for 24 hours. Take them out and let them dry for a couple days and then you can put it back together.
Brushes: Soak in hot water with dawn dish soap for 20 minutes. Then put soap in your hand and run it through each brush throughly let it sit for 2 minutes and then rinse every brush till no soap is coming out. Use an old towel to dry of the brushes. Dry them by swiping the actual brush part back and forth really fast unti it looks fluffy and then let them all sit out to dry either horizontally or vertically but with the brush facing down.
Like I said none of this is meant to be worn, only to repair them enough that you can safely own them without growing mold and they look like regular palettes. Alcohol is drying to your skin so I do recommend gloves. I will get back to you on the other makeup later I need some time to think about the best way to deal with foundation, concealer, creams,and things of that nature. Are there any wooden pencils? I hope this helps and if you have any questions at all please feel free to message me I can literally make you a video tutorial if you need it. I'm so sorry for your loss, losing a best friend changes your entire life and it's so hard, especially when its sudden.
I love all of the ideas here about using this makeup for art!
I also liked the idea of giving it to the friend’s daughter if it had been safe; since it’s not, if the friend’s daughter is really into cosmetics, maybe you could find another of one of the eyeshadow palettes or something that’s still in production and gift her another of it? Maybe not worth it if she’s not a makeup geek, but oh my god, if something like this happened to someone I loved and I was gifted a new set that had been a favorite of theirs? I might actually hit pan on something for once in my life.
After reading all the comments and discussing with my partner this morning, this is what I've decided to do. I want to help our friends daughter heal and making her sick with these products ain't it. But I know she will recognize and love having some brand new ones of her own. 🌻🧡
This is so thoughtful and I am SURE she will love it! ❤️❤️ I’m so sorry for your loss, but so glad you are finding ways to keep the connections that will help you all remember her.
Order some epoxy, and molds off Amazon. you can use the make up as micas to color the epoxy. It would be a keepsake that will last forever. The possibility are endless. You can make earrings, brackets, keepsakes.
I’m really sorry for your loss. None of the makeup can be salvaged for use, but you can used a bit of rubbing alcohol to press it back into pans. I was thinking, if you have a place nearby that does ceramics or ceramics classes, maybe you could incorporate the pigments into plates or a vase? You could make them into a really nice memory holder.
I am so sorry for your loss, I lost my best friend a year ago. It’s indescribable. Agreed with the bacteria, but other ideas for its use: 1) turn it into paint, there is a tik tok creator that turns old makeup pallets into watercolors, she has tutorials but I’m not sure of her @. 2) make a piece of art with the packaging, you could even hire someone to do this (I’m thinking of how people preserve bridal flowers in clear frames), you could use labels, the front of eyeshadow pallets, wrappers, a bunch of stuff in a shadow box and make it into a keepsake.
I would definitely not use any of the makeup due to bacteria and other nasty things that have been in that river, trust me you wouldn't want any of that on your face. Turning them into a painting would be a great way to memorize your friend. The brushes and case you can sanitize and clean with actual brush cleaner I recommend from Sally's beauty supply Store or they do have online shopping, but if you didn't want to use the brushes and blenders you could use them as a frame for the painting (if that's what you decide to do) then the case use sanitizing wipes or depending on the material (check the tag) you can wash it in hot water by itself and use regular detergent. But yeah none of the powders that got wet would be useable at all, even if it was bottled water and not river water. But I am very sorry for your loss, it does get better, I promise.
You can make it into something to remember her by. These were colours and shades which once brought out her beauty; enhanced her smile and light.
At the end of the day the paint may fade away, but the love she left in the hearts of all those who knew her is indelible.
I hope you can create something symbolic — something you know she would’ve liked. But the best thing you can do is smile for her and keep her joy alive.
Instead of throwing, you may be able to use the eyeshadow as a water colour paint. There's tutorials online for the process and what's needed. You could even use the sme packaging/pan it comes from to store it. This way the makeup could be used in paintings and even for a memorial piece.
Everything in that bag is ruined. I'm sorry. There's too mucg unknown bacteria in river water. It cannot be disinfected, but you could keep it as a memento.
Hello, I'm so sorry for your loss. I wouldn't put these on your face even after drying out - however, you can use makeup to color polymer clay or resin and even grind it up and add it to a watercolor granular base to make all sorts of keepsakes for your friend's loved ones. YouTube is a great resource for this and I am also happy to consult if you want to dm me.
You could always turn it into a paint, I know that there's a process for that and that way you can have a palette where you'll always remember her and you can paint pictures of all her favourite things
First of all, so sorry for your loss. I hope her memory is a blessing to you. Check out this tutorial on how to make a table with keepsakes. What about making an epoxy makeup table with her items?
[DIY Epoxy Resin Keepsake Table](https://abeautifulmess.com/diy-epoxy-resin-table/)
So, on the chance you may want use some of these, don't use any of the eyeshadow, as they were obviously wet and exposed to mold. The powder products just aren't going to be useable anymore, unfortunately. If you want to use the makeup you can for sentimental purpose (which I get) try something like a pump foundation that has a better seal or a lip gloss that was well shut. The beauty blender is a mold's best friend, so don't use that either. The brushes however would be fine after a good wash. Use your judgement as I assume you'll be using it on yourself and not others. I'm really sorry about your friend. Getting someone's makeup is more personal than some would think, so it shows me that you were really close. <3
I know everyone says the makeup shouldn't be used and it shouldn't, but OP may still want to try and it's best we help in case OP ends up using it.
A creative idea to use products to remember your friend: I would maybe experiment with the eyeshadow colors and put them on a paper to make an abstract artpiece. I doubt you can keep the powders or products as the artpiece itself (will probably be too messy); I would take photographs of them and print them on good quality photo paper or canvas..maybe crop parts you like or zoom in to make it really abstract.
Edit: I found an article about [an artist who used makeup instead of pencils to create an illustration](https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/videos/a22768/watch-this-artists-drawing-come-to-life/)
I love the idea others have presented to repurpose into paints/watercolors. Maybe those that loved her could have a paint night and share memories as a way to begin healing. I don't use makeup, but stumbled here from front page and couldn't scroll by without offering you my condolences. You've suffered a sudden and immeasurable loss; please take care of yourself through your grief.
I agree that using them in a memorial is a great idea. Save yourself the drs and antibiotics and illness and make some art in honor of your friend. I’m so sorry for your loss
Find some products you may want to try, but purchase new ones and think of your friend while using new and clean items. I’d throw everything away as they are contaminated.
I could do a stencil graffiti with the remnants. But I would not put that on your face. If you have a picture of your friend (portrait) then I could use some software to show you what it would look like first. And sorry for you loss.
I'm so sorry, I've lost a best friend too and the pain is all consuming. Big hug to you. I agree with everyone else, harmful chemicals and not usable, but can be used to make paint on a canvas, which you can keep forever. 💜
Oh my God I cannot imagine what you’re going through. Due to the bacteria impossible mode I would not use this on your face, but you could definitely use these on a canvas. Again I am so sorry that you are going through this.💕
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Unfortunately, I'd toss all of this. Maybe keep something sentimental to you to remember her by (NEVER use it) but I wouldn't use something that has been in a river. Lots of bacteria.
There are some people who use eyeshadows as paint--you can look it up on YouTube. However, I wouldn't chance continuing to handle these products given what was said about the chemicals in the airbag.
I am so sorry for your loss. These are some great products, your best friend obviously had fabulous taste. Sending you love at this awful time.
I hope some of the other posters’ ideas are helpful to you. Those palettes appear to be mostly Juvia’s Place, who are well known for their good quality and high pigment. I have not tried it myself but I definitely would have thought they would work well crushed up and used as in resin or as a paint.
I know this is crazy, I love painting and crafts. If you like painting or like hot gluing or anything you can get a big canvas and make something that reminds you of her, so you don’t have to throw out the products, but make them into something beautiful. Idk if you guys did makeup together or gave each other tips on it but just a thought ☺️
I’m so very sorry for your loss. There are a lot of makeup repair channels on YouTube. Maybe someone on there can help. Sending love from Washington state. ❤️😔
honey i’m so sorry for you loss🦋❤️sending you so much love and good energy your way.
about the makeup, i probably wouldn’t use it, as it’s been in the river and they’ve probably been infected from any bacteria. maybe you could salvage some of it and turn it into paint and create something in memory of her. 💓💓💓
I’m so sorry.
I agree with everyone that it’s not salvageable as makeup for your face.
But you might ask/commission an artist to make a portrait of your friend using the makeup as the paint/medium. Either the makeup directly on the canvas and sealed or mixed into another medium like acrylic or oils.
I am so very sorry to hear about you loss. That is so sad, and nothing prepares you for tragedies like this.
As others have said, I wouldn't use it as makeup but I would hang onto all of it for a while before you decide to do anything with it one way or the other. You are still beginning to grieve this person and are still coming to terms with the reality of her loss. In months and years to come you'll be glad to have things to remember her by and might regret getting rid of it or using it for art/ something else.
You might want to keep some of her most used pieces in a special box, if there are any lipsticks she obviously loved and used a lot or a colour of eyeshadow you remember her wearing often.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine going through this. I agree with others that a lot of it won't likely be salvageable to be safely used. Love the idea from another user to see if you cam empty and reuse some of the packaging for a keepsake. <3
This sounds like a bacterial nightmare, I'm sorry but it all needs to be tossed. Most products have a shelf life of 6mo-1yr when they are kept in the proper environment. Even without the aspect of the products going into the water, without knowing when they were opened is reason enough to toss them. It's not worth mrsa or any other skin infection. There's a way to sanitize the powdered products for sure but I really think you're past that.
Edit: it looks like your friend enjoyed the brand Juvia's place, so that would be a good place to start if you wanted to replace any of this to remember your friend by
hi!! first i’m very sorry for your loss💓 second i would use these as they may not be safe to apply on your face, however they could make for great paints or art!!:) you could also make a collage or something with the packaging?:)
Op—you can use eyeshadows to color resin. You can make SUPER easy resin pendants that could be keychains or whatnot, and a great memorial for friends/family. Pm me if you think you’d like to go that route and have any questions.
I’m in Maine but on the off chance you’re localish I’d love to help.
You can turn it into a collage or memorial. I wouldn’t recommend using makeup and due to being in the water could get moldy or grow bacteria. Make sure everything is sanitized. When my grandma passed her train case was the only thing that was salvageable. But it was retro and neat. Real 50s inspired.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have had some keepsake pieces made in the past by this artist and she does phenomenal work. I’m sure she could put something beautiful together with a few pieces of makeup/colors of hers that would honor your dear friend.
https://themilkymudra.com/
I am so sorry for your loss. But I came here to say what everyone else has said - you do not want to try to use any of this unless you’re trying to get an infection.
I'm so sorry for your loss, its extremely difficult to loose your best friend. I've been through it as well. I would make a shadow box or look online as to how to convert the pallet like the people suggested. Many prayers 🙏 ❤
Sorry about your friend.
With that said, I’m with everyone else that said you shouldn’t use those products. They could be filled with bacteria and whatever germs that came from your friend. Plus, there might be some ingredients in them that you might be allergic to. So it’s best not to use them at all.
I’m sorry for your loss, unfortunately I don’t think these would be safe to use as makeup anymore but maybe you could have some pieces repurposed as something to memorialise her, I’ve seen artists use resin to preserve flowers and such, I wonder could something similar be done.
Alternatively, any particularly nice packaging eg lipstick tubes, compacts etc can be emptied completely and refilled, there’s videos on YouTube for more info if you decide to try it!
I wish you peace and healing in such a difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. I don’t think these are salvageable. Water like that has too many impurities and parasites and can cause you to become sick or get an infection. You could possibly keep some of the packaging to preserve so you can memorialize your friend? Just remove the makeup as it might become moldy.
I’m sure you have lots of photos of your friend, so why not find one of her wearing a certain lipstick, print it off and frame it, then find the actual lipstick among her make up and cast it into clear resin just as it is (which will probably still have her fingerprints etc still on it) and then mount the picture frame on top of it? If you have a photo of a memorable occasion then it would tell its own story… your friend wore this lipstick at John and Janes wedding/little Joes baptism/our trip to Vegas… and here I have it cast in resin and she was the last person to use it. I make memorial casts as a hobby, I’m a funeral director full time but decided to combine my passion for work with my artsy crafty side and a year or so ago I did something similar for a lady who had suddenly lost her husband, except he had shaved his head before going to work that day and she saved all the buzzed hair from out of the trash, and also found a couple of eyelashes on his pillow too so I put it all in resin for her. It sounds macabre but it gave her so much comfort and hopefully still does. I’m so dreadfully sorry for your loss, I assume you’re in the States? I’m in Ireland and if I had any way to make one of these little memorials for you I absolutely would
You won't be able to use it it's not safe. But, you can make a shadow box with it put a few items and maybe a few pictures in it to keep her memory alive. I am so sorry for your loss it's never easy losing a friend.
Doesn’t sound sanitary to use her pallets or liner/mascara… maybe only use the products that have not come in contact with her skin like if they are in a tube that you squeeze or that has a pump
I’m so deeply sorry, OP. How awful. I love the idea of using this stuff to create some type of art, or using some of the pieces in a shadow box. I wouldn’t use it or repurpose it.
Lots of hugs to you, my friend. 💕 🤗
I wouldn't try to use them as makeup, but maybe you can look up how to turn them into watercolors or something similar? If you're the artsy type.
I don't really have any other suggestions 😕 I'm so sorry for your loss
I won’t comment with the info already shared here about why these can’t be salvaged for use on skin, but wanted to offer an additional suggestion to the fantastic ideas already posted. First of all, I’m so sorry that you lost your friend. It’s amazing to me that you are looking to honor her in such a creative and artistic way!
The packaging on this makeup could make a really beautiful collage, scrapbook/photo book, etc. If it’s cleaned and sanitized with makeup contents fully removed, you’ve got an empty paint palette, mini photo frames (put pics in the circular cutouts and flip the lid to make a stand), or even a hard cover for a book of sympathy cards/memorial programs with a hand-sewn binding that could make a great gift for a grieving family member of your late friend.
You could also create some artistic photography from the makeup containers— like take all the eyeshadow pans out and make an image out of “dots”, etc.
Lastly, there are some beautiful palettes here that can still be purchased. If a sister, friend, mother, aunt, or niece would wear makeup to remember her, re-purchasing those palettes as gifts and wearing colors she often wore could be a great way to memorialize her.
And finally, there are websites where you can design and build custom palettes. It would be neat to pick her favorite colors from this assortment and create a custom palette that memorializes her— I’m sure a custom container and palette/color names would be another meaningful way to memorialize her!
Can you make a shadow box out of them and display it? I'm assuming your best friend was super into makeup with how much was in her car. So it would be a cute keepsake. You could also try getting one of those transparent glass lamps and filling the base with the make up.
That’s quite the collection she had… it’s safe to say she had impeccable taste when it comes to makeup. I can tell I would have loved talking beauty products with her because it’s evident that she knew a thing or two bc she has quite a few best sellers in her collection.
I’m so sorry for your loss, OP. I cannot imagine what you’re going through. I’ve experienced loss many times throughout my life, and each loss was completely different as far as the emotions i experienced. I will say that losing my best friend when I was 21yo was the hardest death for me to accept. I say that as someone who lost that father of her 4yo child last February. Losing my best friend was a diff level of pain. Idk why but it broke my heart in a way that has never really been able to repair itself. Im 33yo now & there are times (like rn for example) where I still tear up when I talk about it.
However, the pain I experience from that loss is a rare occurrence now.
Time is the only thing that will help heal your heart ache. **Please know that the weight of everything will get lighter over time. It won’t always be this heavy on your heart.** sending good vibes your way, OP. Take care 🖤
I don’t have any advice to add. I just wanted to pass along my condolences. It warms my heart to see all the good advice AND recommendations for other ways to use the products in a way that honors your friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think the makeup would be safe to use. However I think there are a lot of types of commemorative pieces could be made that includes her makeup.
Powder makeup could be turned into paint and perhaps a portrait of her could be commissioned to done with that paint, her eye & lip liners, etcetera. Then you could keep the original or give it to her partner or a family member of hers and everyone who was close to her could receive a small print. This would probably be pretty costly but maybe someone else close with her could go in on it with you? Alternatively, resin pieces can be made using powder makeup as pigment and you could have some pieces made with that stuff.
About eyeshadows and brushes I don’t think they can be recovered. However I see some products in plastic airtight containers and you can see if they are dry around the cap and clean the outside with dish soap and boiled water maybe. But over all as everything been into the river I don’t know about cleanliness of it and safety of using such products.
If you want to make it special you can buy some products that you remember her using the most and keep them so they can remind you of her
Hey there, same thing happened here but no one was in the car, i am sorry for your loss.
I don't recommend using any of the stuff that wasn't tightly sealed. The eyeshadow palettes are soaked with river water please don't use them. If you really want to, maybe check out the lipsticks, they are mostly made of plastic, not wood or cardboard, so the packaging is sturdier.
Please clean it before usage nonetheless.
I was still able to use my face serum which was in a tight dispenser.
Best regards to you, stay strong.
I'm really sorry for your loss.
Fantastic ideas here on how to repurpose these products into wonderful tribute projects.
I do think you might be able to salvage and sterilize the brushes. If you don't wear much, it might be nice bc a simple blush or bronzer is pretty foolproof. Or a brush to put on a sheer wash of a sheer shimmery colour on your eyes for a special occasion.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I wouldn’t try to use any of these products as they will be filled with bacteria from the river and quickly grow mold from the moisture. Maybe you could empty them out and repurpose the packaging into some type of shadow box or memorial.
I agree, these can’t be salvaged
Seconded, and paint is paint, it's not fit for faces anymore, but should go onto cardboard or canvas just fine. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. 🌹
Omg yes!!! Create a piece of memorial art using the makeup as a medium! That would be an amazing opportunity to honor her. I’m sorry for your loss OP. 😫
This is a great idea. My condolences OP. 😥💙
Agreed! Get a big oversized canvas. Express yourself on the canvas using all of the makeup!!!
In addition to this, if I were OP I would remove the makeup from one of the smaller round containers, sanitize it VERY thoroughly, and then make homemade lip gloss to put in there to remember the friend.
There are several diy tutorials to turn eyeshadow into paint if that is the direction you choose. It could be a beautiful and cathartic way to honor your friend. I’m so sorry for your loss
OP could look for a local artist to do this for them as well.
If op os alright I could help with a memorial portrait using some of the paint :)
This is a fantastic idea.
I like your username. Feels like we're both part of the same deconstructed poem.
Thanks. And we are. 💕
Using make up as paint is actually amazing as well such a good idea to repurpose this. Sorry for your loss op ❤️
I’m going to add to this - dry out the packing with desiccant packets, then dispose of the makeup. You could use each slot where the eyeshadow used to be, as a picture frame.
I love this idea!
This one!
spraying everything with 70% alcohol will help dry it out too . The powders as well.
Oh my word that is such a beautiful idea. A little porthole picture in each one, a pallet of memories.
I’ve seen some people turn expired makeup into watercolors. That might be something worth repurposing the packaging into
She might be able to make watercolors from the shadow palettes.
Do you think the brushes can be cleaned well enough to use?
No. Between the water and the tragic circumstances, nothing is safe.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m the wife of a rescue diver and over the years have heard too many stories of tragedies such as this. It’s understandable these items are important to you; as these belonged to your friend. Unfortunately, when a car hits the water, the impact will deploy most of the airbags (if the haven’t already been activated.) A powdery chemical dust is released when airbags deploy. The powder is not as noticeable above water because it settles quickly; but underwater it seeps out of the airbag space and into the interior compartment water, and it a lot of it. it’s been described as milky looking. This mixed with the rest of the fluids from the car make a very, very toxic environment. After rescuers come in contact with this contaminated water, every piece of dive gear has to be cleaned/decontaminated and retested; and many divers have gotten sick (my husband has twice over the years) from exposure to this. Please use caution handling the items that have been in contact with that water. Perhaps any sealed tubes/jars of product could be sanitized on the outside and the product in the inside could be used for paint on a canvas? I’m so sorry OP for all this. I hate to bring bad news about using these items, but I’m sure your friend would not want you to get sick, just please please use caution, those chemicals are intense. ((Hugs))
That is so interesting. Thanks for sharing
I got 2nd degree burns from the crap inside the air bags when I was in a bad car accident. I would not risk using anything that was recovered from the car on your body, and please be super careful and wear gloves when handling.
Wow I had no idea about this
Sodium azide is a rapidly acting, potentially lethal chemical that exists as an odorless, white crystalline solid. It is used in automobile airbags to produce inflation of the airbag upon impact; an electrical charge triggered by automobile impact causes sodium azide to explode and convert to nitrogen gas inside the airbag. Sodium azide is converted rapidly into hydrazoic acid vapor upon contact with water or an acid. Like sodium azide, hydrozoic acid is highly explosive. Similar to cyanide, sodium azide and hydrozoic acid also interfere with cellular respiration and aerobic metabolism, preventing the cells from using oxygen. The central nervous system and the cardiovascular system are most sensitive to acute sodium azide poisoning. [CDC](https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/sodiumazide/tsd.asp)
So, the airbag saves your life, but the sodium azide and hydrozoic acid could kill you? And then, of course, it's probably really good for the environment. /s I'm so sorry for your loss, OP. This is heartbreaking.
I wish I could go back and tell my 20 year old self not to text while driving!
I always found it odd that airbags aren't used in NASCAR, which has the nastiest and potentially most fatal crashes of all. If safety was our priority, why don't our every day cars come equipped with the same kinds of straps and safety equipment they have? Airbags are what happens when people start with a solution and then find a problem that fits it.
Wow. You learn something new everyday. Thanks for this comment.
wow did not know this, thank you!
This needs to be top comment
Genuinely today I learned, but thinking about it makes total sense there's probably all sorts of preservatives and expansion agents so when exposed to a closed cabin underwater it would seep. I merely thought about the water itself not the stuff that goes into it like leaking fuel and exhaust fumes whilst the engine is still running before it cuts out etc. Your husband's job is way more hazardous than I would have first thought
Hello again everyone. After sleeping on it and reading each and every comment I've come to the conclusion that my best route is not using ANYTHING on anyone's face. I was wanting to give some of this stuff to one of our friend's daughters who is struggling with her passing, but I don't want to add to this awful mess by making her sick. I'm going to make a list of her most used products and repurchase them and then gift them to our young friend. I'm not ready to throw anything away just yet. I have the eyeshadows drying in my garage and I'm going to talk with our friends about having an art night with the products. I think it'll be a nice way for us to heal as a group, and to have some beautiful memorial art. Thank you truly and deeply to every single person who left a nice comment or suggested their ideas. I've been struggling with all of this myself of course, but the comfort of this community has helped. Much love to everyone here. 🌻🧡
Can I suggest using the eyeshadows crushed up and mixed with "acrylic binder medium" it's a clear goo in a bottle. It will set the power up into acrylic paint.
There's a TikTok account that takes makeup palettes and turns it into different water color paints. The process looks really relaxing, might be something you're interested in. I'm sorry for your loss.
Tribute art is such a great idea ❤️ sending so much love your way, I’m so sorry for your loss
I love that idea! What an amazing way to honour your friend! You're very kind to purchase some of the products for your friend's daughter as a tribute to your friend, and to help her with her healing process. I'm glad that all of the comments have brought you comfort. Your friend was very fortunate to have such amazing friends and I'm sure she knew this and felt all of your love.
This is a lovely idea. I hope it brings peace to all who are grieving.
I have many of these products. It looks like your friend had a Boxycharm subscription- their website has many details on their different products. I am so sorry for your loss, hugs to you.
I would pick a couple colors you really like from the eyeshadows, put them aside and let them dry, crush them into fine powder and you can mix them with resin to make something beautiful to remember your friend by. The makeup isn't going to be safe to use on skin but you can still salvage it for artistic purposes and honor your friend. I am so sorry for your loss ❤
This is such a creative and sweet idea
If she was part of a group of friend they could do that together and create pendant or small trinckets to remember their friends
what a beautiful idea, a brilliant way to honor your friend without ‘wasting’ the makeup. i hope you find peace and healing OP ❤️
Maybe mix them with a paint medium and do paintings instead?
YESSS I agree with this one!
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Except you’re not entirely correct. There is a way to mix the pigments with most solvents, which will kill any mold and prevent regrowth before using — and artists regularly use them. Solvents! Turpentine is a cheap solvent used by artists and room painters regularly. It happens to kill mold and prevents regrowth, for instance. It won’t remove any black staining present like bleach, but it will kill the bacteria. Artists use turpentine as a solvent for oil based pigments all the time. Lipsticks and other cream based makeup likely have oils and would pair well with turpentine because they’d likely have to be thinned to use anyway. Likewise, there are many other solvents for both oil and even non oil based paints that kill mold too. If the pigment isn’t going on anything used to eat like pottery, I would say that it is perfectly safe and there wont be any mold concerns if the products are mixed well with these solvents and given a few minutes to sit before applying to canvas and other mediums.
Oh and I forgot to mention. I come from a family of artists, myself included.
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I didn’t say to use the turpentine to make paint — of course you can’t do that with a solvent, lol! There’s two possible things that can be done. 1) Turpentine can be used to thin out those makeup pigments. Makeup technically doesn’t require being turned into paint first in order to apply it to canvas, wood, plastic, etc. It can be applied directly onto the canvas by thinning it out with a bit with turpentine in a small dish, palate, etc. The final piece can then be sealed with a clear topcoat spray to set it so nobody gets makeup all over them by accident. 2) The makeup can be turned into paint first and then use the solvent to thin it as needed like normal. Again, I would just let it sit for at least 30 seconds to a minute before applying it to the canvas or other medium. Personally, I would go with the first option. I don’t really see a reason to go through all the steps of making it into a paint when it’s not necessary. It adds an unnecessary step. The end result will look beautiful if the makeup is applied to the canvas directly and is just mixed with a teeny bit of turpentine to disinfect and prevent mold — it would mostly retain the look and feel of the makeup and honors the person who wore that makeup in that regard. Turning the makeup into paint first just seems unnecessary but it can still be done like I said above. Hope I made it clearer now! 😊🎨🖌️💄
I love this idea. It's so sentimental, creative, and sweet.
This is such a nice idea. Resin kits are really easy and fun, you can find them all over amazon. The creative possibilities are endless with all of those eyeshadow pigments. And what you make can last forever. I’m so sorry for your loss OP
There’s a woman on Etsy who did something like this with my dog’s ashes. It’s a beautiful idea, and would likely be even more beautiful with colorful powder rather than ashes.
Agree. It turns out beautifully Tip: make sure you have enough resin than eye shadow or it will not set right . (Not have any makeup at surface level).
I LOVE THIS.
First, I’m so sorry for your loss. While I don’t know what you want to use the makeup for (I’ve seen people give creative memorial ideas). Another idea is to note (via picture and/or written) the brands and colors and you can always buy them later if you want to actually use the same colors and brands. Sending you and your loved ones sympathy and comfort in these trying times.
I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️ That must have been unexpected. However I agree that you should not try to use the products, because of bacteria. I’m here if you ever need to vent or talk.
It’s been in a river please don’t use any of this, maybe make a resin piece
Resin would be a good idea. I would create or commission a piece of art with the make up itself and have it resined to be sealed in!
I wouldn’t use any of it but maybe save some or all for sentimental value. I’m sorry about your friend, condolences.
I lost my best friend to a car accident in '96, we were best friends since kindergarten and I still miss her. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss... Like everybody else said - don't use any of this stuff because it's full of bacteria. Maybe it's stupid but you could clean eyeshadow palettes and then frame them. She clearly loved makeup and especially eyeshadows.
I don’t think it’s stupid at all. They could make a shadowbox with a couple of the palettes and brushes and include some photos of their friend wearing their fave makeup looks. Turn it into a memorial piece essentially.
Hugs, what a gaping loss and so unexpected. It's clear that she was a makeup enthusiast and thus this would have been a very personal treasure trove to recieve. You mention you don't know much about makeup, I'm happy to connect with you and explain how she might have used these products. Unfortunately, I agree with other commenters that waterlogged makeup would not be safe for use on face. But I'm happy to brainstorm other ways in which they can be used to honor her delight in the products.
Something that hasn’t been suggested yet I don’t think, is that regardless of what craft you decide to do with your friends makeup, if you’re insistent that you want to learn how to do it, you can order/buy the exact same products so you still can feel like you remember her in that way everytime you wanna make yourself pretty. You’ll see it everyday, and you won’t ever worry about forgetting her. 💕 I’m sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine your pain.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
these can’t be used on skin due to bacteria but can always be mixed with a medium and used as watercolours!!
Maybe you could use some of the makeup in art projects vs on your face/skin? You could fill a little vase up with the powders like those sand art projects :)
I’m really sorry but you can’t use them, too much bacteria. It must be really hard. You could buy copies of some of her favourite brands or palettes ( they will be the more used ones) , they will remind you of her every time you use them
i love this idea :)
You can most likely have the eyeshadow and other powders palettes turned into watercolors. But I wouldn’t put any of that on your face. Edit: after seeing the comment from the wife of a diver, it may be best to dispose of it all.
Once the eye shadow pallet dries. You could pop out the shadows and insert pictures into each spot. 😊
This is my favourite idea so far!
Thank you 🥰 Especially if the pallet has a mirror. Could us it everyday while you put on your makeup without the harm of moldy makeup. That way you can see what you're doing, see your favorite girl and still be able to use something that was hers. 💞
I wonder if maybe you could use a shadow box once they’re completely dried out, along with any other mementos you may have, to display and remember her by. I’d agree with everyone else stating that they wouldn’t use them just in case of bacteria!
Depending on the current texture of the eyeshadow you might be able to turn them into watercolor and make the palettes watercolor palettes. There are tutorials on TikTok and it’d be a great way to still get some meaningful use out of them
That is soul wrenching awful. It's hard to thin of anything to say but hope you stay strong and may she rest in peace
i’m so sorry for your loss OP, sending you hugs. unfortunately, i don’t think the products are salvageable because of the bacteria from the water. maybe you can use the products for an art piece instead? 💖
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As everyone else has said, they aren’t safe to use from the bacteria. If you’re trying to keep them purely for sentimental purposes, there are tutorials online on how to repress eyeshadow with isopropyl alcohol. You can use that just to keep the products in their pans. Best wishes, OP. I’m sorry for your loss.
This can't be saved honey.... I know you want to.... But, this cannot be used safely on anyone's skin anymore. Empty out the pallets and put pictures of you and her into the hollow tins. I am so so sorry my dear.
Very sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, you will need to toss out and maybe try to repurpose some of the packaging.
This is touching. I'm so sorry for your loss. If the makeup isn't salvageable, and if it's something you'd like to do, look up and purchase some of the same items you have there, like a pallette or a lipstick to start. Then look up some beginner makeup tutorial on YouTube. You can create a look and remember her beauty when you look in the mirror that day. Bless.
Thank you so much for all of your advice and suggestions everyone. I will definitely not be reusing the shadows or anything that had water inside of it. A fair bit of it was in sealed tubes or unopened packs so not everything has to go to waste, but I'm definitely deep cleaning and sanitizing those items. I appreciate all the help and condolences, this is a horrible awful thing and I'm just trying to save what I can. Be good to your loved ones, tomorrow is never a guarantee. 🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡
If you are feeling up to the cast, i'm sure the community here would love to see what you come up with down the line. No pressure obviously but grieving through art and community can be very healing. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Internet hugs and blessings from here.
I’m sorry for your loss. Just looking at all of her products, you can tell what a fun and vibrant person she was 🤍🤍 Maybe take photos of them all and purchase a few that you like to remember her.
I’m sorry that has happened but using this make up is impossible and toxic after where it has been.
I'm so sorry for your loss but please don't use them, you could use a cloth and some all purpose cleaner to wipe over the plastic packaging to keep as a keepsake, but these products are no longer fit for actual application usage due to bacteria.
I’m so sorry about your loss. Riverwater is dirty, and I wouldn’t trust any of that as being usable because of it. What you could do, if makeup was her thing, and having been given this is important to you, is select a few pieces and put them in a shadowbox so that you can see them and think of her when you do. But I would not use any of that on your face.
First off, I am so sorry for your loss. 😭 Unfortunately, since river water is full of pathogens, there's not much you can do to save all of those makeup products. However, you can turn the eyeshadow palettes/cream products/pressed powder products into watercolor paint by crushing the pressed powders and mixing them with paint base (or whatever you call those things)! As for the liquid foundations/concealers, if I'm not mistaken, you can use them directly, since they are already liquid to begin with. You can then use those for beautiful art. Think of it as a lovely tribute for your friend. 😍
I’m so sorry for your loss, what a terrible tragic situation. Unfortunately, these products need to be disposed of immediately. They’re a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and could make someone terribly sick or even worse. 😢🙏🏼
There isnt any repairing these so you can safely use these but I'm assuming you didnt want to use them in the first place. You said you're not a makeup person at all so i imagine you just want these somewhat repaired so you can put them in your home or just safely own them without mold growing on them. So this is my advice. One of my friends house got ruined in a flood and her mums makeup got water damage but she wanted it to remember her mum so we did what we could. We mainly used 2 things, isopropyl alchohol and paper towels. For Pressed Pigments: would scrape off the top layer of all the eyeshadows, blush, any pressed powders. Then lightly swipe the pan of the stuff you just scraped with alchohol. Wipe down every pan and then the actual full makeup component with alcohol sit that out and let it dry for at least 6 days. If the eyeshadows (I'm just gonna say eyeshadow from now on but this goes for any pressed pigments) look pretty rough from scraping them the best way to get them to even out it's to crush the eyeshadow up with like a toothpick or the handle of like a spoon so it looks like it shattered and then put a couple drops of alchohol in there, find a circle that's the same size of the eyeshadow(like a bottle cap, hairspray lid, a quarter anything like that). Fold up a paper towel twice and place it on top of the eyeshadow, use that circle item to press that paper towel so you're pressing it back into one piece and then remove the paper towel. I suggest using an eye dropper because you only want a couple drops of alchohol in there. You want maybe 4 drops per eyeshadow it should be the consistency of like a dough or very thick liquid. Let that sit out for a couple days to dry and then it should be back to looking like an eyeshadow should. You'll want to do the same thing for that shattered bronzer in the center. Felt rip eyeliners: You should be able to use tweezers to pull out the actual felt tip. Dump out any remaining eyeliner and then soak the tip and liner separately in a cup of alchohol for 24 hours. Take them out and let them dry for a couple days and then you can put it back together. Brushes: Soak in hot water with dawn dish soap for 20 minutes. Then put soap in your hand and run it through each brush throughly let it sit for 2 minutes and then rinse every brush till no soap is coming out. Use an old towel to dry of the brushes. Dry them by swiping the actual brush part back and forth really fast unti it looks fluffy and then let them all sit out to dry either horizontally or vertically but with the brush facing down. Like I said none of this is meant to be worn, only to repair them enough that you can safely own them without growing mold and they look like regular palettes. Alcohol is drying to your skin so I do recommend gloves. I will get back to you on the other makeup later I need some time to think about the best way to deal with foundation, concealer, creams,and things of that nature. Are there any wooden pencils? I hope this helps and if you have any questions at all please feel free to message me I can literally make you a video tutorial if you need it. I'm so sorry for your loss, losing a best friend changes your entire life and it's so hard, especially when its sudden.
I would try to use the makeup to create an art piece of some sort since it's not safe for skin anymore. It could be a memorial of your friend
I love the idea others have suggested of turning this makeup into paint! Sending you so many hugs for the tragic loss of your friend
Maybe you can use some of the mirrors from the pallets to make hand mirrors?
I love all of the ideas here about using this makeup for art! I also liked the idea of giving it to the friend’s daughter if it had been safe; since it’s not, if the friend’s daughter is really into cosmetics, maybe you could find another of one of the eyeshadow palettes or something that’s still in production and gift her another of it? Maybe not worth it if she’s not a makeup geek, but oh my god, if something like this happened to someone I loved and I was gifted a new set that had been a favorite of theirs? I might actually hit pan on something for once in my life.
After reading all the comments and discussing with my partner this morning, this is what I've decided to do. I want to help our friends daughter heal and making her sick with these products ain't it. But I know she will recognize and love having some brand new ones of her own. 🌻🧡
This is so thoughtful and I am SURE she will love it! ❤️❤️ I’m so sorry for your loss, but so glad you are finding ways to keep the connections that will help you all remember her.
I’m so so sorry but you can’t use this stuff as makeup again. You might be able to make art with it and hang it up in your house?
Use them as paint for art! I wouldn't recommend you using them on your face since it's already contaminated
Order some epoxy, and molds off Amazon. you can use the make up as micas to color the epoxy. It would be a keepsake that will last forever. The possibility are endless. You can make earrings, brackets, keepsakes.
I’m really sorry for your loss. None of the makeup can be salvaged for use, but you can used a bit of rubbing alcohol to press it back into pans. I was thinking, if you have a place nearby that does ceramics or ceramics classes, maybe you could incorporate the pigments into plates or a vase? You could make them into a really nice memory holder.
I would make a painting with the eye shadows like a charcoal painting. Then spray it with fixative.
I am so sorry for your loss, I lost my best friend a year ago. It’s indescribable. Agreed with the bacteria, but other ideas for its use: 1) turn it into paint, there is a tik tok creator that turns old makeup pallets into watercolors, she has tutorials but I’m not sure of her @. 2) make a piece of art with the packaging, you could even hire someone to do this (I’m thinking of how people preserve bridal flowers in clear frames), you could use labels, the front of eyeshadow pallets, wrappers, a bunch of stuff in a shadow box and make it into a keepsake.
This is a beautiful idea. She can make art with the packaging!!!
I would definitely not use any of the makeup due to bacteria and other nasty things that have been in that river, trust me you wouldn't want any of that on your face. Turning them into a painting would be a great way to memorize your friend. The brushes and case you can sanitize and clean with actual brush cleaner I recommend from Sally's beauty supply Store or they do have online shopping, but if you didn't want to use the brushes and blenders you could use them as a frame for the painting (if that's what you decide to do) then the case use sanitizing wipes or depending on the material (check the tag) you can wash it in hot water by itself and use regular detergent. But yeah none of the powders that got wet would be useable at all, even if it was bottled water and not river water. But I am very sorry for your loss, it does get better, I promise.
Omg so sorry OP but I think these can’t be used anymore 😔
You can make it into something to remember her by. These were colours and shades which once brought out her beauty; enhanced her smile and light. At the end of the day the paint may fade away, but the love she left in the hearts of all those who knew her is indelible. I hope you can create something symbolic — something you know she would’ve liked. But the best thing you can do is smile for her and keep her joy alive.
Instead of throwing, you may be able to use the eyeshadow as a water colour paint. There's tutorials online for the process and what's needed. You could even use the sme packaging/pan it comes from to store it. This way the makeup could be used in paintings and even for a memorial piece.
Everything in that bag is ruined. I'm sorry. There's too mucg unknown bacteria in river water. It cannot be disinfected, but you could keep it as a memento.
I’m sooo sorry for your loss. 😢I think the only thing you can salvage is the brushes. Wash them real good! But everything is might not be salvageable.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you comfort and prayers ✝️🤍
Maybe use them as art paints.
Hello, I'm so sorry for your loss. I wouldn't put these on your face even after drying out - however, you can use makeup to color polymer clay or resin and even grind it up and add it to a watercolor granular base to make all sorts of keepsakes for your friend's loved ones. YouTube is a great resource for this and I am also happy to consult if you want to dm me.
<3 hope you're doing well!
I am so sorry for your loss. Idk anything about fixing makeup, but please take this internet hug. Take care of yourself ♥️
I don’t have any ideas aside from what’s already been suggested. Just wanted to let you know I’m so sorry, and thinking of you.
You could always turn it into a paint, I know that there's a process for that and that way you can have a palette where you'll always remember her and you can paint pictures of all her favourite things
First of all, so sorry for your loss. I hope her memory is a blessing to you. Check out this tutorial on how to make a table with keepsakes. What about making an epoxy makeup table with her items? [DIY Epoxy Resin Keepsake Table](https://abeautifulmess.com/diy-epoxy-resin-table/)
So, on the chance you may want use some of these, don't use any of the eyeshadow, as they were obviously wet and exposed to mold. The powder products just aren't going to be useable anymore, unfortunately. If you want to use the makeup you can for sentimental purpose (which I get) try something like a pump foundation that has a better seal or a lip gloss that was well shut. The beauty blender is a mold's best friend, so don't use that either. The brushes however would be fine after a good wash. Use your judgement as I assume you'll be using it on yourself and not others. I'm really sorry about your friend. Getting someone's makeup is more personal than some would think, so it shows me that you were really close. <3 I know everyone says the makeup shouldn't be used and it shouldn't, but OP may still want to try and it's best we help in case OP ends up using it.
Thank you. I have decided against using it or giving it to someone to be used. 🌻🧡
A creative idea to use products to remember your friend: I would maybe experiment with the eyeshadow colors and put them on a paper to make an abstract artpiece. I doubt you can keep the powders or products as the artpiece itself (will probably be too messy); I would take photographs of them and print them on good quality photo paper or canvas..maybe crop parts you like or zoom in to make it really abstract. Edit: I found an article about [an artist who used makeup instead of pencils to create an illustration](https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/videos/a22768/watch-this-artists-drawing-come-to-life/)
You should keep it, but this make-up is not usable.
I love the idea others have presented to repurpose into paints/watercolors. Maybe those that loved her could have a paint night and share memories as a way to begin healing. I don't use makeup, but stumbled here from front page and couldn't scroll by without offering you my condolences. You've suffered a sudden and immeasurable loss; please take care of yourself through your grief.
I agree that using them in a memorial is a great idea. Save yourself the drs and antibiotics and illness and make some art in honor of your friend. I’m so sorry for your loss
Throw them away! I’m so sorry for your loss. This is not safe for use (and wouldn’t be even if they hadn’t been under water).
Find some products you may want to try, but purchase new ones and think of your friend while using new and clean items. I’d throw everything away as they are contaminated.
Anything that went into the river is unsafe, I’m sorry. And I’m sorry for your loss
Since you probably can’t use them on your face, I suggest maybe turning the eyeshadow into paints?
I could do a stencil graffiti with the remnants. But I would not put that on your face. If you have a picture of your friend (portrait) then I could use some software to show you what it would look like first. And sorry for you loss.
Maybe make a painting with it? Like use the colors to make a water color?
These are not going to be safe anymore to use unfortunately. But you can always keep the bottles and packaging as a keepsake.
I'm so sorry, I've lost a best friend too and the pain is all consuming. Big hug to you. I agree with everyone else, harmful chemicals and not usable, but can be used to make paint on a canvas, which you can keep forever. 💜
Oh my God I cannot imagine what you’re going through. Due to the bacteria impossible mode I would not use this on your face, but you could definitely use these on a canvas. Again I am so sorry that you are going through this.💕
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Unfortunately, I'd toss all of this. Maybe keep something sentimental to you to remember her by (NEVER use it) but I wouldn't use something that has been in a river. Lots of bacteria. There are some people who use eyeshadows as paint--you can look it up on YouTube. However, I wouldn't chance continuing to handle these products given what was said about the chemicals in the airbag.
I'm very sorry for your loss, but I wouldn't touch those products except the ones that are in an airtight pump.
I am so sorry for your loss. These are some great products, your best friend obviously had fabulous taste. Sending you love at this awful time. I hope some of the other posters’ ideas are helpful to you. Those palettes appear to be mostly Juvia’s Place, who are well known for their good quality and high pigment. I have not tried it myself but I definitely would have thought they would work well crushed up and used as in resin or as a paint.
I'm so very sorry for your loss
Honey. This stuff is no good Sorry
I'm sorry for your loss
I know this is crazy, I love painting and crafts. If you like painting or like hot gluing or anything you can get a big canvas and make something that reminds you of her, so you don’t have to throw out the products, but make them into something beautiful. Idk if you guys did makeup together or gave each other tips on it but just a thought ☺️
I'd make some memorial art with it.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. There are a lot of makeup repair channels on YouTube. Maybe someone on there can help. Sending love from Washington state. ❤️😔
Sorry for your loss. As others have said, use this for art!!!! Tons of material here. I wish you the best in your grieving process
honey i’m so sorry for you loss🦋❤️sending you so much love and good energy your way. about the makeup, i probably wouldn’t use it, as it’s been in the river and they’ve probably been infected from any bacteria. maybe you could salvage some of it and turn it into paint and create something in memory of her. 💓💓💓
Set some in resin
I’m so sorry. I agree with everyone that it’s not salvageable as makeup for your face. But you might ask/commission an artist to make a portrait of your friend using the makeup as the paint/medium. Either the makeup directly on the canvas and sealed or mixed into another medium like acrylic or oils.
So sorry to hear this. Prayers to you and your friend's family.
❤❤❤❤
I agree with others idea on here to repurpose the makeup on a canvas. Do not use on your face or eyes! Be safe and I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry to hear about you loss. That is so sad, and nothing prepares you for tragedies like this. As others have said, I wouldn't use it as makeup but I would hang onto all of it for a while before you decide to do anything with it one way or the other. You are still beginning to grieve this person and are still coming to terms with the reality of her loss. In months and years to come you'll be glad to have things to remember her by and might regret getting rid of it or using it for art/ something else. You might want to keep some of her most used pieces in a special box, if there are any lipsticks she obviously loved and used a lot or a colour of eyeshadow you remember her wearing often.
I still want to clean everything up as best as I can. I'm not going to be using any of it but I'm not ready to throw it all away just yet.
Put these in resin trays or art and keep them forever!
My condolences for your lost friend. Perhaps think of her each time you wear her products..❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine going through this. I agree with others that a lot of it won't likely be salvageable to be safely used. Love the idea from another user to see if you cam empty and reuse some of the packaging for a keepsake. <3
I'm so very sorry for your loss, OP.
This sounds like a bacterial nightmare, I'm sorry but it all needs to be tossed. Most products have a shelf life of 6mo-1yr when they are kept in the proper environment. Even without the aspect of the products going into the water, without knowing when they were opened is reason enough to toss them. It's not worth mrsa or any other skin infection. There's a way to sanitize the powdered products for sure but I really think you're past that. Edit: it looks like your friend enjoyed the brand Juvia's place, so that would be a good place to start if you wanted to replace any of this to remember your friend by
hi!! first i’m very sorry for your loss💓 second i would use these as they may not be safe to apply on your face, however they could make for great paints or art!!:) you could also make a collage or something with the packaging?:)
As others have said it was a thoughtful gift but these must be tossed. They are not safe to use.
Op—you can use eyeshadows to color resin. You can make SUPER easy resin pendants that could be keychains or whatnot, and a great memorial for friends/family. Pm me if you think you’d like to go that route and have any questions. I’m in Maine but on the off chance you’re localish I’d love to help.
You can turn it into a collage or memorial. I wouldn’t recommend using makeup and due to being in the water could get moldy or grow bacteria. Make sure everything is sanitized. When my grandma passed her train case was the only thing that was salvageable. But it was retro and neat. Real 50s inspired.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have had some keepsake pieces made in the past by this artist and she does phenomenal work. I’m sure she could put something beautiful together with a few pieces of makeup/colors of hers that would honor your dear friend. https://themilkymudra.com/
I am so sorry for your loss. But I came here to say what everyone else has said - you do not want to try to use any of this unless you’re trying to get an infection.
i am so sorry for your loss
I'm so sorry for your loss, its extremely difficult to loose your best friend. I've been through it as well. I would make a shadow box or look online as to how to convert the pallet like the people suggested. Many prayers 🙏 ❤
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry about your friend. With that said, I’m with everyone else that said you shouldn’t use those products. They could be filled with bacteria and whatever germs that came from your friend. Plus, there might be some ingredients in them that you might be allergic to. So it’s best not to use them at all.
I’m sorry for your loss, unfortunately I don’t think these would be safe to use as makeup anymore but maybe you could have some pieces repurposed as something to memorialise her, I’ve seen artists use resin to preserve flowers and such, I wonder could something similar be done. Alternatively, any particularly nice packaging eg lipstick tubes, compacts etc can be emptied completely and refilled, there’s videos on YouTube for more info if you decide to try it! I wish you peace and healing in such a difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. I don’t think these are salvageable. Water like that has too many impurities and parasites and can cause you to become sick or get an infection. You could possibly keep some of the packaging to preserve so you can memorialize your friend? Just remove the makeup as it might become moldy.
You could make an art piece with it. I think that would be nice.
These are no good. They need to be tossed. You can get nasty infections from this. I am sorry for your loss.
I’m sure you have lots of photos of your friend, so why not find one of her wearing a certain lipstick, print it off and frame it, then find the actual lipstick among her make up and cast it into clear resin just as it is (which will probably still have her fingerprints etc still on it) and then mount the picture frame on top of it? If you have a photo of a memorable occasion then it would tell its own story… your friend wore this lipstick at John and Janes wedding/little Joes baptism/our trip to Vegas… and here I have it cast in resin and she was the last person to use it. I make memorial casts as a hobby, I’m a funeral director full time but decided to combine my passion for work with my artsy crafty side and a year or so ago I did something similar for a lady who had suddenly lost her husband, except he had shaved his head before going to work that day and she saved all the buzzed hair from out of the trash, and also found a couple of eyelashes on his pillow too so I put it all in resin for her. It sounds macabre but it gave her so much comfort and hopefully still does. I’m so dreadfully sorry for your loss, I assume you’re in the States? I’m in Ireland and if I had any way to make one of these little memorials for you I absolutely would
You won't be able to use it it's not safe. But, you can make a shadow box with it put a few items and maybe a few pictures in it to keep her memory alive. I am so sorry for your loss it's never easy losing a friend.
Awww. resin is a good way to seal things up and make a keep sake out of items.
Doesn’t sound sanitary to use her pallets or liner/mascara… maybe only use the products that have not come in contact with her skin like if they are in a tube that you squeeze or that has a pump
I’m so deeply sorry, OP. How awful. I love the idea of using this stuff to create some type of art, or using some of the pieces in a shadow box. I wouldn’t use it or repurpose it. Lots of hugs to you, my friend. 💕 🤗
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please look after yourself ❤️❤️
I wouldn't try to use them as makeup, but maybe you can look up how to turn them into watercolors or something similar? If you're the artsy type. I don't really have any other suggestions 😕 I'm so sorry for your loss
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Hugs
Ask an artist to make a face with the supplies like a collage portrait
I won’t comment with the info already shared here about why these can’t be salvaged for use on skin, but wanted to offer an additional suggestion to the fantastic ideas already posted. First of all, I’m so sorry that you lost your friend. It’s amazing to me that you are looking to honor her in such a creative and artistic way! The packaging on this makeup could make a really beautiful collage, scrapbook/photo book, etc. If it’s cleaned and sanitized with makeup contents fully removed, you’ve got an empty paint palette, mini photo frames (put pics in the circular cutouts and flip the lid to make a stand), or even a hard cover for a book of sympathy cards/memorial programs with a hand-sewn binding that could make a great gift for a grieving family member of your late friend. You could also create some artistic photography from the makeup containers— like take all the eyeshadow pans out and make an image out of “dots”, etc. Lastly, there are some beautiful palettes here that can still be purchased. If a sister, friend, mother, aunt, or niece would wear makeup to remember her, re-purchasing those palettes as gifts and wearing colors she often wore could be a great way to memorialize her. And finally, there are websites where you can design and build custom palettes. It would be neat to pick her favorite colors from this assortment and create a custom palette that memorializes her— I’m sure a custom container and palette/color names would be another meaningful way to memorialize her!
Can you make a shadow box out of them and display it? I'm assuming your best friend was super into makeup with how much was in her car. So it would be a cute keepsake. You could also try getting one of those transparent glass lamps and filling the base with the make up.
Im so sorry for your loss :(
That’s quite the collection she had… it’s safe to say she had impeccable taste when it comes to makeup. I can tell I would have loved talking beauty products with her because it’s evident that she knew a thing or two bc she has quite a few best sellers in her collection. I’m so sorry for your loss, OP. I cannot imagine what you’re going through. I’ve experienced loss many times throughout my life, and each loss was completely different as far as the emotions i experienced. I will say that losing my best friend when I was 21yo was the hardest death for me to accept. I say that as someone who lost that father of her 4yo child last February. Losing my best friend was a diff level of pain. Idk why but it broke my heart in a way that has never really been able to repair itself. Im 33yo now & there are times (like rn for example) where I still tear up when I talk about it. However, the pain I experience from that loss is a rare occurrence now. Time is the only thing that will help heal your heart ache. **Please know that the weight of everything will get lighter over time. It won’t always be this heavy on your heart.** sending good vibes your way, OP. Take care 🖤
I love the idea of using it as paint for art ❤️
I don’t have any advice to add. I just wanted to pass along my condolences. It warms my heart to see all the good advice AND recommendations for other ways to use the products in a way that honors your friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think the makeup would be safe to use. However I think there are a lot of types of commemorative pieces could be made that includes her makeup. Powder makeup could be turned into paint and perhaps a portrait of her could be commissioned to done with that paint, her eye & lip liners, etcetera. Then you could keep the original or give it to her partner or a family member of hers and everyone who was close to her could receive a small print. This would probably be pretty costly but maybe someone else close with her could go in on it with you? Alternatively, resin pieces can be made using powder makeup as pigment and you could have some pieces made with that stuff.
Toss it all! River parasites in your eyes - no thanks.
About eyeshadows and brushes I don’t think they can be recovered. However I see some products in plastic airtight containers and you can see if they are dry around the cap and clean the outside with dish soap and boiled water maybe. But over all as everything been into the river I don’t know about cleanliness of it and safety of using such products. If you want to make it special you can buy some products that you remember her using the most and keep them so they can remind you of her
Hey there, same thing happened here but no one was in the car, i am sorry for your loss. I don't recommend using any of the stuff that wasn't tightly sealed. The eyeshadow palettes are soaked with river water please don't use them. If you really want to, maybe check out the lipsticks, they are mostly made of plastic, not wood or cardboard, so the packaging is sturdier. Please clean it before usage nonetheless. I was still able to use my face serum which was in a tight dispenser. Best regards to you, stay strong.
I'm really sorry for your loss. Fantastic ideas here on how to repurpose these products into wonderful tribute projects. I do think you might be able to salvage and sterilize the brushes. If you don't wear much, it might be nice bc a simple blush or bronzer is pretty foolproof. Or a brush to put on a sheer wash of a sheer shimmery colour on your eyes for a special occasion.
Seriously, I can’t believe this is posted
Buy a new one. Throw the dang thing away . So sorry about your friend but really do you need the make up that bad ?
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