Removing Eyeshadow From Mac Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

MAC eyeshadows are known for their high quality, but their packaging can be bulky and inconvenient. One solution is to depot the eyeshadows, removing the powder from its compact and organising it in a palette that takes up less space. There are several methods for depotting MAC eyeshadows, including using heat, alcohol, or a flat iron. The process generally involves prying the eyeshadow pan from the plastic housing and then cleaning and labelling the pan before placing it in a new palette.

Using a flat iron to melt the adhesive

To remove MAC eyeshadow pans from their casing, you can use a flat iron to melt the adhesive. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to protect the surface from heat damage. Ensure you have a trivet on hand to protect the surface from the flat iron.

Next, plug in your flat iron and turn it to the highest setting. Allow it a few minutes to warm up and reach the desired temperature. Place the flat iron on the trivet with one plate flat against the table or counter.

Now, take the eyeshadow, still in its plastic housing, and place it on the flat iron's plate. Let the plastic sit on the iron for around 15-20 seconds. Use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove the plastic from the hot iron to avoid burning your fingers.

At this point, take a pointed tool and press it against the centre of the back of the plastic housing. Push on the plastic until you feel the eyeshadow pan pop free. If possible, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot plastic. If the pan feels resistant, place it back on the flat iron for a few more seconds to further weaken the adhesive.

Finally, let the eyeshadow pan cool down on a towel or trivet for a few minutes before handling it.

This method is a great way to remove eyeshadow pans from their casing without damaging the product. With a bit of heat and some simple tools, you can easily depot your MAC eyeshadows and organise them into a custom palette.

Removing the eyeshadow pan from the plastic housing

Firstly, open the eyeshadow compact and locate the small notch at the front, where the compact snaps shut. Just above this notch, you will see a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact. This is where you need to focus your efforts. Take a small, thin tool with a pointed tip, such as a pointed kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, or craft knife, and carefully wedge it into the groove between the plastic housing and the compact. Wiggle the tool back and forth to create leverage and gradually loosen the housing. With enough leverage, you will be able to pop the plastic housing and eyeshadow pan free. Be gentle and patient during this process to avoid breaking the plastic or damaging the eyeshadow.

Once the plastic housing is free, you can then work on removing the eyeshadow pan itself. There are a few different methods you can use for this step, including heat and alcohol. For the heat method, light a small candle and use pliers to hold the plastic housing several inches above the flame for 30 seconds to one minute. This will melt the adhesive holding the pan inside the housing. You can also use a lighter or a flat iron set to the highest temperature instead of a candle. Alternatively, for the alcohol method, pour some 99% isopropyl alcohol into a small dish and apply it around the edge of the eyeshadow pan using a medicine dropper or cotton swab. Allow the alcohol to dissolve the adhesive for 30 seconds to one minute.

After applying heat or alcohol, use your pointed tool to gently press against the back of the plastic housing to push the eyeshadow pan out. Target the centre of the plastic and be careful not to force the pan out if the adhesive is still strong, as you may break the eyeshadow. If necessary, reapply heat or alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Once the pan is free, allow it to cool down before handling it further.

Using alcohol to dissolve the adhesive

Using alcohol is an effective way to dissolve the adhesive that holds the eyeshadow pan in its plastic housing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, pour some 99% isopropyl alcohol into a small dish. While you can use different concentrations of alcohol, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol, a higher concentration will dissolve the adhesive more quickly. Next, take a medicine dropper and dispense a small amount of alcohol around the eyeshadow pan, allowing it to seep between the pan and the plastic housing. You can also use a cotton swab for this step if you don't have a medicine dropper. Don't worry if you get alcohol on the eyeshadow itself, as it won't cause any harm.

Let the alcohol work on the adhesive for at least 30 seconds. After this, take a craft knife or another sharp, pointed tool, and gently run it between the pan and the plastic housing to loosen the eyeshadow. When you feel the pan start to give, slip your tool under the pan to create leverage, and carefully pry the eyeshadow pan out of the plastic housing.

If there is any dried adhesive remaining on the back of the eyeshadow pan, simply apply a little more alcohol, wait a minute, and then use your tool or finger to scrape off the glue.

Once you have removed the eyeshadow pan, you can place a magnet sticker on the back so that it can be placed in a magnetic palette. You can also label the back of the eyeshadow pan with the shade name, as MAC eyeshadows do not include this information on the pan itself.

Adding a magnet to the eyeshadow pan

Once you have successfully removed the eyeshadow pan from its plastic housing, you will need to attach a magnet to it so that it can be placed in a magnetic palette.

You can purchase metal stickers designed for this purpose from beauty supply websites, craft stores, or Amazon. These stickers are not magnets themselves but will adhere to a magnet. You can also use a slim magnet from a craft store and attach it to the eyeshadow pan using double-sided tape.

If you are using metal stickers, peel off the backing and stick one of the stickers to the bottom of the eyeshadow pan. Make sure to press down firmly so that the sticker adheres well.

If you are using a slim magnet, cut a small piece of double-sided tape and stick it to one side of the magnet. Then, press the magnet onto the back of the eyeshadow pan.

Now your eyeshadow pan is ready to be placed in a magnetic palette! Simply choose your desired palette and stick the pan to the magnetized surface.

If you wish to remember the shade name, you can stick the label from the original eyeshadow compact onto the back of the magnet or write the shade name directly on the magnet using a permanent marker.

Labelling the eyeshadow pan

Before removing the eyeshadow from its original compact, you can use heat to remove the sticker from the back of the compact. Hold the compact over a candle flame or use a flat iron to heat it for a few seconds, just enough to loosen the sticker's glue. Then, use your finger or a spatula to pry up an edge of the sticker and slowly peel it away. You can place this sticker on the back of the magnet to label the shade.

If you were not able to remove the sticker, you can purchase round labels from an office supply store and place them on the back of the eyeshadow pan. Write the shade name with a pen or marker. Alternatively, you can use a permanent marker to write the shade name directly on the back of the magnet sticker that you will attach to the pan.

It is important to note that MAC Cosmetics does not place magnets on the back of their eyeshadow pans, so you will need to purchase magnet stickers separately from beauty supply websites or craft stores. These magnets will allow your eyeshadow pans to stick to your palette, which is usually magnetized.

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