Makeup Pan Removal: Easy, Quick, And Safe Methods

Depotting is a beauty hack that involves removing makeup pans from their original containers and transferring them to a single carryall palette. This practice is popular among professional makeup artists who need to condense their kits and have everything they need in one place. It is also a great way to reduce clutter and have all your makeup in one convenient spot, making it easier to travel with. The process typically involves using heat to loosen the glue that holds the makeup pan in place and then using a sharp object to pry the pan out. It is important to be careful during this process to avoid damaging the product.

Use a heat source to loosen the glue

Using heat to loosen the glue that holds the makeup pan in place is one of the most common methods of depotting makeup. This process involves removing a makeup product from its original container and placing it into a more practical package or palette.

There are several ways to apply heat to the bottom of the packaging to loosen the glue. One way is to use a hairdryer. Hold it about 6 inches away from the palette and blow it on the highest setting for about 2 minutes. Another option is to use a pot of boiling water. Place the palette over the steam for a few minutes. If you have a flatiron, you can also use it to generate heat. Simply turn it on and set it to a low heat setting. Be careful not to make it too hot, as you don't want to damage the eyeshadow pans. Place the palette on top of the warm flatiron for 1 to 3 minutes.

Once the glue is loosened, use a sharp, flat tool such as a butter knife, spatula, or tweezers to gently pry the makeup pan from its container. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don't want to damage the makeup pan.

Use a sharp tool to pry the pan

Using a sharp tool to pry the pan out of its container is a common method used in the depotting process. This method should be done with caution to avoid damaging the makeup pan.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the glue holding the pan in place has been sufficiently loosened. This can be done by applying heat to the bottom of the packaging. A hair straightener or a blow dryer can be used for this purpose. It is important to allow the heat to warm the glue for at least one to three minutes to ensure that it has fully loosened.

Once the glue has been loosened, a sharp tool such as a knife, spatula, tweezers, or an Exacto knife can be used to carefully pry the pan out of its container. It is important to hold the blade straight and avoid angling it inward, as this could deform the pan and crush the makeup product. If there is resistance when trying to remove the pan, the glue may not be fully loosened, and more heat may need to be applied.

When using a sharp tool to remove the pan, it is crucial to be patient and take your time. Rushing the process may result in damage to the pan or the product. It is also recommended to practice this technique on a product that you are not attached to, in case there are any mishaps during the process.

Additionally, for plastic packaging, it can be helpful to heat the plastic from below the center of the pan until it softens, and then push up with a metal object, such as the back of a pair of tweezers. This way, you can avoid using sharp tools near the top of the pan and reduce the risk of bending or gouging the pan or the product.

Clean the glue off the base

To clean the glue off the base of your makeup pan, you can try a few different methods. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of surface you are dealing with, as different approaches are needed for plastic, metal, wood, or glass.

Plastic

For plastic surfaces, it is best to proceed with caution to avoid scratching or melting the material. Start by using a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently scrape off any glue residue. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don't want to damage the surface. If there is still glue remaining, you can try using a natural solvent like vinegar or cooking oil. Simply apply a small amount to a cloth or directly to the glue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. Finally, wash the item as you normally would.

Metal

For metal surfaces, you can use pure acetone or nail polish remover to soften the glue. Be cautious when using these products, as they can be abrasive and damaging to the skin. Apply the solvent to a cloth or cotton ball and gently dab or press it onto the glue until it starts to dissolve. Then, wipe away the residue.

Wood

If you are dealing with glue on a wooden surface, start by using a detergent and water solution to wipe away any fresh glue residue. Be careful not to soak the wood with too much water, as it may cause warping or swelling. For more stubborn glue residue, you can try using a stronger solvent like nail polish remover or vinegar. Apply it to a cotton ball and gently dab and scrape the glue away. If the finish of the wood is a concern, opt for vinegar as it is milder.

Glass

To remove glue from glass, you can use household products like nail polish remover or white vinegar. However, for the most effective results, a product like WD-40 is recommended due to its lubricating properties. Ensure your space is well-ventilated, spray the product onto the glue, and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, simply wipe away the glue with a clean cloth and repeat if necessary.

Other Methods

In addition to the methods outlined above, there are a few other tricks you can try to remove glue residue:

• Hairdryer: Direct the heat from a hairdryer onto the glue for a few minutes to loosen it, then scrape or wipe it away.
• Commercial glue removers: Products like Goo Gone can be effective in removing stubborn glue residue. Always test these products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage the surface.
• Peanut butter: Smear peanut butter on the glue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrape or wipe it away.
• Soapy water and a plastic card: Use a plastic card or ID card along with soapy water to gently scrape away the glue.
• Heat: Hold the makeup pan over a candle flame or use a lighter to apply direct heat to the glue. This will help loosen it, making it easier to wipe or scrape away.

Label the pans

Labelling the pans is an important step in the depotting process. It ensures that you know what each makeup product is and can easily identify it when you need to replace it. Here are some tips for labelling your pans:

• Brand and shade name: Write the brand and shade name of the product on the back of the pan. This will make it easier to identify and replace the product when you run out. You can use a Sharpie or another permanent marker to write this information.
• Product type: It can also be helpful to label the type of product, such as eyeshadow, blush, or powder. This is especially important if you are depotting different types of products into the same palette.
• Colour: If you are depotting multiple shades of the same product, such as eyeshadow, it can be helpful to label the colour on the pan. This will make it easier to find the shade you are looking for at a glance.
• Placement in the palette: Consider labelling where each pan goes in the palette. This will make it easier to put them back in the correct place and maintain your organisation system.
• Date of depotting: You may want to label the pans with the date you removed them from their original packaging. This can help you keep track of how long you have had the product and when you may need to replace it.
• Ingredients: If you have any sensitivities or allergies, it can be helpful to label the ingredients of each product on the pan. This will ensure that you know what is in each product and can avoid any ingredients that may irritate your skin.

By taking the time to label your pans, you will be able to easily identify and organise your depotting products. This will save you time and effort in the long run and ensure that you can quickly find what you need when creating your makeup looks.

Use magnetic stickers to secure the pans

Magnetic stickers are a great way to secure your makeup pans in a palette. They are typically used for non-metal pans, transforming them into metal pans that will stick to a magnetic palette.

To use magnetic stickers, simply peel off the paper backing and stick the adhesive side to the bottom of your makeup pan. Then, place the pan onto your magnetic palette, and it should stick securely. You can buy magnetic stickers in bulk, usually in packs of around 50, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different pans.

Some people choose to reinforce the adhesive with super glue, as they find that the stickers don't always stick securely to the pans. Others recommend using a thin layer of super glue between the sticker and the palette to ensure a strong hold.

Magnetic stickers are a great, affordable way to create your own custom makeup palette and allow you to mix and match your favourite shades from different brands.

Frequently asked questions