As the temps continue to fall and we bring sweaters, scarves and jackets to the front of our closets, it’s a good time to winterize in the makeup department, too. We stumbled across an article on “depotting” and a quick YouTube search has us thinking this is the next greatest fad–not to mention a very cathartic and organizational activity.
Depotting is a way to downsize and declutter while situating all of your favorite makeup shades in one compact place. It might sound like an illicit little hobby, and let me warn you that it’s every bit as addicting, but this is one secret that is too good not to share.
The Planner by Trish McEvoy was an early magnetic palette that caught on years ago. Now several other cosmetic lines are joining the palette party including Memphis’ very own Heather Cosmetic Boutiqe. The idea, of course, is to fill their palette with their eye shadows, powder, blush, etc., which can all be purchased at a savings without all the packaging. The depotting trend, however, encourages you to take your favorite powder-based makeup products, disassemble and reassembled into one streamlined container, virtually creating your own rainbow. Z Palette makes some pretty snazzy palettes in five different sizes fit for the professional make-up artist in us all.
What you’ll need to do this at home:
A curling iron (or straightener), a paring knife, a palette, your favorite makeup shades and a magnetic palette to contain everything.
Hold eye shadow compact over the hot curling iron for approximately 30 seconds so that the heat loosens the adhesive. Be sure to evenly heat the compact.
Step 2:
Carefully fit the tip of your paring knife between the metal “pot” and the plastic compact and lift as you move around the edges. You will hear the glue release and feel the adhesive lose its grip on the pot.
Step 3:
When you are confident the glue is loose, slide your knife under the pot and lift. Attempting to lift the metal pan prematurely will result in cracked shadow and a total mess! The smaller the pot the easier it is to pop out–use caution with bronzer and blush.
Step 4:
Remove the adhesive from the bottom of the metal pot by simply rubbing it with your finger or using rubbing alcohol for more stubborn stick. It’s be a good idea to label your colors with Sharpie. Then place your freed pot in your custom color palette! Here’s mine along with the pile of packaging headed for the garbage!
Step 5:
Repeat, again and again!
We have found that depotting is particularly handy for those free gifts we’re all hanging on to for that ONE color we actually like. Now, simply pop it out and discard the rest that is weighing you down. Depot your powder, bronzer, blush, eye shadow and even eyeliners. The possibilities are endless!
