Eyeshadow Pan: Keep It Safe

MAC eyeshadows are a favourite among makeup enthusiasts, but their bulky packaging can be a hassle. Here's how to keep your MAC eyeshadow pans safe and organised:

Firstly, cover your work area with paper towels or old towels to protect the surface from any eyeshadow dust. Then, use a small, thin tool like a pointed knife or flathead screwdriver to gently pry the eyeshadow pan out of its plastic housing. Be careful not to break the plastic or damage the shadow.

Next, you can use heat to depot the eyeshadow. Hold the back of the plastic housing over a candle flame for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the adhesive starts to melt. Alternatively, use a flat iron on its highest setting. Place the plastic housing on the iron for 15-20 seconds.

Once the adhesive is weak enough, use a pointed tool to gently push or pry the eyeshadow pan out of the housing. Allow the pan to cool down before handling it further.

Finally, place a magnet sticker on the back of the eyeshadow pan so that it can be stored in a magnetic palette. You can also label the pan with the shade name to easily identify the colour.

With these simple steps, you can keep your MAC eyeshadow pans safe, organised, and ready for use!

Depotting with a flat iron

Depotting is a great way to save space, time, and money. It involves removing a makeup product from its original container and placing it into more practical packaging. This is especially useful for those who carry a lot of makeup, like makeup artists, who need to transport their kits from set to set.

To depot your MAC eyeshadows using a flat iron, follow these steps:

• Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to protect the surface and catch any eyeshadow dust or particles.
• Plug in your flat iron and turn it to the highest setting. Place it on a trivet with one plate flat against the table or counter.
• Open your eyeshadow compact and locate the small notch at the front where the compact snaps shut. You will see a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact.
• Using a pointed tool, such as a kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, or pointed, flexible makeup spatula, wedge it into the groove between the plastic housing and the compact. Wiggle it back and forth to loosen the plastic housing from the compact. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging the eyeshadow pan.
• Once the plastic housing is loose, remove the eyeshadow pan from the compact.
• Place the eyeshadow, still in its plastic housing, on the flat iron for 15-20 seconds to melt the adhesive. Use a small pair of tongs or pliers to avoid burning your fingers.
• Using a tool with a pointy edge, press against the back of the plastic housing until the eyeshadow pan pops out. If the pan is resistant, place it back on the flat iron for a few more seconds to further melt the adhesive.
• Allow the eyeshadow pan to cool down before handling it.
• Clean any excess adhesive from the pan with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol.
• Place a magnet sticker, available at craft stores, on the back of the eyeshadow pan. Most freeform palettes are magnetized, so this will help your depot shadows stick to the palette.
• Label the back of the shadow with the shade name. You can use a round label from an office supply store and a pen or marker. Alternatively, write the shade name directly on the magnet sticker.
• Place the eyeshadow pan in your chosen palette.

Additional Tips

• If you are new to depotting, start with an eyeshadow that you don't mind damaging in case of mistakes.
• Always exercise caution when working with sharp tools or hot items like flat irons.
• Ensure proper ventilation when working with heated depotting methods, as melting plastic can release toxic fumes.
• If you are having trouble getting the metal pan out, you may need more heat to melt the glue.
• You can return your empty MAC containers to a MAC store for recycling and receive a free product, like a lipstick.

Depotting with a candle

Depotting your MAC eyeshadows allows you to transfer them into a more compact palette, making them easier to carry around and giving you more space in your makeup bag. It's a great way to customise your palette and only carry your favourite shades.

To depot your eyeshadow with a candle, you will need:

• Paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to cover your work area
• A small candle (a tea light works well)
• A trivet to protect your work surface from the heat
• Pliers
• A pointed tool, such as a kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, or pointed makeup spatula

• Open your eyeshadow compact and find the small notch at the front where the compact snaps shut.
• Use your pointed tool to wedge into the groove between the plastic housing for the shadow and the compact. Wiggle the tool back and forth to loosen the plastic housing from the compact.
• Light your candle. Use the pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing over the candle flame without letting the flame touch the plastic. Hold it there for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the adhesive holding the pan starts to melt.
• After 30 seconds, use your pointed tool to press against the back of the plastic housing to push the eyeshadow pan out. Be careful not to force the pan out if the adhesive is still strong, as you may break the eyeshadow.
• Allow the eyeshadow pan to cool for several minutes before handling it.

Now your eyeshadow is ready to be placed in a new palette! Remember to add a magnet sticker to the back of the pan so it stays in place in your new palette. You can also label the back of the shadow with the shade name so you can easily identify it.

Removing the eyeshadow dust from the palette

Removing eyeshadow dust from an eyeshadow palette is a simple task that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to cover your work area with paper towels, newspapers, or old towels to protect the surface from any potential stains. This is especially important if you are planning to use heat to depot the eyeshadow pans.

To begin removing the eyeshadow dust, use a small, thin tool with a pointed tip such as a pointed kitchen knife, a flathead screwdriver, a steel palette tool, a craft knife, or a pointed, flexible makeup spatula. Insert the tool into the groove between the plastic housing of the eyeshadow pan and the compact. Wedge it into the groove to gain leverage and carefully wiggle the tool back and forth to loosen the plastic housing from the compact. Be gentle and take your time during this step to avoid breaking the plastic or damaging the eyeshadow.

Once the plastic housing is loosened, use a pair of tweezers or pliers to remove the eyeshadow pan from the housing. If there is dried adhesive on the back of the eyeshadow pan, you can use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to dissolve it. Apply the alcohol with a medicine dropper or a cotton swab around the edges of the eyeshadow pan, wait for a few seconds, and then use your tool or finger to gently scrape off the glue.

After removing the eyeshadow pan, use a soft brush or a clean cloth to wipe away any remaining eyeshadow dust from the palette. Be gentle and careful during this step to avoid damaging the palette or creating more mess.

If you want to reuse the palette, make sure to clean it thoroughly before adding new eyeshadow pans. You can use a mild soap or makeup remover and a soft cloth to gently clean the palette, ensuring that all the eyeshadow dust and residue are removed. Allow the palette to air dry completely before adding new eyeshadow pans.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove eyeshadow dust from your palette and create a clean and organized makeup collection.

Using alcohol to depot

Using alcohol is an effective way to depot MAC eyeshadows without heat. This method helps to dissolve the adhesive that holds the eyeshadow pan in its plastic housing. Here are the steps to follow:

Prepare Your Work Area:

Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to catch any spills or loose powder. Depotting can be a messy process, so it's best to protect your surfaces.

Gather Your Materials:

You will need 99% isopropyl alcohol, a small dish, a medicine dropper or cotton swabs, and a sharp tool like a craft knife. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the faster it will dry and dissolve the adhesive.

Apply Alcohol to the Eyeshadow Pan:

Pour a few tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol into the small dish. Use the medicine dropper to apply the alcohol around the edges of the eyeshadow pan in the compact. It's okay if some gets on the eyeshadow itself—it won't harm the makeup. Alternatively, you can use a cotton swab to absorb some alcohol and run it around the pan, gently pressing to dispense the alcohol between the pan and the plastic housing.

Let the Alcohol Dissolve the Adhesive:

Allow the alcohol to work on the adhesive for at least 30 seconds to one minute. You may need to add more alcohol if it dries too quickly.

Loosen the Eyeshadow Pan:

Take your sharp tool, such as a craft knife, and gently run it between the pan and the plastic housing to loosen it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you could end up nicking the eyeshadow.

Pry the Eyeshadow Pan Out:

Once the pan is loosened, use your tool to carefully pry it out of the plastic housing. You may need to slip the tool under the pan to create leverage and gently lift it out. If there is dried adhesive on the back of the pan, apply a little more alcohol, let it sit for a minute, then use your tool or finger to scrape it off.

Clean and Label the Eyeshadow Pan:

Use a small amount of alcohol to remove any remaining glue from the back of the eyeshadow pan. Then, place a magnet sticker on the back of the pan, as MAC eyeshadows don't come with magnets. You can find these stickers at beauty supply stores or craft stores. Finally, label the back of the shadow with the shade name, either directly on the pan or on the magnet sticker.

Place the Eyeshadow in a Palette:

Once your eyeshadow is depotted, labeled, and has a magnet, you can place it in a palette. You can use a MAC palette or any other magnetic freeform palette. Some palettes have specific wells for the shadow pans, while others have a flat, magnetized surface that allows you to place the pans in any configuration you like.

Adding a magnet to the pan

Step 1: Purchase Self-Adhesive Magnets

First, you'll need to get your hands on some self-adhesive magnets. These are readily available online or at craft stores. Look for magnets with a sticky backing that can be easily peeled off and attached to the eyeshadow pan.

Step 2: Clean the Back of the Eyeshadow Pan

Before attaching the magnet, ensure that the back of your eyeshadow pan is clean and free of any residue. You can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or a similar solution to gently clean the surface.

Step 3: Attach the Magnet

Once the eyeshadow pan is clean and dry, it's time to attach the magnet. Peel off the adhesive backing and carefully stick the magnet onto the centre of the eyeshadow pan. Ensure that the magnet is securely attached and isn't protruding from the pan, as this may cause issues when placing the pan in the palette.

Step 4: Allow the Adhesive to Set

Give the adhesive some time to set and cure. This will ensure that the magnet doesn't come loose over time. Check the instructions on the magnet packaging for any specific curing times or requirements.

Step 5: Test the Magnet's Strength

Before placing the eyeshadow pan into your palette, test the strength of the magnet. Ensure that it holds securely and doesn't slide around. If the magnet feels weak, you may need to attach an additional magnet to ensure that your eyeshadow pan stays in place.

Step 6: Place the Eyeshadow Pan into Your Palette

Now that your eyeshadow pan has a magnet attached, you can place it into your MAC palette or any other magnetic freeform palette. The magnet will keep the pan securely in place, preventing it from moving around or falling out.

Tips:

• If you want to remember the shade name, you can place a label on the back of the magnet or write directly on it with a permanent marker.
• Always ensure that the surface you're working on is protected. Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to catch any spills or messes.
• When working with heated tools, like a flat iron, ensure proper ventilation in the room to avoid inhaling toxic fumes from melting plastic.
• Be cautious when handling sharp tools, like knives or craft knives, to avoid accidental cuts.

Frequently asked questions