Removing Mac Pans: A Compact Guide

MAC eyeshadows are known for their high quality, which is why they are so popular among professional makeup artists. However, the packaging tends to be bulky, and many people prefer to remove the eyeshadow pans from their compacts and organise them into a palette that takes up less space. There are several methods to do this, including using heat or isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the adhesive that holds the pan in place. It is also possible to use a pointed tool to pry the pan out of the compact without heat, but this requires more force and there is a higher risk of damaging the eyeshadow.

Using a flat iron to depot the eyeshadow

Depotting is a great way to save space and money. By removing the eyeshadow from its original container and placing it into a more practical package, you can create a larger and more customised eyeshadow palette. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to depot MAC eyeshadow using a flat iron:

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to avoid any stains. As you will be working with heat, place a trivet on your work area to protect the surface from the flat iron.

Step 2: Open the Eyeshadow Compact

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 will need to work to separate the two.

Step 3: Pry the Plastic Housing

Using a small, thin tool with a pointed tip, such as a pointed kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, or pointed, flexible makeup spatula, wedge it into the groove between the plastic housing and the compact. Wiggle the tool back and forth to loosen the plastic housing from the compact. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid breaking the plastic and damaging the eyeshadow.

Step 4: Plug in Your Flat Iron

Turn on your flat iron and set it to the highest temperature setting. Place the flat iron on a trivet on your work area, ensuring one of the plates is flat against the table or counter. Allow the flat iron to heat up for several minutes to reach the desired temperature.

Step 5: Place the Eyeshadow on the Flat Iron

Take the eyeshadow, still in its plastic housing, and place it on the flat iron's plate that is resting flat on the work surface. Leave it on the hot plate for 15 to 20 seconds to melt the adhesive. 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 it against the centre of the back of the plastic housing. Apply pressure until the eyeshadow pan pops 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.

Step 7: Allow the Eyeshadow Pan to Cool

The eyeshadow pan will be hot after removing it from the plastic housing. Place it on a towel or trivet and let it cool down for several minutes before handling it or placing it in a palette.

Bonus Step: Add a Magnet and Label

MAC eyeshadow pans do not have magnets, but most freeform palettes are magnetised. To place your depot eyeshadow in a palette, add a magnet sticker to the back of the eyeshadow pan. You can find these stickers at craft stores or beauty supply websites. If you want to remember the shade name, use a round label and write the name with a pen or marker. Alternatively, you can use a permanent marker to write directly on the magnet sticker.

Removing the eyeshadow with a candle

Removing eyeshadow from a MAC compact using a candle is a straightforward process. However, it does require some care to avoid damaging the eyeshadow or injuring yourself. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Preparing the Work Area:

Start by covering your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to catch any spills or messes. This is important because you will be working with heat and want to avoid any accidents. Place a trivet or potholder on your work surface to protect it from the candle's heat.

Removing the Eyeshadow Pan:

Open the eyeshadow compact and locate the small notch at the front where it snaps shut. Just above this notch, you will see a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact. Use a small, thin tool with a pointed tip, such as a kitchen knife, flathead screwdriver, or pointed makeup spatula, to gently pry the plastic housing out. Be careful not to damage the eyeshadow pan during this process.

Using the Candle to Depott the Eyeshadow:

Once you have removed the plastic housing, light a small candle. Hold the back of the plastic housing over the candle's flame using pliers to avoid burning yourself. Hold it for 30 seconds to one minute, or until the adhesive holding the pan inside the housing starts to melt. Be careful not to let the flame touch the plastic, as it may catch fire.

Removing the Eyeshadow Pan:

After heating, 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, hold the housing over the flame again to further melt the adhesive. Once the pan is removed, allow it to cool on a trivet or potholder before handling it.

Final Steps:

After removing the eyeshadow pan, you can place a magnet sticker on the back to secure it in a new palette. You can also label the back of the pan with the shade name using a round label and a pen or marker. This ensures you know the shade when organising your eyeshadows.

Using alcohol to depot the eyeshadow

Using alcohol to depot eyeshadow is a method that doesn't involve heat. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the alcohol and eyeshadow compact

Pour some 99% isopropyl alcohol into a small dish. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the more quickly it will dry and dissolve the adhesive. Place the eyeshadow compact on a covered work area, ready for the next step.

Step 2: Apply the alcohol to the eyeshadow

Take a medicine dropper and pick up a small amount of alcohol. Run the dropper all around the eyeshadow pan, dispensing the alcohol between the pan and the plastic housing. Don't worry if you get alcohol on the eyeshadow itself—it won't harm the makeup. Allow the alcohol to dissolve the adhesive for at least 30 seconds.

Step 3: Loosen the eyeshadow pan

Take a craft knife or another sharp, pointed tool. Press it between the pan and the plastic housing, running it along the pan to gently loosen it.

Step 4: Pry the eyeshadow pan out

When you feel the pan starting to loosen, slip your tool under the pan to create leverage. Press upwards with the knife to carefully pry the eyeshadow pan out of the plastic housing. If there is dried adhesive on the back of the pan, run a little more alcohol over it, wait a minute, then use your tool or finger to scrape off the glue.

Tips:

• If you don't have a medicine dropper, use a cotton swab to absorb the alcohol and run it around the pan.
• Make sure your work area is well-ventilated.
• Practice on eyeshadows that you don't like first, as you may break or damage the eyeshadow during the process.

Removing the film layer with tape

Firstly, take a piece of tape and gently press it over the hardened section of the powder. Then, lift the tape to reveal the fresh powder underneath. Repeat this process until the impacted layer has been removed.

It is important to note that this method is not limited by the cost of the powder. Whether your powder is inexpensive or high-end, this technique will work to remove the film layer and restore its original condition.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively remove the hardpan and extend the life of your powder products, saving you time and money in the long run.

Using a pointed tool to pry the eyeshadow out

First, cover your work area with paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to protect the surface in case you nick the powder. Then, open the eyeshadow compact and find the notch at the front. You will see a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact.

Next, take 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. Work the tool into the groove between the plastic housing for the shadow and the compact, and wedge it in to give yourself some leverage. Wiggle the tool back and forth to loosen the plastic housing from the compact. Be sure to take your time to avoid breaking the plastic and damaging the shadow.

Once you have enough leverage, you will be able to pop the plastic housing and the eyeshadow pan free. Then, push against the back of the shadow with your pointed tool to pry it free from the plastic housing. 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.

Frequently asked questions