Eyeshadow Pan Release: Easy Tricks To Try

Depotting is a beauty practice where you remove makeup pans from their original containers and transfer them to a single carry-all palette. This allows you to condense your makeup kit and have everything you need in one place. The process typically involves applying heat to the bottom of the packaging to melt the glue holding the makeup pan in place, then using a sharp object to pry the pan out. You can then place the makeup pan into a magnetic palette or get creative with DIY palettes using old CD cases, bead containers, or office supply products. Depotting can be a great way to save space, time, and money, but it requires patience and practice to master the technique without damaging your makeup.

Using heat to loosen the glue

Using a Stove, Candle, or Blow Dryer

Firstly, cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to avoid staining your table or counter. Place a trivet on your work area to protect the surface from heat. Open your eyeshadow compact and locate the notch at the front, where the compact snaps shut. You will find a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact. Use a pointed tool, such as a pointed kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, or pointed flexible makeup spatula, and work it into the groove to wedge it in and gain leverage. Wiggle the tool back and forth to free the plastic housing from the compact. Be patient and gentle to avoid breaking the plastic and damaging the eyeshadow.

Next, light a small candle and use pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing over the flame for 30 seconds to one minute, or until the adhesive starts to melt. Alternatively, you can use a lighter instead of a candle. Do not let the flame touch the plastic to avoid setting it on fire. Hold the plastic several inches above the flame. After heating the glue, push against the back of the shadow with a tool to pry it free. Place the eyeshadow pan on a trivet or potholder to cool down.

Using a Flat Iron or Hair Straightener

Plug in your flat iron and turn it to the highest setting. Place it on a trivet on your work area, ensuring one plate is flat against the table or counter. Give it a few minutes to warm up. Place the eyeshadow, still in its plastic housing, on the iron's plate for 15 to 20 seconds. Use a small pair of tongs or pliers to remove the plastic housing from the hot iron to avoid burning your fingers. Stick a pointy tool against the centre of the back of the plastic housing to free the eyeshadow pan. If possible, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot plastic. If the pan is resistant, place it back on the flat iron for a few more seconds to further weaken the adhesive. Let the eyeshadow pan cool down on a towel or trivet.

Safety Precautions

When working with heat, ensure that your eyeshadow container is not flammable and keep flammable objects away from your work area. Be cautious when handling sharp tools and hot items to avoid injury. If using an open flame or hot flat iron, make sure your work area is properly ventilated as melting plastic can release toxic fumes.

Using a sharp object to pry the eyeshadow pan

Firstly, it is important to loosen the glue that holds the eyeshadow pan in place. This can be done by applying heat to the bottom of the eyeshadow container. You can use a hair straightener or a blow dryer for this purpose. Ensure that the container is heated for at least one to three minutes so that the glue softens and there is no resistance when removing the pan.

Once the glue is sufficiently melted, it's time to use a sharp object to pry the pan out. A thin, sharp tool such as an X-Acto knife, a sewing pin, or a depotting spatula is ideal for this step. Carefully insert the tool between the pan and the container, gently lifting the pan out. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as this may result in breakage. If you find that the glue is still too hard, reheat the container for a little longer to ensure the glue is fully melted.

If you are having difficulty removing the pan, try heating the area further. You can use a lighter or candle to heat the centre of the pan from below, softening the plastic and making it easier to release. Then, use a metal tool, such as the back of a pair of tweezers, to gently push up on the pan from below, and simply pluck it out. This method ensures that you don't have to use tools near the top of the pan, reducing the risk of bending or gouging the eyeshadow.

It is always recommended to practice this technique on eyeshadow shades that you don't care much about. This way, if any breakage occurs during the process, it won't be a significant loss. Additionally, always work in a well-ventilated area when melting plastic, as it can produce a strong odour and potentially harmful fumes.

Finally, once the eyeshadow pan is removed, you can clean off the excess glue from the bottom of the pan using rubbing alcohol and Q-tips. This step ensures that your new palette remains tidy and professional-looking. Label the back of the pan with the brand and shade name for future reference.

Removing the eyeshadow pan from its container

The process of removing an eyeshadow pan from its container is called depotting. This practice is useful if you want to create a more compact, travel-friendly option, or if you want to create a custom palette with your favourite colours.

Firstly, you need to loosen the glue that holds the makeup pan in place. To do this, apply heat to the bottom of the packaging. You can use a stove, a candle, a hairdryer, or place the palette on top of a warm flatiron for one to three minutes.

Once the glue is loosened, use a sharp object such as a knife, spatula, or tweezers to carefully pry the makeup pan out of its container. Be patient and gentle, as rushing this step may result in cracked eyeshadow. If the eyeshadow is difficult to remove, you may need to heat the area further to loosen the glue.

If you are having trouble removing the pan, try using a thin, flexible metal spatula or a depotting spatula, which can help you get between the pan and the plastic packaging. You can also use a lighter or candle to heat the centre of the pan from below, and then push up with something metal, such as the back of a pair of tweezers, to loosen the pan.

It is recommended to practice this technique on old powders or colours that you don't like, in case the eyeshadow cracks or breaks during the process.

Placing the eyeshadow pan in a magnetic palette

Once you have your eyeshadow pans out, you can place them in a magnetic palette. There are many different types of magnetic palettes available on the market, with different designs and features. Some palettes are compact and convenient for travel, while others have features like mirrors and removable foam inserts. You can also find magnetic palettes with different numbers of slots, depending on how many eyeshadow pans you want to place in them.

When choosing a magnetic palette, it is important to ensure that the eyeshadow pans you have will be compatible with the palette. Some palettes are designed for specific pan sizes, such as 26mm eyeshadow pans, while others have adjustable slots that can accommodate different pan sizes. It is also important to check if the palette is magnetic or if it requires metal pans to stick to its surface.

If your eyeshadow pans are not magnetic, you can add magnets to them by gluing small washers or metal stickers to the back of each pan. This will allow your pans to stick to the magnetic palette.

Additionally, you can create your own DIY magnetic palette by using a clean slate kit and adding metal pans to it. This gives you the freedom to customise your palette and mix and match different eyeshadow shades.

Overall, placing your eyeshadow pans in a magnetic palette is a great way to organise and store your eyeshadow collection, allowing you to easily transport and access your favourite shades.

Labelling the eyeshadow pan with the brand and shade name

There are a few ways to go about labelling your eyeshadow pans. One way is to use a sharpie to write the brand and shade name directly on the back of the pan. This method is quick and easy, but it may not be ideal if you want to keep your eyeshadow pans looking neat and tidy.

Another option is to use stickers or labels. You can find blank stickers online or at your local craft store, and then use a sharpie or permanent marker to write the brand and shade name on the sticker. This method allows you to create neat and uniform labels for all of your eyeshadow pans.

If you are transferring your eyeshadow pans into a magnetic palette, you may also want to consider using metal stickers. These stickers have an adhesive back that sticks to the eyeshadow pan and a metal front that is attracted to the magnet in the palette. You can then use a sharpie or permanent marker to write the brand and shade name on the metal sticker.

Whichever method you choose, labelling your eyeshadow pans is a helpful way to keep your makeup collection organised and ensure that you always know what eyeshadow shade you are using.

Frequently asked questions