Why depotting eyeshadow is the ultimate makeup hack

Have you heard of depotting eyeshadow? It used to be a makeup hack privy to makeup artists only, but the beauty practice has gone mainstream - and for good reason! Depotting will save you time, space and money.
RELATED: 3 eye makeup mistakes you’re probably making
RELATED: 5 DIY makeup storage ideas
Here’s everything you need to know about depotting.
What is depotting?
Depotting is essentially just customising the perfect palette for you, using only the makeup shades that you actually use. You remove a makeup product from its original palette and place it into an empty palette, where you can keep adding makeup products until you have all your favourite products in one place. You can do this with eyeshadows, blush and even lipsticks.
Why is depotting so popular?
Instead of having to use two or three different palettes to apply your makeup, you can move all your go-to’s into one palette to save space and time when you’re getting ready. This also saves you money as you’ll only have to purchase refills of the shades that you used, instead of replacing an entire palette.
Ok, I’m convinced - how do I get started?
First, you need to purchase an empty makeup palette or a Z-Palette ($24, beautybay.com). Then you can start the process of removing your makeup products out of their old palettes and into the empty one. You’ll need heat to loosen up the glue that’s holding the old palette together. The best method is to use a flatiron against the bottom of the palette or to blast it with a blow dryer. Then, use a knife or tweezers to remove the makeup from the palette. And finally, combine all your favourite shades into one perfect palette.
Have you ever tried any depotting? Would you try depotting for yourself?
81 Member Comments
It sounds like a great idea in theory, but I’m not sure if I’d do it. I’d be worried about breaking them. I think I’m happy with my palettes they way they are.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’ll be trying this soon after winning an Australis magnetic palette in a recent BH comp. Definitely looking forward to customising my own palette (the way Nutrimetics used to let you with their eyeshadows about 20 years ago). Not to mention the Australis one is only $10, so if I need another it’s not a huge impost. https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/makeup/makeup-brushes-applicators-bags/product/customization-magnetic-palette
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don’t know if they still do but Stila used to sell palette refills...
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I need to do this. I have loads of palettes and one use one colour or two from each.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
In theory this is good but my pallets have different shapes and sizes. I like the idea of outing things together in on are/ maybe get a ton and put magnet on the back of your pot Nd make your own
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’m glad someone has commented on this article because it reminded me I have an update. I have since tried this again THIS TIME using a candle to melt the sticky glue and they came out a dream. When I have more space in my palette I will be “depotting” more of my eyeshadows.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 2
Seen a lot of people doing this online
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I did some more depotting last night. Some of these did not go so well. The tin pot wouldn’t hold its shape and caused the powder to crack and go everywhere. My recommendation is to only do it with cheap eyeshadow. Also, only if there is space to wedge a pin into the gap between the pot and the palette otherwise you will twist the pot and make a mess. Lucky mine were cheap.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love my palettes as they are!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I did this years ago when MAC pro palette shadows were so hard to find!!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Sounds like a lot of work to me, I don’t mind using several different pallets, it keeps me fresh and inspired to try new things
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
why the hassle when you can buy individuals and pack them together like inglot does
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I prefer using ready made palettes. Buying individual shadows seems like a waste, what about all those individual empty cases you're left with?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'd love to try this
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Sounds handy, though I don't mind having all my products seperate.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have two Z Palettes which contain an array of single eyeshadows that I depotted. In the beginning, I broke a few eyeshadows, but I also learned a lot in the process.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like the idea of doing this but I don't want to wreck my current palettes.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I won't be doing this because my tastes in colours/shades change over time depending on my mood.
I remember years ago that Amway had customised palettes where you only had to purchase the colours of blush & shadows that you liked and clicked them into place. No waste. Do they still do this?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oh no, I just love my palettes as they are
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
An interesting idea... Not sure about it though...
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
A nice idea in theory, but so many of my eyeshadows are in different sized and shaped pans - big, smaller, round, rectangular.......it would be extremely difficult to find a container/palette to put all of them into.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Buy a Z Palette which will accommodate all shapes and sizes of eyeshadows.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I haven't tried it because I will definitely break them.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
A good idea for some but I'm happy to muddle along and do as I do at present!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
the next step would be actually able to buy sets tailored to you
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1