Depotting Individual Shadows: Create Your Own Custom Palettes

Depotting is a beauty practice where you remove makeup pans from their original containers and transfer them to a single carryall palette. This allows you to condense your makeup kit and have everything you need in one place. It also lets you create a custom palette with your favourite shades from different brands and formulas. The process of depotting involves using heat to loosen the glue that holds the makeup pan in place, prying the pan out with a sharp object, and then placing the pan in a magnetic compact.

Using heat to loosen the glue

Using heat is a common method to loosen the glue that holds the eyeshadow pans in place. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels as there is a chance of spilling some powder during the process. Also, ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area as melting plastic produces toxic fumes.

Now, you can use a few different heat sources to loosen the glue. You can use a stove, a candle, a hairdryer, or a flat iron. If using a candle, hold the back of the eyeshadow compact above the flame for 30 seconds to a minute. If using a flat iron, place it on a trivet and turn it on to the highest setting. Then, place the eyeshadow compact on the iron for 15 to 20 seconds. For a hairdryer, simply blast the eyeshadow compact with hot air for a few minutes.

Once the glue is loosened, use a sharp object such as a knife, tweezers, or spatula to carefully pry the eyeshadow pan out of its container. If you are having difficulty removing the pan, you may need to heat the area further to loosen the glue.

After removing the eyeshadow pan, allow it to cool down before handling it further. You can place it on a trivet or potholder to avoid damaging your work surface.

It is important to note that you should always take safety precautions when working with heat. Be cautious when working with open flames or hot surfaces, and ensure that there are no flammable objects nearby. Additionally, always be mindful of your surroundings when heating the eyeshadow container, especially if using candles.

Removing the pan from its container

The first step in depotting eyeshadow is to remove the pan from its container. This process can be a bit tricky and may require some practice to perfect. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Loosen the glue: The eyeshadow pan is usually glued into its packaging. To remove it, you will need to loosen the glue. You can do this by applying heat to the bottom of the eyeshadow container. Use a hairdryer, a flat iron, or a candle to heat the container for one to three minutes. Be careful not to overheat the container, as this can damage the eyeshadow.
• Remove the pan: Once the glue is loosened, use a sharp object such as a craft knife, palette knife, or tweezers to gently pry the eyeshadow pan out of its container. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this can cause the eyeshadow to crack or break. If the pan is difficult to remove, you may need to apply more heat to further loosen the glue.
• Clean the pan: Once the pan is removed from its container, there may be some residual glue on the bottom. Use a cotton swab or a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to clean off the glue. Be careful not to use too much alcohol, as it can alter the formula of the eyeshadow.
• Label the pan: Before placing the eyeshadow pan into your new palette, it's a good idea to label it with the brand and shade name. This will make it easier to identify and replace the shade when needed. You can use a permanent marker or a small sticker to label the pan.

Tips for removing the pan:

• Practice on old eyeshadows: Depotting eyeshadow can be tricky, and you may not get it right on your first try. It's a good idea to practice on old eyeshadows or shades that you don't care about as much. That way, if you make a mistake, you won't be too upset about damaging the eyeshadow.
• Use the right tools: Invest in a good set of tools specifically designed for depotting eyeshadow, such as a depotting spatula or a Z-palette tool. These tools will make the process easier and help you avoid damaging your eyeshadows.
• Work in a well-ventilated area: When heating the eyeshadow container, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. It's also important to keep flammable objects away from the heat source to prevent fires.

Choosing a new container

When choosing a new container for your eyeshadows, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to depot your eyeshadows or keep them in their original packaging. If you choose to depot, you will need to purchase empty magnetic palettes or containers that can accommodate the size and number of eyeshadow pans you have. These can be found at beauty supply stores or online.

If you prefer to keep your eyeshadows in their original packaging, there are still several storage options available. You can purchase a small organizer with drawers, a bead organizer, or even use an ice cube tray to store your eyeshadows. Another option is to use stackable trays, which can be easily found at home goods stores.

When choosing a container, consider the size and number of eyeshadows you have, as well as your preferred method of organization. You may want to sort your eyeshadows by color, brand, or some other category, so choose a container that allows for easy organization and access.

Additionally, think about the material of the container. Plastic containers are common and affordable, but you can also find glass containers if you prefer a more luxurious option. You may also want to consider the color and style of the container to ensure it fits your aesthetic and space.

• 50-pack of 5-gram clear acrylic round jars with black lids, perfect for eyeshadow samples
• 20-pack of 5ml clear sample pots with lids, great for travel
• 50-pack of 3-gram sample containers with black lids, ideal for eyeshadow, lotion, and lip balms
• Empty magnetic eyeshadow palette with 4 small round containers, perfect for daily and travel use
• 10-pack of clear empty eyeshadow palettes with 3 grids, suitable for DIY makeup powder samples

Re-potting the eyeshadow

First, you will need to source a palette. You can buy empty magnetic palettes, such as ZPalette or UNII Palette, or get creative with old CD cases, DVD cases, or products from office supply stores.

Next, you will need to attach a magnet to the back of each eyeshadow pan. You can buy magnet stickers online or from craft stores. Alternatively, you can use metal stickers if any of your pans are not magnetic.

Then, label the back of each pan with the brand and shade name. You can use a permanent marker or a round label and pen.

Finally, place the eyeshadow pans into your palette. You can organise the pans however you like.

Labelling the pan

If your eyeshadow pan is not magnetic, you will need to attach a magnet to the back of the pan before placing it in your new palette. You can buy magnets in strips or as individual stickers. If you are using a magnetic palette, check that the magnets are strong enough to hold the pans securely in place.

It is also a good idea to clean off any glue residue from the back of the pan. You can use alcohol and a Q-tip to do this. Alternatively, you can cover the glue with a sticker before placing the pan in your new palette.

Frequently asked questions