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

MAC eyeshadows are known for their high quality, but their packaging can be bulky. Removing the eyeshadow pans from their compacts and organising them into a palette is a great way to save space. This process is called depotting, and there are several methods to do it, including using heat or isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the adhesive that holds the pan in place.

Using a flat iron to remove the eyeshadow pan

Step 1: Prepare your work area

Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to prevent stains in case of spills. Place a trivet on your work area to protect the surface from the heat of the flat iron.

Step 2: Open the eyeshadow compact

Open the eyeshadow compact and find the notch at the front where the compact snaps shut. Above this notch, you will see a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact. This is where you will need to work to separate the two.

Step 3: Loosen the plastic housing

Use a small, thin tool with a pointed tip, such as a pointed kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, steel palette tool, craft knife, or pointed flexible makeup spatula, to wedge into the groove and loosen the plastic housing around the shadow. Wiggle the tool back and forth to create more leverage and pop the plastic housing and eyeshadow pan free. Be gentle to avoid breaking the plastic and damaging the shadow.

Step 4: Plug in your flat iron

Place your flat iron on a trivet on your work area with one plate flat against the table or counter. Plug it in and turn it to the highest setting to generate enough heat to melt the adhesive holding the eyeshadow pan. Allow the flat iron a few minutes to warm up.

Step 5: Place the eyeshadow on the flat iron

Take the eyeshadow, still in its plastic housing, and place it on the plate of the flat iron that is resting flat. Let the plastic sit for 15-20 seconds so that the adhesive can melt. Use tongs or pliers to remove the plastic housing from the hot flat iron to avoid burning your fingers.

Step 6: Remove the eyeshadow pan

Using a tool with a pointy edge, press against the centre of the back of the plastic housing to free the eyeshadow pan. Wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands, or hold the plastic around the edges that were not in contact with the iron plate. If the pan feels resistant, place it back on the flat iron for a few more seconds to further weaken the adhesive.

Step 7: Allow the eyeshadow pan to cool

The eyeshadow pan will be hot after removing it from the plastic housing, so let it cool on a towel or trivet for several minutes before handling it.

Removing the eyeshadow pan with a knife

Take a thin, pointed knife, such as a kitchen knife or a craft knife, and carefully insert it into the groove between the plastic housing of the eyeshadow and the compact. Wedge the knife in to get some leverage, and then gently wiggle it back and forth to loosen the eyeshadow pan. Be patient and take your time to avoid breaking the plastic or damaging the eyeshadow. Once you have enough leverage, you'll be able to pop the eyeshadow pan out of the plastic housing.

If you're having trouble removing the eyeshadow pan, you can apply some heat to soften the adhesive. Light a small candle and use pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing over the flame for 30 seconds to a minute. Alternatively, you can use a flat iron on its highest setting. Be careful not to burn yourself or set the plastic on fire. After applying heat, try wiggling the knife again to pop the eyeshadow pan out.

With a little patience and care, you'll be able to successfully remove the eyeshadow pan from your MAC palette using a knife.

Using isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the adhesive

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

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to protect the surface from any potential stains. As you will be working with isopropyl alcohol, ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

You will need 99% isopropyl alcohol, a small dish, a medicine dropper or cotton swabs, and a sharp tool like a craft knife. You can also use a pointed, flexible makeup spatula or a similar tool.

Step 3: Pour the Isopropyl Alcohol into the Dish

Take a small dish and pour a few tablespoons of 99% isopropyl alcohol into it. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the faster it will dry and dissolve the adhesive.

Step 4: Apply the Alcohol to the Eyeshadow Pan

Use the medicine dropper to apply the alcohol all around the eyeshadow pan in the compact. Run the dropper between the pan and the plastic housing. If you don't have a dropper, you can use a cotton swab to absorb some alcohol and run it around the pan. Don't worry if you get alcohol on the eyeshadow itself—it won't harm the makeup.

Step 5: Allow the Alcohol to Dissolve the Adhesive

Let the alcohol sit for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will give it enough time to dissolve the adhesive that holds the pan in place.

Step 6: Loosen and Pry Out the Eyeshadow Pan

Once the adhesive has been dissolved, take your sharp tool and run it between the pan and the plastic housing to loosen it. Gently wedge your tool underneath the pan to create leverage, then carefully pry the eyeshadow pan out of the plastic housing. If there is dried adhesive on the back of the pan, apply a little more alcohol, let it sit for a minute, then scrape off the glue.

Bonus Step: Label and Magnetize Your Eyeshadow Pan

If desired, you can place a magnet sticker on the back of the eyeshadow pan, as most freeform palettes are magnetized. You can also label the back of the pan with the shade name, either by placing a small sticker and writing the name or using a permanent marker directly on the magnet sticker.

How to avoid damaging the eyeshadow

Removing eyeshadow pans from a palette without damaging the eyeshadow can be tricky, but with care and the right tools, it can be done. Here are some tips to avoid damaging your eyeshadow:

Prepare your workspace:

Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to catch any eyeshadow dust or spills. This will also create a clean, dedicated space for your project. Have all the tools you need within easy reach.

Take your time:

Work slowly and carefully. When prying the eyeshadow's housing free from the compact, take your time to avoid breaking the plastic and damaging the shadow. If you feel strong resistance, gently wiggle your tool back and forth until you feel the housing start to loosen.

Choose the right tools:

Use a small, thin tool with a pointed tip to work into the groove between the plastic housing and the compact. Some good options include a pointed kitchen knife, flat-head screwdriver, steel palette tool, craft knife, or a pointed, flexible makeup spatula. Avoid tools with thick or blunt edges that may apply uneven pressure and cause breakage.

Use gentle heat:

If you are using a heated method to depot your eyeshadow, such as a candle or flat iron, be sure to use gentle heat to avoid damaging your eyeshadow. Hold the plastic housing over the candle flame for 30 seconds to one minute, or until the adhesive starts to melt. If using a flat iron, set it to the highest setting and place the plastic housing on it for 15 to 20 seconds. If the eyeshadow pan is resistant, apply heat again in short intervals until it pops out easily.

Ventilate your workspace:

If you are using a heated method, make sure your work area is well-ventilated. When plastic melts, it can release toxic fumes. Open a window or work near an exhaust fan to ensure proper ventilation.

Clean up carefully:

Once you have removed the eyeshadow pan, use a soft cloth or cotton swab to gently wipe away any residual adhesive. Avoid using sharp tools or scraping motions that could damage the eyeshadow.

By following these steps and working carefully, you can successfully remove MAC eyeshadow pans from their palette without damaging the eyeshadow.

Using a candle to remove the eyeshadow pan

Using a candle is an effective way to remove eyeshadow pans from their plastic housing. This method involves heating the adhesive that holds the pan in place, so it can then be pried out. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare Your Work Area: Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to protect the surface from any eyeshadow spills. As you will be working with an open flame, ensure your work area is clear of any flammable materials and is well-ventilated. Place a trivet on your work surface to protect it from the candle.
• Light a Candle: Use a small candle, such as a tea light. Place it on the trivet and light it.
• Hold the Eyeshadow Over the Flame: Use a pair of pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing of the eyeshadow pan over the candle's flame. Be careful not to let the flame touch the plastic, and hold it several inches above the flame.
• Heat the Adhesive: Hold the plastic housing over the flame for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The heat will melt the adhesive holding the pan in place.
• Pry Out the Eyeshadow Pan: After heating, use a pointed tool, such as a knife or a flathead screwdriver, to gently press against the back of the plastic housing. Push against the centre of the plastic until the eyeshadow pan pops out. Be careful not to force the pan out if the adhesive is still strong, as you may break the eyeshadow. If necessary, hold it over the flame for a few more seconds to further melt the adhesive.
• Allow the Eyeshadow Pan to Cool: Once you have removed the eyeshadow pan from the plastic housing, set it aside on a trivet or potholder to cool down.

By following these steps, you can safely remove the eyeshadow pan from its plastic housing using a candle as a heat source. Remember to work carefully and slowly to avoid damaging the eyeshadow or harming yourself.

Frequently asked questions