Tips & advices :
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Start with inexpensive / old / panned / unloved make up…So you won’t ruin anything precious during your first trials.
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Always work with clean hands and tools/surface. It’s always a good idea to sanitize everything so you are not contaminating your makeup with bacteria.
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Start with small pans, like eyeshadow before expanding to larger ones…The larger and shallower a pan is, the most likely you are to shatter the pressed powder in the process.
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Run a magnet on the back of the packaging to check if the pan is magnetic…If it’s not you will need to stick a piece of metal or magnet on the back.
Three different methods :
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Pins and Thread
I really like this method because it can be very efficient and quick.
I find this works better with round pans, and big glops of glue.
Use a very sturdy thread (dental floss is recommended) that you push into the rim with the pins, maintaining it in place.
Once you have placed it around a half / three quarters of the pan, start pulling the thread. It will go under the pan and slowly cut off the glue as you pull… -
Heating
You can basically use any source of heat, providing it’s safe ! The best way is to use hair straightener.
Use baking paper to protect the plates and place the item over. Wait for a few seconds (around 10) so that you can easily peel off the sticker. If the packaging is clear you will be able to see the glue dots inside.
Place the packaging back on the plate for a good 2 or 3 minutes, and check if the glue has loosened up.
You should be able to move the pan inside its packaging. If not, place it back a little more.
When you feel it’s ready, use a pin (or any fine / pointy tool) to push the pan out. -
Sheer Force
This might not be the gentler but it is effective.Use a tool to act as a lever and push out the pan. Might damage the packaging or the powder so use this method only when all others failed !
When you have already done damage and nothing else works….
A GIRL FROM PARIS 
Such a lovely and helpful post! Depotting is seriously so difficult. I’ve managed to successfully depot a couple of things but I’ve also ruined lots of makeup too. I have found a trick to ‘Depotting’ without technically depotting the makeup. I have found it super handy for those pesky blushes that are too difficult to depot at all.
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
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Thank you ! I didn’t destroy many things but I still find it quite risky…Is your trick on one of your blog posts ?
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The few items I’ve tried depotting, I’ve ruined so I don’t do it anymore. I think it’s a skill I don’t have but you’ve got some good tricks here.
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I had a few casualties, but overall it worked, I like to have a full face custom palette on hand, it has helped my project pan. There are brands that sometimes have a small hole on the back of the packaging to push the pan (the balm highlighters) or packaging parts that are removable so you can access the pan itself (Chanel les beiges powder and single shadows where super easy)…
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I probably gave up too easily really after ruining a couple. I might give it another go when I’ve got a bit of time to spare 🤔
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You should !!! I think the heat method is the safest if you are not the kind of person that easily sets houses on fire 😉.
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I haven’t so far 😂
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You are eligible 🤣
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