Depotting Makeup: Your Guide to a More Organized Beauty Routine

Ready to revolutionize your beauty routine? Depotting makeup is here to save the day! This game-changing, trending technique will transform your makeup collection into an organized, compact, and customized haven. Below you'll find answers to all the common questions as related to makeup depotting and using TinyProKit products. Keep reading to learn how to depot your makeup like a pro and reap the benefits of a streamlined beauty routine.

What is Makeup Depotting?

Makeup depotting is a process of removing cosmetics from their original packaging and placing them in a more organized, compact, and customizable system, such as an empty magnetic palette. Imagine transforming your bulky eyeshadow palette into a sleek, personalized collection of your favorite shades. Now that’s an upgrade!

Not only does depotting create an organized and space-saving beauty setup, but it also allows you to:

  • Customize your makeup collection according to your preferences and needs

  • Easily travel with your favorite products. Now you can bring a little bit of EVERYTHING

  • Save money by using up every last bit of product

  • Reduce packaging waste

  • Share new depotted makeup with friends & family to make sure everything gets used before it expires

  • If you are a makeup artist, kit split with other artists to help reduce waste and save money

Professional makeup artists, beauty enthusiasts, and even casual makeup wearers can all benefit from depotting their makeup. So grab your empty makeup palette, sanitizer, spatula, and heat source, and let’s get to depotting!

Tools You'll Need for Depotting Makeup

Before diving into the depotting process, you’ll need to gather some essential tools. These tools include:

These tools will help you loosen the glue, pry the pans out of their original containers, and transfer the makeup into a more organized and compact system to fill your new palette, all without breaking the bank on price.

Each tool play a crucial role in the depotting process. Here are some additional tools you might find helpful:

  • Glue scraper: This helps to get loosened adhesive off the back of makeup pans.

  • Tweezers: These may be helpful to remove some pans from their packaging.

  • Wide spatula: This helps to scoop cream makeup into larger pans for a custom cream palette.

  • Magnetic palettes of varies sizes: These will serve as the new storage system for your depotted makeup, allowing for easy customization and organization. There are many shapes and sizes available on the market.

Heat Source: Z Potter or Hair Straightener

A heat source is essential for depotting makeup, as it loosens the glue holding the pans in their original packaging. A Z-Palette Z Potter is a fantastic device specifically designed for makeup depotting, safely and efficiently separating makeup from its packaging and melting it into empty pans. The Z Potter uses induction technology so it only heats the metal pans. It won’t get hot to the touch and was specifically created for the purpose of assisting in makeup depotting process.

Alternatively, a hair straightener can also be used to heat the bottom of the makeup pan for a few seconds, which will loosen the glue and allow for easy pan removal. Just make sure to use a heat-resistant surface to protect your workspace!

We've also seen makeup artist use a blow dryer to heat up the glue. If you are going to try this method, just know its going to get hot hot hot. Not ideal for bigger projects.

Whether you choose to use a Z Potter or a hair straightener, applying heat to the makeup pan will make the depotting process smoother and more efficient. This step is especially important for:

  • Eyeshadows

  • Blushes

  • Bronzers

  • Highlighters

As it helps to prevent damage to the pans and ultimately the makeup during removal.

Extendable Pick-Up Magnet

This nifty pick-up magnet tool can be easily bought online or you can even make one yourself - all you need is a spatula, glue, and a tiny magnet. This tool can help lift a hot tin plated pan out of the packaging as the glue melts under it. This can be useful if you want to get the pan out safely.

Some brands such as ColourPop and Natasha Denona manufacture their eyeshadow palettes in a way that allows you to simply pick the pans right out of the packaging using one of these pick up magnet tools. The pans they use are not glued to the packaging, instead there is a magnetized base that holds the pans in place.

A variety of spatulas and prying tools.

Spatulas are essential tools for delicately prying makeup pans out of their containers. Spatulas come in various types, precisions, each designed for different purposes. When depotting makeup, use strong and thin spatula to pry a pan from its packaging. There are some spatulas specifically made for depotting such as Z Palette De-Potting Spatula. Tweezers, glue scrapers, craft weeders, knives, and scissors also come in handy during this process.

The combination of these tools ensures a more precise and controlled depotting process. Sometimes you will end up using one or two of these, other times you'll need them all. It all depends on the style of packaging you are working with. With a steady hand and the right tools, you’ll be able to transfer your favorite makeup products into their new, organized home with minimal makeup casualties.

Magnetic Palette

A magnetic palette is the ultimate storage solution for your depotted makeup. These empty makeup palettes feature a magnetic base that holds makeup pans securely in place. Simply place the depotted pans onto the magnetic base, and they’ll stay put, allowing for easy customization and organization.

Magnetic palettes come in various sizes and designs, so you can choose the one that best fits your makeup collection and personal style. TinyProKit palettes come in several sizes and colors featuring incredible magnetic strength. Each can be paired with a variety of empty tin pans exclusively made to fit inside our palettes.

By transferring your depotted makeup into a magnetic palette, you’ll create a more organized, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing makeup setup.

The Depotting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools for depotting makeup, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through how to depot various types of makeup, including:

  • Eyeshadow

  • Blushes

  • Bronzers

  • Highlighters

  • Lipsticks

  • Cream products

Each type of makeup requires a slightly different approach, so be sure to read through the instructions and address the specific needs of the product and its brand.

Depotting Eyeshadow

To depot eyeshadow, start by heating the glue holding the pan in its original packaging. You can use a blow-dryer, a hot hair straightener, or a Z Potter to loosen the glue. Be sure to take safety precautions by ensuring that the eyeshadow container isn’t flammable and that there are no flammable objects nearby.

Once the glue is heated and loosened, use a spatula, or any other tool of your choice to pry the pan out of its container. Heating the area more can make it easier to remove the pan. Some eyeshadow palettes need very little heat to loosen the glue, others take longer and/or a higher setting if you're using a Z Potter. It is best to start applying only a little bit of heat, increasing it if you need to.

A lot of times it helps to remove some of the packaging prior to applying heat. For example, if you are depotting cardboard style eyeshadow palette, you will often be able to remove its bottom layer without breaking any eyeshadow inside the palette. Although this step is not necessary, you may find that it speeds up the whole process a little.

If you are not sure if the eyeshadow pans you're depotting will stick to the magnetic surface, you can test it using that extendable pick-up magnet tool mentioned earlier and see if you'll feel the pull. If you have already depotted your eyeshadow palette and realized that the pans won't stick to your magnetic palette, this means that the pans are made of aluminum and will need a metal sticker glued to the bottom.

Finally, your depotted eyeshadow can be customized and organized into an empty makeup palette.

Depotting Blushes, Bronzers, and Highlighters

Depotting blush, bronzer, and highlighters follows a similar process to depotting eyeshadow. Begin by heating the glue holding the pan in its original packaging, using a Z Potter, hair straightener, or blow-dryer. Be gentle and patient during this process, especially with larger or more delicate pans.

Some products such as baked powders, highlighters and blushes have clay base underneath. You may not want to use the heat for these. Be extra gentle with these unique formulas as they tend to be very brittle. As you can imagine, clay base will not stick to magnetic surface so you will need a large metal sticker like this one..

Next, use a spatula, or a sharp object to pry the pan out of its container. Be sure to use a tool that is sharp enough to remove the pan without damaging it or the product. Once the pan is removed, place it in your magnetic palette for organized and easy-to-access storage.

If you break any of the powder products such as eyeshadow, blushes, bronzers and highlighters you can always press them back into new pans using repressing molds. A lot of our customers intentionally break makeup so that it can be repressed in order to create the most customized organized palettes unique to their needs.

Depotting Lipsticks and Cream Products

Depotting lipsticks and cream products is a slightly different process compared to depotting powder products. Instead of heating the glue, you’ll need to scoop the product out of its original container using a spatula or a spoon. Transfer the scooped product into a new, more compact container, such as a small jar or a section of a multi-compartment palette.

At TinyProKit, we carry unique Popsicle Shape pans that are designed to fit an entire bullet of lipstick. They can be stored in our Smaller Palette and soon you'll be able to store them in our Larger Palette (coming soon) as well. These pans are perfect alternative to bulky cosmetic storage cases with plastic wells. So be sure to visit our store and check them out.

Clean the original container thoroughly to prevent contamination or bacteria growth. Maintaining cleanliness and organization is essential when dealing with cream products, as they can harbor bacteria more easily than powder products.

Many formulas of cream makeup can be heated on a very low heat to make it look more presentable. It is a personal choice for everyone. Some cream products spread very nicely using a spatula alone. We find that lipsticks are harder to spread evenly into a pan. That is when a Z Potter (set on the lowest setting) can be useful. Again, if you are not comfortable melting lipsticks, skip this step. Whatever you choose to do, do not melt any cream makeup products in a microwave. There are so many items of food, beverages, and containers that can release toxins, burn, or even explode when heated in the microwave. Who is to say that your makeup cannot turn toxic if nuked in the hot box?

Tips for Successful Makeup Depotting

To achieve successful makeup depotting, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, watch instructional videos and read tutorials to familiarize yourself with the process and learn from others’ experiences. Next, practice on less expensive or less-loved products before tackling your high-end or favorite items. This will help you perfect your technique and prevent potential damage to your most cherished makeup products.

Lastly, be patient during the depotting process. Rushing through the steps can lead to broken makeup pans or damaged products. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and remember that practice makes perfect!

Maintaining Your Depotted Makeup Collection

Maintaining your depotted makeup collection involves keeping it clean, organized, and up-to-date. Regularly clean your magnetic palette and containers to prevent bacteria growth and product contamination. Transferring depotted makeup into smaller jars or containers can help with organization and ensure that you’re using your products efficiently.

Labeling your depotted makeup collection can also help you keep track of products and their locations. Use labels, stickers, or a marker to label the containers. In addition, routinely update your magnetic palette by checking the magnets’ strength and cracks/damage. This will ensure that your makeup pans stay securely in place and your collection remains organized.

The Environmental Impact of Depotting

Depotting makeup can have a positive environmental impact by reducing packaging waste and encouraging more mindful consumption of cosmetics. By depotting your makeup and transferring it to a more compact and organized storage system, you can help reduce the amount of plastic that end up in landfills. Mindful consumption of cosmetics also allows users to see exactly what products they have and how much of it have, promoting more conscious beauty habits.

However, it’s important to research the specific products being depotted and their environmental impact before depotting them. Also, update your knowledge on how to recycle properly. For example, before recycling a plastic palette that has a mirror inside remember to remove the mirror.

Once you've depotted your makeup, you can reduce packaging waste further by purchasing refill pans and eyeshadow singles. Many companies offer refillable makeup options such as MAC, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Charlotte Tilbury, RMS Beauty, Fenty and more.

Depotting Makeup for Professional Artists

Professional makeup artists can greatly benefit from depotting their makeup. By creating more organized, lightweight, and efficient makeup kits tailored to their specific needs, artists can streamline their work process and improve their overall performance. In fact, this technique has become extremely popular among industry professionals.

Depotting makeup allows artists to customize their kits based on their clientele and the type of work they do. It also makes it easier to transport and store makeup, as well as keep track of inventory. Traveling makeup artists all over the world are realizing that lighter, more organized kits make their jobs so much easier while saving some back pain too!

Overall, depotting makeup is a valuable technique for professional artists looking to elevate their makeup game and enhance their career.

Summary

There is no doubt, depotting makeup is a game-changing technique that can revolutionize your beauty routine. By learning the process and gathering the necessary tools, you can create a more organized, compact, and customized makeup collection. Whether you’re a professional makeup artist or a casual makeup wearer, depotting makeup can help you streamline your beauty setup, reduce waste, and promote more mindful consumption of cosmetics. So grab your empty magnetic palette, spatula, and any of the other tools we've covered and embark on the exciting journey of depotting your makeup!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is makeup depotting?

Depotting your makeup is a great beauty hack to help you stay more organized and save you time, space and frustration - simply transfer makeup from its original packaging into smaller containers! This will help you keep your makeup collection neat and tidy, and make it easier to find the products you need quickly. It also allows you to take your makeup with you on the go, without having to lug around bulky containers. Depotting makeup is a form of self-love. It is a process of condensing and organizing your makeup kit, so that it is easier to travel with. The main goal of depotting makeup for makeup artists is to reduce the weight of their kit. In turn, reducing the stress on their backs. However, organization and structure is a close second most important reason why many makeup artist take on the journey of depotting makeup.

What is the point of Depotting eyeshadows?

Depotting eyeshadow is a great way to reduce clutter and ensure that your palette is stocked up with your favorite shades - without wasting space for unused colors. At TinyProKit, we are passionate about this topic and we strive to help with the process of makeup depotting by providing empty makeup palettes, pans, containers, and more.

What does repressing mean?

Repressing is an easy way of fixing broken powders. If your favorite compact face powder or an eyeshadow broke, you can easily repress it using molds available from several companies currently on the market. At TinyProKit, we sell two different types of molds and they are exclusively made to be used with TinyProKit pans. Fixy makeup owns repressing patent for our molds.

What tools do I need for depotting makeup?

Get ready to depot your makeup with a heat source, tweezers, spatula, and magnetic palette - all the essential tools for makeup customization!

Depotting your makeup is a great way to customize your look and make sure you have the exact shades and products you need. It’s also a great way to save money by buying larger sizes of products and breaking them down into smaller sizes.

How do I maintain my depotted makeup collection?

Keep your depotted makeup collection in tip-top shape by regularly cleaning, organizing, and labeling it! Another important tip is to always keep an eye on what makeup is expiring soon so that you can make a plan on what products to repurchase and if there is a need for further refining of your kit.

What is my order status?

Orders are processed within 1-2 business days, Monday through Friday. Priority 2-Day orders are processed the same day if the order is received prior to 1:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays and weekends.

Please note that observed US holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Additional federal holiday closures may also apply.

All customers can check order status and track order shipment by logging into their My Account on tinyprokit.com

Once order is placed, it cannot be modified but if you need to cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible! Cancellation cannot be guaranteed. After the order has been shipped it can only be returned.

What is your return policy?

We are committed to providing quality products to our customers. If you receive product(s) that do not meet your expectations, return the gently used product(s) within 30 days of receipt. Currently, we are unable to offer exchanges. Some items may not be eligible for return due to their single use nature. To double check if return policy applies to your order, please contact us.

Do you ship Internationally?

Yes. We have customers in more than 20 countries. We use Global Post for most International shipping. Expect your order delivered duties unpaid with 9-23 days. This time frame varies per country and current world conditions.

Please expect that your order will take even longer (up to 90 days) due to custom delays.

We do not pay duties or taxes for International shipments - it is your responsibility to pay those upon the arrival of your package.

Returned shipments due to to non-payment of International fees such as Taxes, VAT, or custom duties will incur additional shipping charges and a restocking fee.