Problem: My editor handed me two broken hairspray bottles she's been holding onto, even though their pump sprayers haven't worked in years, with the assignment, "Fix them." Some editorial assistants fetch coffee. I fix hairspray.

Solution: Hot Water

I removed the nozzle, ran it under hot water, and voila! She now has access to all that hairspray the clogged nozzle had been holding prisoner.

Problem: Without a nozzle, an aerosol can is like a heavily guarded fortress. If yours is lost or broken, you don't need to puncture it to get the product waiting inside.

Solution: Play Musical Caps with Your Hairspray

The good news: Pretty much all aerosol can nozzles are created equal -- as in, they're the same universal size. I tested this on three of my aerosol cans -- all of the caps worked on every can. So all you have to do is pluck one from one can to replace the broken one.

Problem: A pump is supposed to make using your beauty products easier. So when you can't get to them because of a faulty one, it's extra frustrating. But you don't have to blame your dry skin on your broken lotion pump any longer, because we've got a fix for you.

Solution: Take It Apart or Return It

Sometimes, just taking apart the pump is the answer. I tried this with a new foaming oil cleanser I've been trying to incorporate into my skin care routine, but haven't been able to due to the pump's faulty nature. I rinsed the pump with water, took apart what I could, twisted the top portion of the pump around several times, and when I tested it, it squirted out what I'm sure is going to be the answer to all of my skin care woes -- now that I can finally get to it!

If your pump is truly broken, don't give up yet. I called the company who manufactured my product (Ulta), and they told me that as long as the product is three-quarters full, they'll replace it. I also contacted Sephora, who will replace the product (no matter how much is left) as long as you have the receipt (or they can look it up on your credit card or Sephora card).

Problem: You've been carrying the precious remains of your broken makeup compact around in a plastic baggie for weeks, but it's still getting all over the inside of your favorite purse.

Solution: Spot Clean or Call the Professionals

If your handbag was relatively cheap, try cleaning the liner yourself. Shake out all of the debris and pull the liner away from the bag. Spot clean with a toothbrush and a product like OxiClean, or make a diluted mixture of Dawn dish detergent and water.

If you spilled your makeup inside your nice purse, first, stop crying/freaking out/frantically Googling DIY solutions. You should take it to a cobbler or a luggage repair shop. Depending on the spill, they can shampoo it or replace the lining. As far as the cost, I got quotes from $20 to $200 for a cleaning or liner replacement, so call around for the best price.